Overview of the FE Exam
The Fundamental Information Technology Engineer Examination (FE) is a national certification one step above the IT Passport, also administered by IPA. It has a history going back to 1969. Since April 2023 it switched to a year-round CBT (Computer-Based Testing) format, and as of 2026 it is offered continuously throughout the year. The exam fee is ¥7,500, but the system and registration process can change—check the IPA official website for the latest information before registering.
Exam Structure (Subject A and Subject B)
The revised format since 2023 removed the morning/afternoon split, replacing it with a two-part structure: Subject A (90 min) and Subject B (100 min). Subject A is a broad knowledge exam covering computer architecture, networks, databases, and management. Subject B is a practical exam focused on algorithms and security, requiring the ability to read pseudocode—a virtual programming language used in the exam.
What Gets Tested? (Where Teens Struggle)
The areas that trip up teens most are binary arithmetic in the Hardware domain and the algorithm questions in Subject B. Without programming experience, reading pseudocode in a timed exam often leads to running out of time. Having experience writing loops and conditional branches in Python or JavaScript gives you a meaningful head start.
A Recommended Approach for Middle and High School Students
The estimated study time is 150–200 hours. If you have already passed the IT Passport, an extra 100 hours is typically enough. The efficient sequence is to first solidify Subject A through past papers, then shift focus to Subject B by drilling pseudocode problems exclusively. If you have no programming experience at all, doing a Python beginner course in parallel makes Subject B suddenly readable.
Splitting your study plan into "vocabulary memorization days" and "problem-reading days" makes it easier to keep going. Subject A suits short 10-minute sessions before school or before bed, since you work through many brief questions. Subject B requires reading one problem carefully and is better tackled in 30–60 minute blocks on weekends. For every question you get wrong, make a note not just of the correct answer but of why the other choices were wrong—this makes you much harder to trick by similar questions later.
Pitfalls to Avoid
- Assuming Subject B pseudocode is "manageable without programming experience" and hitting a wall. Pick up Python or JavaScript for 2 months before attempting it.
- Skipping the calculation questions (binary, parity bits). They carry significant weight; skipping them means you probably won't reach the pass line.
- Being satisfied after just solving past papers. Read the explanations for wrong answers and redraw the logic in your own diagrams until you truly understand it.
How Will This Help You Later?
Holding the FE certification is proof that you have learned IT fundamentals systematically. It does not guarantee a hiring advantage on its own, but combined with a portfolio and school activities it makes explaining your learning effort much easier. Some companies and schools offer passing incentives or credit recognition—check the policies of places you are applying to.
Start Today
- Visit the IPA official website and try 5 FE sample questions
- If you have not touched Python yet, try just one chapter on the free Progate platform
- If you have not yet passed the IT Passport, consider whether to tackle that first
Summary
Check On the FE exam, what often separates scores?