If you are thinking, "The Information Technology Engineer Examination system is changing next year, so I'll skip taking it this year," please wait a moment.
This year presents an unprecedented opportunity to pass.
I will explain why it is such a chance later, but first, let's address the question: Does passing the current exam still have value even though the system is changing?
In conclusion, yes, it has great value!
It might be more accurate to say that you should pass while you can. Here are three reasons:
① Evaluation doesn't change immediately
Just because the exam categories change does not mean old qualifications lose their value instantly. This applies within companies (qualification allowances and HR evaluations) as well as externally (exemptions from other exams or civil service hiring requirements). Public institutions often still favor certifications abolished over 20 years ago, like the "Senior System Administrator." Therefore, there is no need to worry that the exam change will devalue your current certification.
② Uncertainty about the new exam's status
There is also concern about whether the new exam (Professional Digital Skills Test) will be evaluated similarly to the current Advanced Level exam. Since the new exam integrates Applied Information (Level 3) and Advanced (Level 4), it is essentially a Level 3.5 exam. Opinions differ on whether it deserves the same evaluation as the previous Advanced level. Depending on the evaluator's judgment, benefits like allowances or exemptions could potentially disappear. This is another reason to secure the Advanced qualification now.
③ Clear preparation methods
Starting this year, the exam format (CBT) and subject names (Morning/Afternoon -> Subject A/B) are changing, giving an impression of a major overhaul. However, the content itself remains unchanged until this year. Thus, traditional preparation methods are still valid. Conversely, for the new exam starting next year, while sample questions are published, many aspects remain unclear, making effective strategies hard to define. Furthermore, the publication of past questions is expected to decrease significantly. It is wise to pass while abundant preparation information is available.
For these three reasons, passing the exam (especially the Advanced level) now is highly valuable.
Now, here is the main point: Why is this year's Information Technology Engineer Examination a golden opportunity?
Morning and Afternoon Exams Held on Separate Days
Previously, the Information Technology Engineer Examination (Applied and Advanced levels) was held in one day. Besides requiring endurance for long hours, studying for different formats (multiple choice vs. essay) simultaneously was a hurdle for many candidates. Consequently, many focused solely on morning multiple-choice knowledge without adequately preparing for descriptive or essay sections. This year, however, the Morning Exam (Subject A, effectively the same) and Afternoon Exam (Subject B) are held on separate days, allowing for individual preparation. Depending on the schedule chosen, there is roughly a one-month gap between exams, providing ample time for targeted study. This is extremely advantageous for busy candidates who struggle to find study time. Note that the exam uses absolute grading; regardless of average scores, if you reach the passing mark (60 points, or Grade A for essays), you pass. Thus, this year's IPA exam is a chance for all candidates.
Descriptive/Essay Sections Use Keyboard Input
This year's exam (Applied and Advanced) is conducted via CBT (Computer-Based Testing), meaning answers are entered using a mouse and keyboard. You might wonder, "So what?" But for descriptive and essay sections, this offers significant advantages:
① Reduced Answering Time
The afternoon exams for Applied and Advanced levels have tight time limits. Beyond reading problems and planning essays, writing out large amounts of text takes considerable time. For essay exams especially, it feels like non-stop writing. With CBT, keyboard input allows most people to write faster than by hand. In my case, typing was roughly twice as fast as handwriting (taking half the time). This is an immense benefit given the strict time constraints.
② Easy Editing and Revision
Candidates who have taken essay exams know that adding or rewriting content mid-exam was practically impossible unless minor, due to the difficulty of erasing and rewriting with pencil on paper. With CBT, editing is straightforward. Additionally, those accustomed to business writing often draft a rough outline before fleshing it out. This approach was impossible with paper exams but is feasible with CBT.
Do you see why this year's Information Technology Engineer Examination is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity? The exams begin in late October (applications open Oct 6), so preparation starting now is sufficient. Seize this chance and achieve good results.
