AIコンサルタントに資格は必要?転職に役立つAI関連の資格10選Do AI Consultants Need Certifications? 10 AI-related certifications to help you change careers

AI consultants are professionals who use their expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) to help companies and organizations solve their problems. In recent years, the demand for AI consultants has been increasing due to the rapid progress of AI technology.

In this context, some of you may be starting to think about changing careers to become an AI consultant. However, many people may wonder if there are any qualifications required to become an AI consultant, or if there are any AI-related qualifications that will give them an advantage in the job market.

In this article, we will introduce AI-related qualifications that will be useful for changing jobs to become an AI consultant. The contents of the examinations, examination fees, and pass rates for each qualification are also explained in detail.

No specific qualifications are necessarily required to become an AI consultant. However, in order to make full use of AI technology to help companies and organizations solve their problems, in-depth knowledge related to AI development is required, and having qualifications that attest to this knowledge will go a long way toward earning the trust of clients.

Specifically, for a career change to an AI consultant, other certifications such as "Certified AI/IoT Consultant," "G-Certification," and "E-Certification" are useful as proof of basic knowledge of AI.

Python Engineer Certification Examination

The Python Engineer Certification Examination is administered by the Association for the Promotion of Python Engineer Development and consists of three levels, each of which tests different technical skills.
 

• Python3 Engineer Certification Basic Exam
• Python3 Engineer Certification Data Analysis Exam
• Practical exam for Python3 Engineer Certification

The difficulty level increases in the order of the Basic Exam, Data Analysis Exam, and Practical Exam. The pass rate for both the basic exam and the data analysis exam is 75% to 85%, and the pass rate for the practical exam is around 50%.
 

Reference: 一般社団法人Pythonエンジニア育成推進協会

statistical test

The Statistics Certification Examination, administered by the Japan Statistical Quality Assurance Promotion Foundation, is an examination to evaluate statistical knowledge and skills. This certification test is divided into 10 categories: Levels 1-4, Statistical Surveys, Specialized Statistical Surveys, Basic Data Science, Development, and Expert, and candidates can start from any category according to their own level and purpose.

Since the statistical examinations test knowledge of AI development, obtaining the certificate is useful for proving knowledge when changing jobs to an AI consultant.

Since Level 2 is considered to be the level of basic university mathematics, it is recommended to challenge Level 1 or higher in order to approach various problems in the real world using data.
 

Reference: 一般財団法人統計質保証推進協会

Certified AI and IoT Consultant (AIC)

The Certified AI/IoT Consultant (AIC) is one of the certifications operated by the Association for the Promotion of AI/IoT (AIPA), a general incorporated association, and is a consultant certification specialized in the field of AI x IoT to implement Society 5.0 promoted by the Cabinet Office and Connected Industries promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The consultant certification is one of the certifications operated by the Cabinet Office.

There are three levels of Certified AI/IoT Consultant, from introductory to advanced, as follows
 

• AI/IoT Junior Consultant (AIJC)
• AI/IoT Senior Consultant (AISC)
• AI/IoT Master Consultant (AIMC)

If you take the AIC training course and pass the subsequent exam, you will receive a certificate for each level of difficulty. To take the Senior level, you must have passed the Junior certification; to take the Master level, you must have passed both the Junior and Senior exams, and the training time varies depending on the level you take.
 

Reference: 一般社団法人AI・IoT普及推進協会(AIPA)

G-test

The G-test, organized by the Japan Deep Learning Association (JDLA), is a certification test for acquiring AI and deep learning application literacy. It aims to measure basic understanding of a wide range of AI technologies, including deep learning, and their application to business.

This certification exam is also recommended for those who aim to become AI consultants, as it enables systematic learning and mastery of such topics as "what AI can and cannot do" and "what to pay attention to when using AI.

It is one of the qualifications that you should acquire in order to be able to consider business applications of AI and promote AI projects without anxiety.
 

Reference: 一般社団法人日本ディープラーニング協会

E Qualifications

Like the G certification, the E certification is also sponsored by JDLA and is designed for AI engineers and others actually involved in the development and promotion of deep learning projects. This certification is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for practical tasks such as building and implementing algorithms.

While the G certification is for generalists, the E certification is for engineers. However, since there are situations in which AI consultants are involved in project management, holding this certification will give you an advantage when you change jobs.

Please note that in order to qualify for the E certification, you must take and complete the "certification program" established by the JDLA.
 

Reference: 一般社団法人日本ディープラーニング協会

AI Implementation Test

The AI Implementation Certification Test sponsored by EQUATION Inc. is designed to measure the implementation ability and knowledge level of deep learning, and offers three certification levels: "Class B," "Class A," and "Class S." These levels are characterized by the fact that they are set with the implementation levels of the "G certification" and "E certification," which are considered difficult AI certifications.

Specifically, the official website of the AI Implementation Certification Test indicates the positioning of each certification level as follows
 

• B level: The level positioned at the front of the G (generalist) certification test, which questions comprehensive knowledge of AI.
• Level A: A level that can challenge the certification program of the E certification, which is an AI difficult certification.
• Level S: The most difficult AI certification at present.

For those who wish to "acquire AI knowledge and implementation skills" in order to become an AI consultant, it is recommended to step up step by step with a plan such as "B level, G certification, A level, E qualification, and S level".
 

Reference: 株式会社EQUATION

IT Passport Examination

The IT Passport exam, organized by the Information-technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA), is a national exam that certifies basic IT knowledge that all working adults who utilize IT should have.

The exam requires extensive knowledge of business management, IT fundamentals, and project management, in addition to basic concepts of the latest technologies such as AI, Big Data, and IoT, and modern development methods such as agile development.

The passing rate is around 50%, so the level of difficulty is not that high. Therefore, if you are interested in becoming an AI consultant in the future, we recommend that you take the IT Passport exam as a stepping stone to more difficult IT certifications.
 

Reference: 情報処理推進機構

National Examination for Basic Information Technology Engineers

The Basic Information Technology Engineer Examination is another national examination sponsored by the IPA, which corresponds to Level 2 of the IT Skill Standards (ITSS). This exam tests the basic knowledge and skills required to become an advanced IT professional.

AI technology is one of the IT technologies, and the knowledge acquired in the Basic Information Technology Engineer exam is the foundation for understanding AI technology; some jobs for AI consultants require passing the Basic Information Technology Engineer exam, so it is a good idea to take this exam proactively.
 

Reference: IPA 独立行政法人 情報処理推進機構

Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination

Like the Basic Information Technology Engineer Examination, the Applied Information Technology Engineer Examination is a national examination sponsored by the IPA and corresponds to Level 3 of the ITSS. This exam is intended for people who want to work as advanced IT personnel, and tests the applied knowledge and skills required for personnel who develop IT-based services, products, systems, and software.

The Applied Information Technology Engineer exam is so difficult that it is said to be difficult to pass without preparation, even for those with extensive work experience, so systematic study is essential to pass the exam.

Possession of this certification is an objective proof that you have acquired advanced IT skills, and is expected to increase your competitiveness in the job market, especially when you aim to become an AI consultant.
 

Reference: IPA 独立行政法人 情報処理推進機構

Data Scientist Certification

The Data Scientist Exam is a certification exam that certifies the basic knowledge and skills required for data scientists, and is sponsored by the Data Scientists Association of Japan, The number of examinees has been trending upward every year.

The Association of Data Scientists defines the following four major skill levels for data scientists, depending on the level of the three skill sets: data science skills, data engineering skills, and business skills.
 

• Industry representative level : Senior Data Scientist 
• Building Block Level : (Full) Data Scientist 
• Stand-alone level : Associate Data Scientist 
• Apprentice Level :Assistant Data Scientist

Currently, only the "Data Scientist Certification Test™ Literacy Level" (abbreviated as DS Test®), which corresponds to the "Apprentice Level," is available.
 

Reference: 一般社団法人データサイエンティスト協会

One option for acquiring AI consultant skills outside of certification is to enter an AI-related major at a technical college. At a technical college, you will be able to systematically learn everything from basic AI knowledge to cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning and deep learning through a practical curriculum.

In addition, emphasis is placed on learning programming languages and data analysis techniques to cultivate the applied skills required in actual work. Because the technical college has strong ties with industry, students will be able to acquire skills that can be put to work immediately through project-based learning.

In addition to AI knowledge, the following skills are required to work as an AI consultant
 

• Strong business skills
• Communication skills
• Ability to think logically
• Presentation skills

We will explain each of these skills one by one in detail.

High business skills

AI consultants are expected to have not only extensive knowledge of AI, but also the following business skills
 

• Documentation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Project management skills

These business skills will enable us to provide the best AI solutions to meet our clients' challenges.

communication skills

Communication skills are essential for AI consultants, as they work closely with clients to implement and utilize AI.

Communication skills can be subdivided into three main categories: the ability to convey information, the ability to listen carefully to what others say, and the ability to interpret the meaning behind their words. In consulting work, all of these abilities will be required.

Generally speaking, a person who can accurately understand what a client says and convey his/her opinion while reading the client's intention and feelings is said to have good communication skills.

Since different clients have different levels of knowledge about AI, it is also important to adjust communication methods according to the client's level of knowledge and reactions.

ability to think logically

AI consultants need to accurately understand the issues faced by their clients and propose appropriate AI solutions. To this end, the ability to see the essence of the problem and analyze it logically is essential.

The situations of companies vary widely, and there is no single solution. Therefore, AI consultants must always be able to accurately interpret data and draw reasonable conclusions based on it.

They must also have the analytical skills to select the best strategy from a variety of AI technologies to address each company's unique problems.

presentation skills

AI consultants also need presentation skills. Presentation skills are the ability to convey one's ideas and information in an easy-to-understand and persuasive manner.

No matter how much time and effort is put into creating materials, they are meaningless if the client is not convinced. Therefore, it is necessary for AI consultants to have good presentation skills.

In this article, we have introduced some AI-related certifications that can help you become an AI consultant.

Although specific qualifications are not necessarily required to become an AI consultant, having qualifications will make it easier to show off your AI-related knowledge and skills. It will not only help you improve your skills, but will also give you an advantage when you change jobs.

At United World Inc., our dedicated career advisors work closely with each and every one of our candidates to support their job search. After carefully listening to your detailed requirements and career plans, we will introduce you to the best job opportunities that suit you best, so please feel free to contact us if you want to change jobs efficiently.

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