About ITPEC Common Examination
ITPEC Common Examination is an assessment tool of IT human resources by measuring IT skills and knowledge of IT engineers, and is based on the Information Technology Engineers Examination of Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA), Japan.
The examination is conducted in English in 6 countries of ITPEC twice a year (April and October), on the same day using the same set of questions in order to keep the level of the examination equivalent in each country.
The questions of the examination are made by the Question Making Committee of each ITPEC member county in cooperation with Japanese Question Making Committee.
The examination is highly reliable since it is a national exam in each country and the certificate issued officially by each government.
Features of the Examination
  • Examination question are designed in vendor-neutral stance
  • Applicable in IT human resource development for both Vendors and Users
  • English based exam allows for an assessment of ability of IT engineer in global market
  • Extensive exam scope with IT and business management
Body of Knowledge
Body of Knowledge
(Note) In the Information Technology Passport Examination, the major category "Development Techniques" is included in the "Management" field because questions are centered on the management of software development processes rather than the technical side of software development.
Examination Outline and Syllabus
Examination Outlins are available from the links below.
Syllabuses of the examinations in Japan are listed in the link below.
Sample Questions for the Examinations from April 2024
Sample questions are available from the links below.
Examination Categories
IP
Information Technology Passport Examination is a yardstick for measuring basic IT knowledge by asking a range of questions about information security, network, project management, business activities, management strategy, accounting, legal affairs, etc.

Typical Target
        Business or Public worker applying IT in work / Student preparing for job hunting

Level of Knowledge and Skills
  • Basic IT knowledge such as information security and network
  • Basic knowledge of business activity/strategy, accounting, and legal affairs
  • Basic knowledge and skills of problem solving such as problem analysis, logical/systems thinking, and problem solving strategies
  • Proficiency with IT office tools and ability to use to improve business efficiency
  • Knowledge and skills in order to avoid information security risks
FE
Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination is a yardstick for measuring IT knowledge and skills as a team member by asking a range of questions about algorithm, network, database, information security, practical programming, etc.

Typical Target
        IT engineer working in a team / Student who want be an IT engineer

Level of Knowledge and Skills
   Capable of working as a "Team Member" in the following field
  • System architecture design and software detailed design
  • Software programming and software development management
  • System operation and service management
  • Analysis/evaluation of information system strategy
  • Proposal for planning of information system strategy
AP
Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination is a yardstick for measuring IT knowledge and skills as a team leader by asking the range of questions about project management, architecture design, information security, network, etc. It also assesses an individual's ability of operation analysis, problem solving, and management through the use of case studies.

Typical Target
        IT engineer who have an applied knowledge and skills to be a team leader

Level of Knowledge and Skills
   Capable of working as a "Team Leader" in the following field
  • System design/development/operation
  • Planning of business strategy applying IT to satisfy client‘s needs
  • Project management of scope/budget/process/quality under project manager
  • Utilization of applied knowledge and skills about project management, architecture design, and information security in a project
Study Materials and More Info
There are study materials for IP, FE, and AP. Please contact the examination implementing bodies of each ITPEC member country for more information about the study materials and so on.