On November 20, 2024, I spent my day participating in the 11th TOPCIT Philippines, a globally recognized assessment that evaluates the practical competencies of IT professionals and software developers. This was my second attempt at the exam, following my previous participation in the 10th TOPCIT Philippines in April of the same year. The exam was conducted in the computer laboratories of Gordon College, where participants were assigned to separate rooms for testing.
What I found unique about the testing environment was how each computer had the TOPCIT software pre-installed with restricted access to other functions, ensuring academic integrity throughout the assessment. I was intrigued by the live TV feed that displayed real-time footage of other testing sites across the country, which added a formal dimension to the experience. Having our instructors take the exam alongside us created an unexpected sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. Despite some technical challenges—including occasional lag, slow internet connectivity, and some participants needing to switch computers—the event remained well-structured with coordinators handling transitions effectively.
Before taking this exam, I had made sure to prepare more thoroughly than my first attempt, building upon knowledge gained from my earlier experience and lessons learned throughout my college journey. These academic and practical experiences proved invaluable in addressing the more complex questions in this iteration of the exam. I honestly didn’t expect to pass this second round as it felt noticeably more rigorous, demanding a deeper understanding of both technical and business aspects of IT systems. However, through careful preparation, persistence, and by God’s grace, I successfully met this challenge.
I was struck by how the results provided a clear snapshot of my strengths and areas needing further development. The exam underscored the importance of continuously sharpening my technical knowledge while also deepening my understanding of business logic and IT strategy. I realized these insights are critical as I transition from academic life to the professional world, where both practical skills and strategic thinking are essential.
As a student inspired by this experience, I’m excited to apply these lessons by engaging more in practical projects, collaborative work, and hands-on experiences that mirror real industry demands. I plan to seek out opportunities through internships, personal projects, and team collaborations that will help me align my competencies with the expectations of the IT field.
I found the event thoughtfully organized and executed despite some technical difficulties. The use of secure testing software, clearly separated testing areas, and live monitoring contributed to a professional and fair testing environment. Witnessing multiple schools across the country participate simultaneously gave the event a unified and significant feel. From the registration process to the timely release of results, every aspect was handled with professionalism, making it a meaningful experience.
While the event ran smoothly overall, I believe future TOPCIT exams would benefit from minimizing technical disruptions. Conducting thorough pre-exam system checks, including dry runs of the software and internet stability tests, would ensure smoother exam conditions. This would allow participants like me to focus entirely on the exam content without unnecessary distractions.
In conclusion, successfully passing the 11th TOPCIT Philippines was both fulfilling and encouraging. The experience not only validated the lessons I’ve learned throughout my college life but also equipped me with the mindset and skills needed for my future career. I’m grateful for this opportunity, the knowledge gained, and the affirmation that consistent effort, preparation, and faith can yield meaningful success.