On November 20, 2024, I participated in the 11th TOPCIT (Test of Practical Competency in ICT) Philippines, a globally recognized assessment that measures the real-world knowledge and skills of IT professionals, developers, and students. The exam evaluates multiple areas such as software development, database management, system architecture, and IT business practices. It is commonly used by companies and institutions to assess industry readiness.
This was my second attempt at the TOPCIT exam, following my first try in April, when I narrowly missed passing Level 2 by just one point. Although the close result was initially frustrating, I remained optimistic and prepared for the second round, feeling more confident but still aware that there was room for improvement.
The test was held at Gordon College’s computer laboratories, where each student was assigned to a specific room with pre-installed TOPCIT exam software. The software locked down other functions, preventing activities like ALT+TAB or browser access to ensure a secure environment. The live camera feeds from other testing centers created a nationwide exam atmosphere, enhancing the competitive and professional nature of the event.
One motivating aspect of the exam was that our instructors also took the test alongside us. This created a shared learning environment and reminded me that education is an ongoing journey, even for professionals. However, the day was not without its challenges. Technical issues like slow internet connections, computer lag, and complete unit malfunctions disrupted the exam flow, leading to increased anxiety and forcing some students to switch computers or rooms.
Although I had hoped for a better outcome in my second attempt, I unfortunately did not pass. This was disappointing, especially given how close I was in the previous exam. However, the test itself was even more challenging than before, requiring a deeper understanding of technical concepts and business logic. I had underestimated the need for consistent preparation, assuming my industry experience and confidence would suffice. The exam’s structure demonstrated that both theory and practice are essential, and confidence alone is not enough.
This experience taught me valuable lessons beyond the exam score. It was a reminder of humility and self-awareness, highlighting that there is always room for growth regardless of previous knowledge or experience. The result wasn’t a failure but rather a reality check—an opportunity to understand where I need to improve and a reminder that continuous learning is key.
Reflecting on my results, I identified specific areas that I need to strengthen, such as business process modeling, database optimization, and solving real-world IT problems in a structured manner. The feedback I received provided direction for my future learning goals, motivating me to focus on these areas.
This experience also reinforced the importance of understanding the broader context in IT roles. As a web developer, it’s easy to focus solely on design, implementation, and deployment. However, the exam highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of how systems serve users, how business logic is integrated into software, and how to create scalable and efficient solutions.
Despite the technical difficulties, the event was well-organized and professional. The proctors were attentive, and they did their best to assist with the technical issues that arose. The testing software was secure and efficient, creating an environment that maintained integrity. Taking the exam alongside instructors added a human touch, reinforcing the idea that learning is an ongoing process for everyone.
It was also inspiring to see multiple schools across the Philippines participate simultaneously. The national monitoring system added legitimacy to the exam, making it feel like part of a larger initiative to improve IT education across the country.
Looking ahead, I suggest that future events consider running a system-wide dry run before the actual test day to address technical issues. Ensuring that every computer is fully functional and that the network can handle multiple test-takers would improve the overall experience. Additionally, offering a brief orientation or workshop before the exam would help first-time participants familiarize themselves with the exam format and reduce stress on the actual day. A sample test environment or review session could also help participants prepare more effectively.