IT qualification exams that are favorable for obtaining a work visa

back ground

The number of foreign engineers in Japan is increasing. This is due to the growing demand for human resources in new technology fields such as AI and data science, which are needed to make up for the shortage of engineers. As part of this, there is a system in place that gives foreign engineers with certain IT qualifications preferential treatment when obtaining work visas.

There are two main types of visas required for foreign engineers to work in Japan:

1. Technology · Humanities · International business visa
   • Engineering-related educational background and 10 years or more of work experience required.
2. Highly professional visa
   • This position is aimed at people with advanced expertise and skills, and is evaluated using a points system.

Normally, educational background and work experience are required to obtain a work visa, but these requirements may be waived if you have certain IT qualifications. Even if you lack educational background, your application may be smoother if you have the qualifications.

Exams and qualifications that qualify for special treatment

1. Tests in Japan

• 情報処理安全確保支援士試験
  Implemented by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry based on the Act on Promotion of Information Processing (Act No. 90 of 1970).
• Information Technology Engineer Exam
  The following exams are included:
  • ITストラテジスト試験
  • System Architect Exam
  • プロジェクトマネージャ試験
  • Network Specialist Exam
  • データベーススペシャリスト試験
  • Embedded Systems Specialist Exam
  • IT Service Manager Exam
  • システム監査技術者試験
  • Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination
  • Basic information engineer examination
  • Information Security Management Exam
• Information Processing Engineers Examination conducted by the Minister of International Trade and Industry or the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
  • First-class Information Processing Engineer Certification Examination
  • Type 2 Information Processing Engineer Certification Examination
  • First-class Information Processing Engineer Examination
  • Type 2 Information Processing Engineer Examination
  • Special Information Processing Engineer Examination
  • Information Processing Systems Auditor Examination
  • Online Information Processing Engineer Examination
  • Network Specialist Exam
  • System Operation Management Engineer Examination
  • Production Engineer Exam
  • データベーススペシャリスト試験
  • Microcomputer Application System Engineer Examination
  • Systems Analyst Exam
  • システム監査技術者試験
  • Application Engineer Exam
  • プロジェクトマネージャ試験
  • Senior System Administrator Exam
  • Software Development Engineer Examination
  • Technical Engineer (Network) Exam
  • Technical Engineer (Database) Exam
  • Technical Engineer (System Management) Exam
  • Technical Engineer (Embedded Systems) Exam
  • Technical Engineer (Information Security) Exam
  • Information Security Administrator Exam
  • Information Security Specialist Exam

2. Overseas exams

Exemptions also apply to exams conducted in the following countries:

• Chugoku
  • Systems analyst
  • Information System Project Manager
  • System Architect
  • Software design engineer
  • Network engineer
  • Database Systems Engineer
  • Programmer
  Or the following test:
  • Systems analyst
  • Senior Software Engineer
  • Systems analyst
  • Software design engineer
  • Network engineer
  • Database Systems Engineer
  • Programmer
• Philippine
  • Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination
  • Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination
  • Past Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examinations
• Vietnam
  • Basic information engineer examination
  • Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination
  • Software Development Engineer Examination
• Myanmar
  • Basic information engineer examination
  • Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination
• Taiwan
  • Soft Design Specialist (Software Design Engineer) Exam
  • Network Communications Professional Examination
  • Information Security Management Professional (Information Security Management) Examination
• Malaysia
  • Basic information engineer examination
• Thailand
  • Basic information engineer examination
  • Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination
• Mongolia
  • Basic information engineer examination
  • Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination
• Bangladesh
  • Basic information engineer examination
  • Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination
• Singapore
  • Certified IT Project Manager (CITPM)
• South Korea
  • Engineer Information Processing
  • Industrial Engineer Information Processing

Benefits of the exception

Foreigners who have passed these exams or qualifications will find it easier to obtain a residence status. In particular, they will enjoy the following benefits:

　・Your expertise in the IT field will be highly valued, making it easier to find employment at a Japanese company.

　- Requirements regarding educational background and work experience will be relaxed.

Obtaining information processing technology exams and qualifications offered both in Japan and overseas will make it easier for you to work in Japan. If you are looking to build a career in Japan, consider obtaining the relevant exams and qualifications.

(Min)