The Department of Information and Communications Technology – Cordillera Administrative Region (DICT-CAR)
conducted an ICT Specialist Proficiency Diagnostic Examination in Computer Programming on May 24, 2024, at the University of Baguio F Building. Among the examinees were OJT students and alumnus, guided by Ma’am Junamil Zamora, who serves as the OJT class adviser and ICT Proficiency Specialist Exam Coordinator. The examination followed Presidential Decree No. 1408, which directed the National Computer Center (now DICT) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) to develop methods for assessing individuals’ suitability for highly technical positions.
The ICT Proficiency Certification Examination is a critical assessment that aims to evaluate the competence of individuals in performing programming or systems analysis and design functions. The certification process involves a comprehensive Assess-Build-Certify-Develop model, which includes a theoretical Diagnostic examination and a Hands-on Examination for those who pass the first stage. Successful candidates received a Proficiency Certificate from DICT, which could be used to obtain an EDP Specialist Eligibility from the CSC. This eligibility applies to various IT-related positions within the Information Technology/Management Information System Group.
Sozita-mae Grace Lucio, one of the examinees, shared her insights and experiences regarding the examination. When asked about her thoughts on the examination, Sozita-mae highlighted her impressions:
“It was mind-blowing; the questions were easy, but without proper review or if you’re not proficient in computer programming, you might have difficulty solving the problems or pseudocoding.”
According to her, they had group reviews prepared by their dean, Ma’am Erna-Kristi Martinez, with their OJT class adviser and ICT Proficiency Specialist Exam Coordinator, Ma’am Junamil Zamora, for the past month. The lectures were introduced by Sir Julius Monico, Ma’am Cherrie Almazan, Sir Benny Pio, and Jeremy Moses Ebreo. On the first Saturday, they had an introduction to Java programming. Then, on the next two consecutive Saturdays, they had hands-on programming sessions, which is what they prepared for.
“Taking the exam was incredibly challenging, especially if you weren’t familiar with the basic foundations of programming. Most of the questions involved figuring out what the code would do step-by-step, and without understanding loops, it was nearly impossible for me to answer them,” added Jysher Denzel Walcien.
In his statement, he emphasized the importance of remembering foundational programming knowledge as part of the preparation for the exam. “The first thing I did was to review the basic fundamentals of programming,” he explained. “Moreover, it is important to review them, especially since we’re taking this exam as graduating students,” he stated.
Jysher Denzel Walcien further highlighted the value of one’s college education. “We must trust the knowledge accumulated during our four years of studying. Those skills will be essential for our future careers,” he added.
The DICT-CAR’s ICT Proficiency Certification Exam is a valuable stepping stone for aspiring IT professionals and ensures a skilled workforce. This assessment process and a strong educational background equip graduates with the necessary skills to thrive in the ever-evolving ICT sector. Finally, the DICT-CAR exam paves the way for a future filled with promising career opportunities for aspiring IT professionals.
Written by Christian Calagui and Mylene Wakit
