12 Recommended Certifications for IT Consultants — Difficulty Levels and Skills You Can Gain

An IT consultant is a specialist who leads resolution of corporate management challenges through IT technology.

While no mandatory qualifications are required, in addition to IT knowledge, logical thinking ability and communication skills are demanded. In particular, at major companies and foreign-affiliated companies, whether or not one holds qualifications can in some cases become a factor in hiring decisions.

This article explains 12 qualifications useful for IT consulting work, along with the difficulty level and skills acquirable from each.

Key points for career change success and necessary knowledge are also introduced, so please use this as a reference for career planning.

What Is the Work Content of an IT Consultant?

An IT consultant is a specialist who leads resolution of corporate management challenges through IT technology.

They carefully listen to client challenges and propose optimal system implementations and business process improvements. In addition, there are many situations of being involved in project planning and progress management, requiring skills versed in both business and IT fields.

Is a Qualification Necessary to Become an IT Consultant?

Specific qualifications are not mandatory to become an IT consultant.

More important than qualifications are a deep understanding of IT, logical thinking ability, communication skills, and an attitude of proactively tackling challenges. By acquiring knowledge through practical experience and self-study, the goal is sufficiently attainable even without experience or qualifications.

However, there are also cases where some companies place importance on whether or not qualifications are held as a hiring requirement. In particular, at major companies and foreign-affiliated companies, qualifications such as the various Information Technology Engineer Examinations or Project Management Professional (PMP) are likely to be evaluated as an objective means of proving a certain level of skill.

In light of the requirements of your target company and your future career, consider obtaining qualifications as necessary.

List of 12 Recommended Qualifications for IT Consultants, with Difficulty Levels and Skills Obtained

We introduce recommended qualifications useful for career formation as an IT consultant.

Difficulty levels and content differ by qualification, and depending on the company, there are also cases where obtaining them is a mandatory condition.

Below, in addition to an overview of each qualification, we also explain the format, timing, and pass rate.

Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination [For Beginners]

The Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination is a national qualification that can prove basic knowledge and skills related to IT, and is the gateway for beginners aiming to become IT engineers or IT consultants.

Among the Information Technology Engineer Examinations administered by IPA (Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan), the difficulty is positioned at Level 2 out of 4 levels. The examination is conducted year-round in CBT format, and the pass rate in April 2025 was 37.9%.

The examination consists of three fields — “Technology,” “Management,” and “Strategy” — and practical skills demanded in the field can be cultivated, such as IT strategy planning, system development, and business improvement.

Passing this examination proves possession of foundational IT capabilities and is highly evaluated by many companies. In particular, it is a qualification that serves as objective evidence of skills for those aiming to change careers from an IT-inexperienced background into the IT industry.

Reference: IPA Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan | Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination

IT Coordinator [For Beginners]

The IT Coordinator is a qualification that can prove the ability to resolve management challenges through IT. This qualification was born as part of a national project promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Obtaining the qualification requires two conditions — “passing the examination” and “completing case training” — and after achieving one first, the other must also be fulfilled within 4 fiscal years, followed by submitting a certification application to the association.

The examination is conducted in CBT format twice a year at test centers nationwide. The pass rate for the January–February 2021 examination (44th examination) was a relatively high 65.7%.

To maintain the qualification after obtaining it, annual renewal procedures are required, and separately, three follow-up training courses must be completed by the end of the third fiscal year after certification, requiring continuous learning.

It is attracting attention from various industries as a promising qualification that can prove skills adapted to the DX era.

Reference: IT Coordinator Qualification Acquisition Site | For Those Aiming to Become IT Coordinators

CompTIA Project+ [For Beginners]

CompTIA Project+ is an internationally recognized private qualification that can objectively prove foundational knowledge and practical skills in project management. It has high versatility regardless of industry, and is particularly suitable for those involved in small to medium-scale projects.

No prior practical experience or qualifications are required to take the examination, and even beginners can challenge it. Once the qualification is obtained, no renewal is necessary, and it can be taken almost every day at Pearson VUE test centers nationwide or online.

The examination consists of four fields, with a maximum of 90 questions in 90 minutes. It is scored on a scale (100–900 points) and 710 points or above is the passing standard. Pass rates are not published.

It is a qualification that backs practical ability, important for those aiming for project-type positions such as IT consultants.

Reference: CompTIA Japan | CompTIA Project+

Oracle Master [For Beginners]

Oracle Master is a private qualification certified by Oracle Japan, and is characterized by the ability to systematically acquire operation and management skills for Oracle Database.

Since it connects to acquiring foundational knowledge of databases and SQL beyond mere product knowledge, it is effective as a means of objectively demonstrating specialization as a database engineer.

The qualification is divided into four levels — Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum — with a structure that allows for gradual skill improvement.

The first level, Bronze, is relatively easy to obtain and is also suitable for beginners. Pass rates are not disclosed, but approximately 65% is cited as a guideline for the passing line, making it a level where passing can be aimed for with solid study.

For those who want to expand their career in the IT field, Oracle Master is a highly reliable qualification and a step toward the future.

Reference: Oracle Japan | ORACLE MASTER Portal

ITIL Foundation [For Beginners]

ITIL Foundation is an internationally recognized certification that proves basic knowledge related to IT service management. Among ITIL examinations classified into 5 levels, Foundation corresponds to the entry-level qualification and is suitable for beginners aiming to change careers to the IT industry.

Pass rates are not published but are said to be around 50%, and a correct answer rate of 65% or above is required. The difficulty level is relatively low, said to be equivalent to the IT Passport examination.

The examination is conducted year-round, in a 4-choice format with a total of 40 questions, in CBT format, and can be taken at designated venues nationwide or online. To take the examination in Japanese, application must be made through Prometric.

The validity period of the qualification is 3 years, but even after expiration the qualification is not revoked and can be listed on a resume as a held qualification. Similarly, eligibility to take higher-level examinations is also not lost, so challenges can be taken at one’s own timing.

Reference: PeopleCert | ITIL 4 Foundation

Logical Thinking Master Qualification [For Beginners]

The Logical Thinking Master Qualification is a private qualification that proves the ability to logically organize things and develop thinking without contradictions. The examination covers thinking methods and organizational techniques used in business such as induction, deduction, MECE, and the matrix method.

Since logical compositional ability can be learned from the foundation, it is optimal not only for those aspiring to become IT consultants but also for business professionals and students who want to improve their problem-solving ability.

The examination format is at-home, with applications made online. Pass rates are not published, but the passing standard is a correct answer rate of 70% or above. The examination is planned to be conducted once every two months.

By systematically acquiring logical thinking ability through obtaining the Logical Thinking Master Qualification, persuasive proposal ability and analytical ability are strengthened, becoming a major boost in aiming for career advancement.

Reference: Japan Life Environment Support Association [JLESA] | Logical Thinking Master Certification Examination (Logical Thinking Qualification)

Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination [For Intermediate Level]

The Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination is a national examination conducted by IPA (Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan) and is an intermediate-level qualification requiring practical ability and applied ability. Positioned above the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination, it tests the ability to formulate strategies utilizing IT and to independently build highly reliable systems.

In IPA’s skill level classification, it is positioned at “Level 3,” making it suitable for stepping up from engineers with foundational knowledge to people who can handle more advanced work.

The examination consists of two parts — a multiple-choice morning session and a descriptive afternoon session — and is conducted twice a year (April and October) in major cities nationwide. The pass rate for the autumn 2024 period was 23.6%, indicating a certain level of difficulty.

Passing requires advanced knowledge and practical judgment ability.

Reference: IPA Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan | Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination

SME Management Consultant (Chusho Kigyo Shindanshi) [For Intermediate Level]

The SME Management Consultant is a national qualification for analyzing management challenges that small and medium-sized enterprises face and advising on optimal solutions.

Certified through registration by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, this qualification is positioned as the national qualification related to management consultants, and through obtaining it, broad knowledge in fields such as management strategy, finance, HR, and marketing, and a cross-functional perspective necessary for problem-solving, are acquired.

The main work extends beyond formulating and supporting the implementation of corporate growth strategies, and also includes the role of serving as a bridge between administrative bodies and financial institutions.

The examination is conducted once a year; passing the First Stage Examination (written examination) allows taking the Second Stage Examination (written examination and oral examination). The First Stage Examination covers 7 subjects including economics/economic policy, finance/accounting, and corporate management theory, and passing all subjects within 3 years results in passing the First Stage Examination.

The First Stage Examination pass rate for fiscal year 2024 was 27.5% and the Second Stage was 18.7%, making it a highly difficult examination. Obtaining the qualification cultivates high management skills applicable in practice, and is greatly useful for career advancement to specialist positions such as IT consultant.

Reference: Japan Federation of CMCA | JF-CMCA

Project Management Professional (PMP) [For Intermediate Level]

PMP (Project Management Professional) is an internationally recognized private qualification certified by PMI (Project Management Institute) in the United States.

Upon obtaining it, specialized knowledge related to project management can be acquired, enabling improvements in work efficiency and skill enhancement, as well as multi-faceted merits such as strengthened internal and external credibility, improved market value, and advantages in career changes.

It is highly valued in diverse industries such as IT and construction, and is also a suitable qualification for those who want to be active internationally. The examination is conducted year-round in CBT format and can be taken online or at test centers nationwide.

Pass rates are not published but are generally said to be around 50–60%. To maintain the qualification, renewal every 3 years is required.

Reference: PMI | Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

IT Strategist Examination [For Advanced Level]

The IT Strategist Examination is a national examination administered by IPA, targeting people with advanced skills who can fuse management strategy and IT and promote business transformation. The ability to coordinate with corporate management and formulate and execute strategies to enhance competitiveness utilizing IT is required.

The examination is conducted once a year (April) in written format (multiple-choice, descriptive, and essay). The pass rate for fiscal year 2024 was 15.8%, making it highly challenging, but for those aiming to become corporate CIOs, CTOs, or IT consultants, it is a powerful qualification directly connected to career advancement.

Reference: IPA Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan | IT Strategist Examination

Project Manager Examination (PM) [For Advanced Level]

The Project Manager Examination (PM) is a national examination administered by IPA. It targets advanced IT personnel who consistently handle everything from project planning and progress management to evaluation of results in system development.

Among Information Technology Engineer Examinations, it is positioned at the highest difficulty at Skill Level 4. There are no examination eligibility requirements and anyone can challenge it.

Since the skills to fulfill responsibility for project success and demonstrate flexible judgment and leadership according to circumstances are required, it is the optimal qualification for those aiming to become IT consultants or project management professionals.

The examination is conducted in written format (multiple-choice, descriptive, and essay), once a year (October). The pass rate for fiscal year 2024 was 13.9%, making it quite challenging, but passing it objectively proves possession of advanced specialized knowledge and management ability, which becomes a major strength in career changes and career advancement.

Reference: IPA Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan | Project Manager Examination

TOGAF [For Advanced Level]

TOGAF is a private qualification certified by The Open Group, an international non-profit organization. It can prove advanced knowledge and practical ability related to Enterprise Architecture (EA).

It is a qualification proving the ability to systematically design and manage the IT structure of an entire company and align it with management strategy, and is suitable for those who want to enhance their credibility as IT architects or IT consultants.

The examination is in two parts: Part 1 is a 40-question multiple-choice format, and Part 2 is an open-book multiple-choice format, with a passing standard of 60% or above correct answers overall.

Pass rates are not disclosed, but since there is a certain level of difficulty, planned study is required. The examination is conducted year-round, and the examination fee is $360 each for Part 1 and Part 2.

Obtaining it expands career possibilities as a specialist with EA skills that work globally.

Reference: Certification & Accreditation | TOGAF Examinations

Skills Required of IT Consultants and Related Qualifications

In this chapter, we introduce necessary skills and qualifications to obtain.

IT-Related Knowledge and Experience

IT consultants are a job type that proposes optimal solutions utilizing IT for corporate management challenges. For this reason, broad IT-related knowledge and practical experience are indispensable.

In addition to basic fields such as networks, security, and system development, understanding of advanced technologies such as AI, cloud, and IoT is also required. Extensive IT knowledge backed by front-line development experience is also a major weapon in earning client trust.

To objectively prove IT skills, qualifications such as the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer, Applied Information Technology Engineer, and IT Coordinator are effective. These qualifications also serve as proof of logical thinking and problem-solving ability in addition to broad knowledge, forming the foundation necessary for IT consultants.

Management-Related Knowledge

Since IT consultants also play the role of leading challenge resolution from a management perspective, knowledge in finance, accounting, marketing, HR, and organizational management is also required.

For beginners, obtaining qualifications such as the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer or ITIL Foundation; for intermediate level, the Applied Information Technology Engineer or Project Management Professional (PMP); and for advanced level, the IT Strategist Examination or TOGAF are effective.

To directly exchange opinions with management and make proposals that contribute to overall corporate growth, understanding of domestic and international management trends and related legal systems is also indispensable.

Logical Thinking Ability

For IT consultants to appropriately resolve challenges, the ability to organize things and think in a structured manner is indispensable. An attitude of correctly grasping causal relationships is required in all situations — from challenge identification to cause analysis and measure planning.

To hone logical thinking ability, in addition to beginner-level qualifications such as the Logical Thinking Master Qualification, ITIL Foundation, and CompTIA Project+, obtaining intermediate-level qualifications such as the Applied Information Technology Engineer, Project Management Professional (PMP), and SME Management Consultant is effective.

With advanced-level qualifications such as TOGAF and the IT Strategist Examination, advanced thinking ability based on strategic frameworks can be cultivated.

Management Ability

IT consultants are required to have management ability for smoothly advancing system implementation projects. Through goal-setting, progress management, and member coordination, they oversee the whole and support project success with appropriate responses when problems occur.

To back such management skills, the following qualifications are effective.

Methods and Recommended Qualifications for Changing Careers to IT Consultant from Another Industry

Even from an IT-inexperienced background, a career change to IT consultant is sufficiently possible. In addition to understanding the industry and acquiring skills, obtaining qualifications directly connected to practical work can lead a career change to success.

Here, we introduce career change methods and recommended qualifications by case.

Aiming for IT Consultant from SE (Systems Engineer)

Experience as an SE becomes a major strength as understanding of work and knowledge of development processes required of IT consultants. In particular, if you have project management experience, there is a possibility of being highly evaluated as an immediately deployable professional.

However, since IT consultants also handle negotiations with management, management-related knowledge and high communication ability are also indispensable.

To prove skills, the Project Management Professional (PMP) demonstrating project management ability and the SME Management Consultant enabling cultivation of a management perspective are effective. By obtaining these qualifications, credibility in the business aspect in addition to practical ability is easily increased.

Since those with SE backgrounds have a foundation of IT knowledge and skills, if appropriate skill development is achieved, it is a job type where the path to IT consultant is easier to open.

Aiming for IT Consultant from IT Company Sales

Communication ability and management skills cultivated in a sales position at an IT company are strengths directly connected to work as an IT consultant as well. Furthermore, by acquiring more specialized knowledge related to IT in addition to logical thinking, as well as management-related knowledge, more accurate proposals and problem-solving become possible.

Obtaining qualifications is also effective in aiming for a career change. The Applied Information Technology Engineer is a qualification where IT basics and applications can be systematically learned, and the ITIL Foundation is useful for deepening understanding of IT service management.

In addition, the SME Management Consultant is a qualification enabling acquisition of knowledge necessary for management strategy planning and business start-up support, and can be applied to advice from a management perspective.

By having such skills and qualifications, the path as an IT consultant capable of handling more advanced challenges opens.

Aiming for IT Consultant Without Prior Experience

To aim for IT consultant without prior experience, first basic IT knowledge and project management skills must be acquired.

Since IT consultant work involves proposing IT-based solutions to client challenges, logical thinking ability and a management perspective are also important.

By obtaining qualifications such as the Applied Information Technology Engineer, SME Management Consultant, and IT Strategist Examination and acquiring skills and knowledge, even without prior experience the first step as an IT consultant can be taken.

Utilizing Career Change Agents Is Recommended for Becoming an IT Consultant

When aiming for a career change to IT consultant, in addition to obtaining qualifications, utilizing career change agents is also effective.

In consulting industry selection processes, a unique interview format called a “case interview” — which tests logical thinking ability and problem-solving ability — is implemented, requiring countermeasures different from general interviews.

To handle case interviews, mock interviews conducted by specialized career change agents and utilization of feedback are effective. Through practical training, clarify your weaknesses and connect to improvement.

In addition, being able to receive information and support difficult to obtain individually — such as proofreading of work history documents, introductions to non-public job listings, and advice based on selection tendencies by company — is also a major advantage.

By utilizing agents strong in the consulting industry, more accurate support can be received and the possibility of succeeding in a career change even without experience increases.

Summary

IT consultants are specialists who lead resolution of corporate management challenges using the power of IT. In addition to high technical ability, logical thinking ability and management-related knowledge are also required. To aim for career advancement, systematically obtaining qualifications from beginner to advanced level suited to difficulty level and skills to be acquired is an effective means.

If aiming for a career change from inexperience or another industry, in addition to supplementing knowledge through obtaining qualifications, leveraging experience as an SE or IT sales is also effective. In addition, by utilizing career change agents, practical support can be obtained such as case interview preparation, proofreading of work history documents, and grasping selection tendencies by company.

In particular, “ConsulNext.jp,” which is specialized in consultant positions, supports realization of the ideal career change through highly specialized job listing introductions and career consultations. It will be a very reassuring partner for those aiming to become IT consultants.