About this certification
"Raising children who don't get used by AI, but who use AI —
and understand and protect its foundations."
As AI writes more code, the scarcity of memorized knowledge and coding skill declines. So this certification measures "durable" abilities that stay valuable, through two pillars.
Use AI wisely and safely, and tell what's real
Knowing AI's limits, checking whether information is true, and using AI safely — the "user / judgement" side.
Run, connect, and protect what AI builds
Understanding how networks and computers work, and keeping them running safely — the "foundation" side.
Four tracks (three axes)
Both "the power to use" and "the power to connect and protect" are covered by four certification tracks. Each is an independent exam, chosen to match a child's interests and grade guideline.
AI Use Certification
From understanding the basics of AI to seeing its limits, applying it with prompts, and — above all — using AI safely.
AvailableInformation Literacy / Digital Citizenship
Personal data and privacy, judging whether information is true, online manners and copyright, and handling trouble — safety and citizenship across online life.
AvailableNetworking Certification
How the internet works, home LAN and Wi-Fi, IP addresses and DNS, troubleshooting when things won't connect, and network safety.
AvailableDigital Foundations (PC & Linux)
Hardware basics, building and refurbishing PCs, OS and Linux basics, and using a used PC safely. Linked directly to our PC Bank (free refurbished PCs).
AvailableHow grades work (Grade 5 to Grade 1)
A grade shows the difficulty of the content. As with Japan's Eiken or Kanken exams, a higher number is easier (Grade 5 is the entry level). The grade levels are only a guideline, not an entry requirement.
※ Grades 2 and 1 are coming soon (Information Literacy A-2 offers Grades 4 and 3).
※ Exams are taken in order from Grade 5 (no skipping). To take a higher grade you need the "pass number" from passing the grade just below.
What makes this certification different
It measures "using" plus the "connect & protect" foundation
Rather than memorized programming, it focuses on judging while using AI and understanding the systems behind it. Questions center on real situations and application.
Safety has its own pass threshold
Safety-related areas (using AI safely, personal data, network safety, and so on) carry a minimum threshold. Even with a passing total score, falling short on the safety area means not passing. We don't pass children who "can use it, but use it dangerously."
Linked with our PC Bank (free refurbished PCs)
Real situations from our activities — "connect a refurbished PC safely," "what to do before joining Wi-Fi" — are built into the questions.
How the exam works
Register
Choose an exam and grade, enter name and grade, and an exam number is issued.
Take it
One question at a time, all multiple choice. It ends automatically at the time limit.
Scoring
Automatic, on the spot: pass/fail, results by area, and the safety-area check.
Results
Exam number, grade, score, pass/fail and area results are shown (printable).
Certificate (sample)
When you pass a grade, a certificate showing the exam name, grade, and certification number is issued. The image below is a design sample (in Japanese).
- Issued by
- NPO Digital Kodomo BASE
- Cert. no.
- Format CN-YYYYMMDD-#### (issued per recipient)
- Governing rules
- Certification Rules, 1st edition (established 2026)
How you can use it for admissions and job hunting
When you pass, a certificate and certification number are issued, which you can list in the qualifications/certifications field of a job résumé, or of an application or activity report for high school and university admissions (such as recommendation or comprehensive-selection routes). Beyond that, it is concretely useful in situations like these:
- Speak to it in interviews and statements of purpose: point to a concrete achievement — "I studied AI and passed Grade ◯" — to show your interest and effort in your own words.
- Prove you can use it safely: because this exam sets a pass threshold on safety, you can show — against a third-party standard — that you don't just use AI, but use it safely.
- Show your level objectively: the Grade 5–1 scale states clearly where you stand today.
- See your strengths and next steps: the area-by-area result report shows what you're good at and what to work on next, to guide your studies.
Example: June 2026 — Certified by NPO Digital Kodomo BASE
AI Use Certification, Grade 3 (certification no. CN-20260619-0022)
※ This is a private certification. Whether it may be listed and how it is valued depend on the rules and judgement of the receiving institution; passing does not guarantee admission or employment.
Taking the exam — the rules
| Who can take it | No age or grade limit. An elementary student may take a higher grade. |
|---|---|
| Format | All multiple choice, taken online. Results appear right after you finish. |
| Order | Taken in order from Grade 5 (no skipping). Higher grades require the "pass number" from the grade just below. |
| Passing | Beyond the total score, safety-related areas carry a minimum threshold (falling short there means not passing). |
| Personal data | Name, grade and similar inputs are handled by the exam system. This information page collects no personal data. |
Exam fees
The exam fees are shown below (and may change).
| Grade | Difficulty (guide) | Individual | Group (10+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 | Intro (lower–middle elementary) | ¥1,500 | ¥1,200 |
| Grade 4 | Basic (upper elementary) | ¥2,000 | ¥1,600 |
| Grade 3 | Standard (junior high) | ¥2,500 | ¥2,000 |
| Grade 2 | Applied (high school, coming soon) | ¥3,500 | ¥2,800 |
| Grade 1 | Professional (adults, coming soon) | ¥7,000+ | By quote |
※ The fee to re-sit the same grade is the same amount.
※ "Prep-course packs" bundling area-by-area courses, a mock test and one exam are also available (e.g. Grade 4 ¥4,800 / Grade 3 ¥5,800).
Take the exam
You can take the exam online. Use the button below to go to the exam page.
For group testing at a school or classroom, please feel free to contact us.
Frequently asked questions
Governing body & details
NPO Digital Kodomo BASE
- Issued by
- NPO Digital Kodomo BASE
- Location
- 3-3-3 Chuo, Ota-ku, Tokyo
- Type
- Private certification (not a national or public qualification)
- Scope
- Foundational understanding of AI use, information literacy and networking, plus using them safely
- Cert. number
- Format CN-YYYYMMDD-#### (issued per recipient)
- Governing rules
- Certification Rules, 1st edition (established 2026)
- Contact
- admin@digitalkodomo.jp