[2023 Edition] Comprehensive explanation of AI-related qualifications! Introducing the latest schedule and acquisition benefits

Now that the use of AI is a hot topic, there is a lot of interest in AI qualifications. If you get a qualification related to AI, you will not only improve your knowledge of AI, but also increase your market value, so you can expand your options in the future.

However, many people may not know what kind of qualifications they have or what they should acquire. In this article, we will introduce AI-related qualifications in detail.

Advantages of challenging qualifications

Before going into the specifics of AI qualifications, I will first introduce the merits of challenging AI qualifications. It is important to understand the merits in order to study for AI qualification with a clear goal.

acquire comprehensive knowledge

Even if you want to study AI, there are many things you don’t know what to do and how to proceed. That’s where studying for certification helps.

The E qualification is a qualification given to “human resources who understand the theory of deep learning and have the ability to select and implement appropriate methods”.

In addition, studying the syllabus of the qualification exam and the contents of the book that covers the scope of the exam is the shortest route to grow into a person suitable for conferring the qualification. This kind of systematic study is much more efficient than random study and allows you to acquire comprehensive knowledge.

be proof of one’s ability

Qualifications serve as proof of competence when looking for a job or changing jobs. Qualifications may also support one’s career within the workplace, for example, national qualifications may be treated as criteria for salary increases and promotions within the workplace.

Participate in AI-related communities

It’s also important to join the AI-themed community and keep up with the latest information. For example, the Japan Deep Learning Association operates the Community of Deep Learning Evangelists (CDLE), a community of qualified candidates. Through acquiring AI-related qualifications and taking on challenges, you can make like-minded friends.

General question range

Next, I will introduce questions that are covered in general AI-related exams. Of course, not all qualifications fit into this scope. Some qualifications require a wide range of extensive knowledge, while others require fairly specialized knowledge with a narrow range of questions.

Machine learning/deep learning

Depending on the qualification, how difficult the content will be is different, but it is essential to understand AI technology and methods in order to obtain an AI qualification. Machine learning and deep learning have a considerable number of representative methods, so you will learn exhaustively.

database

Since AI deals with huge groups of data ( big data ), studying the database itself is unavoidable when studying AI. It is necessary to study not only AI methods, but also how to handle data and the field of data science using AI.

Math

Mathematics knowledge beyond high school mathematics is the main focus, but understanding AI from a mathematics perspective is essential to understanding the applied fields of AI. The exam tests a theoretical range of comprehension and computational problems.

history

Currently, it is said that we are in the third AI boom in the history of AI. You may be asked to understand the history of AI, such as the mechanism of old AI, historically important AI, and why the old AI boom came to an end.

law and ethics

As knowledge related to AI, there are qualifications that ask about laws and ethics related to AI. It’s important to keep your eye on current affairs and controversies, as they may be asked about current topics.

AI certification operated by JDLA

The Japan Deep Learning Association (JDLA) operates two AI certifications. G test and E qualification. In recent years, the number of applicants has increased rapidly, and it has become one of the major IT qualifications in society.

G test

The G test is a test administered by JDLA. It is a test established for the purpose of developing human resources who can use deep learning, and not only knowledge related to machine learning and deep learning, but also a wide range of knowledge such as history, law, and ethics.

It is recommended for a wide range of people, from engineers to those who use AI in business, and those who have recently become interested in AI. The 2nd exam in 2020 became a hot topic because 12,552 people took the exam, doubling from the previous time.

E-qualification

The E qualification is a qualification for engineers operated by JDLA. It is given to human resources who understand the theory of deep learning and have the ability to implement it.

Candidates must have completed an association-accredited program within the two years prior to the date of the exam. As of 2021, 16 courses are accredited.

Other AI qualifications

Python Engineer Certified Data Analysis Exam

The Python Engineer Development Promotion Association has operated the “Python3 Engineer Certification Basic Examination” so far. In addition to that, there is a Python Engineer “Data Analysis Exam”.

It is no exaggeration to say that Python is an essential language for AI development. As the AI/machine learning field grows, Python engineering skills are also in increasing demand.

Image processing engineer certification

As the name suggests, the Image Processing Engineer Certification is a certification that specializes in image processing. There are two types of exams: Basic and Expert.

Recommended for image processing engineers and researchers. In particular, experts are required to have more specialized knowledge, so the difficulty is quite high.

AI implementation test

We certify mathematics that can express AI and programming skills that can be implemented. The degree of difficulty is about the same as or lower than the JDLA exam (G test / E qualification), and it specializes in AI-related programming and mathematics knowledge problems.

There are three types: Class B for those who plan using AI, Class A for implementation that is slightly more difficult than Class B, and Class S for practical applications such as natural language processing and model implementation.

Database Specialist Examination (Advanced Information Engineer Examination)

The database specialist examination is a category of the advanced information engineer examination administered by the Information-technology Promotion Agency (IPA). It is a national qualification certified by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and an economic skill called IT Skill Standard (ITSS)

It corresponds to skill level 4 (highest difficulty) in the index of the Ministry of Industry. Advanced skills are required to manage and operate huge data groups, and to provide analysis and business. The difficulty level of the exam is very high.

AWS Specialty Certification 

The AWS certification exam is an exam that measures technical ability through AWS, a cloud computing service provided by Amazon. Among them are specialized knowledge certifications such as machine learning, big data, and data analytics.

G CP Professional Data Engineer

GCP Professional Data Engineer is a Google Cloud Platform exam that evaluates your data processing systems and machine learning abilities. A minimum of 3 years of industry experience is recommended.

Qualifications related to the basics of AI

The above test was an AI-centric test. Some of them require a fairly high level of expertise. Therefore, below, we will introduce a relatively easy exam that tests basic knowledge of IT, including AI.

IT passport

The IT Passport is a national exam that measures your ability in information technology. It is operated by a corporation under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. It corresponds to skill level 1 in the IT skill standard.

From 2018, the syllabus has been revised to accommodate technologies such as AI, big data , and IoT.

Basic Information Engineer Examination

The Basic Information Technology Engineer Examination is a national exam that measures the ability of information technology. It corresponds to skill level 2 in the IT skill standard.

It is a historical test that has been held since 1969, and around 70,000 people take the test each time.

Applied Information Engineer Examination

The Applied Information Engineer Examination has a wider range of questions than the Basic Information Engineer Examination, and the degree of difficulty is also higher. It corresponds to skill level 3 in the IT skill standard.

The Advanced Information Engineer Examination mentioned above is a higher level of the Applied Information Engineer Examination.

statistical test

The statistical test is graded from grade 4 to grade 1, and you can test your statistical skills according to the grade.

Especially for those who want to think about AI from the perspective of statistics, I recommend giving it a try.

2021 Qualifying Exam Schedule

Here is the 2021 version of the AI-related qualification schedule introduced this time.

summary

So far, we have introduced AI-related qualifications. Now that there is a shortage of AI human resources and the need to actively utilize AI human resources, how about trying AI qualifications to improve your skills and deepen your understanding of AI?