In this article, we will introduce eight qualifications that are useful for DX and explain their characteristics. Please use this as a reference when acquiring qualifications. The amounts listed include consumption tax.
table of contents
- 1. Three qualifications that directly test your DX skills
- 1-1.DX test
- 1-2. Digital Transformation Certification
- 1-3.＋DX certification qualification
- 2. 5 qualifications related to DX
- 2-1.IT Strategist
- 2-2.Project manager
- 2-3.IT coordinator
- 2-4.AWS certification
- 3. We recommend choosing a DX qualification that matches your career plan.
- 4. Learn about DX qualifications and aim for further career advancement
It is easy to think that “DX qualifications” only apply to qualifications that include the letters “DX”. However, even if the qualification name does not include “DX”, there are qualifications that are useful for DX work. In the first place, implementing DX requires a wide variety of skills. For this reason, we recommend that you choose qualifications that match the type of job you are currently involved in or desire.
In this article, we will introduce eight qualifications that are useful for DX and explain their characteristics. Please use this as a reference when acquiring qualifications. The amounts listed include consumption tax.
Three qualifications that directly test your DX skills
Three qualifications emphasize DX and directly ask about DX skills. Let’s take a look at the outline and characteristics of each qualification.
DX test
The DX test is a qualification with the following characteristics. The certification exam is being conducted by the Japan Innovation Society.
・A test that asks if you accurately understand terms related to DX
・Exams that ask both business and technical questions
The exam will include questions from the areas of “Business Trends” and “Advanced IT Technology Trends.” There are no detailed questions about specific technologies or systems. On the other hand, it is characterized by questions from a wide range of fields related to DX.
The DX test is a system where everyone solves the same questions and the level is certified based on the score. It will be easier to understand if you think of it as a system similar to the TOEIC. If you are an IT engineer, a score of at least 650 points is desired.
The exam is held twice a year, in January and July. There is no test center as the test is taken online from home or work. The test time is 60 minutes, and the test fee is 6,600 yen.
Digital transformation certification
The Digital Transformation Certification is a qualification certified by the All Japan Information Learning Promotion Association. The main targets are managers and engineers in departments that promote DX and those who develop businesses related to DX. The exam covers a wide range of questions, including an overview of DX, related IT technology, DX methods and systems, and more.
Test centers are located in major cities across the country. You can take the test online, but you must take the test at the same time as the in-person test. In addition, it is important to note that there are restrictions such as requiring an ultra-wide-angle web camera.
In addition, only those who have applied for the exam can purchase a special “DX study text” for 500 yen.
・DX promotion advisor certification exam
The DX Promotion Advisor Certification Examination is a multiple-choice test, and candidates must pass with 70% or more correct answers. This exam is unique in that it includes 2-choice questions in addition to 4-choice questions.
Please note that the exam time is 1 hour and 45 minutes, and there are only 100 questions, so the time per question is short. Passing the exam requires solid knowledge and quick judgment. The exam fee is 11,000 yen (7,700 yen student discount).
・DX Officer Certification Exam
The DX Officer Certification Exam is primarily targeted at DX managers and the personnel who support them. The exam fee is 19,800 yen (13,860 yen student discount).
The exam time is 2 hours and 45 minutes, and there are 105 questions. Let’s check the breakdown.
| Exam format | Number of questions | Point allocation |
| 4 choices | 100 questions | 800 points |
| descriptive formula | 5 questions | 200 points |
The passing line is 70%. It is difficult to pass the exam with only four-choice questions, so it is essential to acquire accurate knowledge and answer the written questions correctly.
+DX certification qualification
The “+DX” certification is a qualification focused on promoting DX. For this reason, it can be said that the main target is people who work in departments other than IT, rather than IT engineers. Another feature of the test is that understanding the information published by public institutions can help you prepare for the exam.
The first exam is scheduled to be held by the IoT Certification System Committee in December 2021, and those who pass will certify basic skills in DX promotion. There is no test center as you can take the test at home or work. You can choose a date and time that is convenient for you to take the exam.
There are about 30 questions, and you can pass with 80% or more correct answers. Another feature is that certificates are issued as blockchain certificates rather than paper. Please check the official website for exam fees.
5 qualifications related to DX
In addition to qualifications that bring DX to the forefront, many qualifications are useful for DX. Among these, many qualifications cannot be obtained without high skills.
From here, we will take up five qualifications related to DX and explain the characteristics of each.
IT strategist
IT Strategist is one of the “Information Processing Engineer Examinations” conducted by the Information-technology Promotion Agency. It belongs to the “Advanced Category” which certifies advanced knowledge and skills and is positioned as a qualification that will lead your business to success by utilizing IT.
To fulfill the responsibilities of an IT strategist, reforms related to business and other corporate operations are essential. After that, proposals and initiatives that will contribute to improving business performance are required. For this reason, the IT strategist can be said to be a qualification that is deeply involved in DX.
The exam is held in April every year. The morning/morning exam is multiple choice, the afternoon exam is written, and the afternoon exam is essay-based. Those who pass all exams will be certified. It has been announced that the test fee will be changed to 7,500 yen from 2022.
project manager
A project manager is also a qualification that belongs to the “advanced category” of the information processing engineer examination. While IT strategists are qualified to propose systemization, project managers are qualified to lead DX system development.
Successful system development requires not only progress checking but also skills related to project management, such as risk management and negotiation with stakeholders. The project manager qualification certifies someone who can lead system development to success through appropriate project management.
The exam is held in October every year. The morning/morning exam is multiple choice, the afternoon exam is written, and the afternoon exam is essay-based. Those who pass all exams will be certified. The examination fee has been changed to 7,500 yen from 2021.
IT coordinator
IT Coordinator is a qualification promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, implemented by the IT Coordinator Association. Qualified personnel are characterized by being professionals who are familiar with both management and IT. From the standpoint of business owners, we will be responsible for supporting them in making effective IT investments. This can be said to be a particularly effective qualification for user companies and SI companies.
The exam is a CBT method that is taken at a test center. Examination periods are held three times a year, and you can choose the date, time, and venue that is convenient for you. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions to be answered in two hours, and the test fee is 19,800 yen.
In addition to passing the exam, obtaining the qualification requires completing case training. Furthermore, even after obtaining certification, in addition to continuing activities such as attending training, you must pay an annual renewal fee of 22,000 yen.
AWS Certified
AWS certification is a qualification that certifies skills related to Amazon Web Services, one of the major cloud services. Utilizing the cloud is an important point in realizing DX. For engineers, receiving AWS certification can be a validation of their skills.
AWS certifications are divided into three levels:
| level | Estimated number of years of experience and content of experience |
| cloud practitioner | 6 months of basic AWS cloud and industry knowledge |
| associate | 1 year of experience in problem-solving and implementing solutions using the AWS Cloud |
| professional | 2 years of comprehensive experience designing, operating, and troubleshooting solutions using the AWS Cloud. |
We recommend choosing a DX qualification that matches your career plan.
If you want to obtain a qualification and use it for DX, we recommend choosing one that suits your career plan.
In the first place, qualifications can only be used in practice if they are useful for the job. The qualifications you need to obtain will differ depending on whether you want to go into consulting or project management, or whether you want to master technology.
Of course, just because you’re involved in DX, it doesn’t mean you have to qualify for DX. Carefully check the skills that will be certified and the content of the questions before choosing the qualification you are aiming for.
Learn about DX qualifications and aim for further career advancement
So far, we have introduced qualifications related to DX. Obtaining qualifications will help you acquire skills and methods that are valued by society, and will be useful in your work. In addition, one of the benefits of obtaining qualifications is that you can acquire the skills to perform work from a broader perspective without being bound by the company’s unique rules and customs.
For this reason, in DX, it is important to know and obtain qualifications. Aim to further advance your career by acquiring qualifications that match your career plan.
