BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence

The BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence aims to introduce a complicated topic without relying on overly technical terminology. For some, the BCS AI Essentials Certificate is sufficient to provide a basic understanding in order to facilitate informed conversations with specialist teams responsible for developing AI systems. For others, it is the entry point into a longer learning and development journey.

The BCS Essentials Certificate tests delegates' knowledge and understanding of AI terminology and general principles. It explores the various forms of AI and the fundamental processes of machine learning. Alongside the advantages and difficulties associated with AI, the BCS Essentials Certificate examines how AI will transform the way people work, learn, travel and communicate with one another.

The course is delivered online for convenience and for the significant environmental and sustainability benefits it offers. Delegates can gain a recognised workplace AI qualification, whether working at their desk or from home, by attending two consecutive 4-hour live online sessions. The course follows the latest BCS Syllabus (v1.2) and prepares participants for the 30-minute multiple-choice BCS Foundation Exam, administered separately via Questionmark through online remote proctoring.

Enrol today and take the first step towards expanding your knowledge and comprehension of AI.

BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence award holders will be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the following areas:

• An introduction and history of human and artificial intelligence
• Examining the benefits, challenges and risks of AI
• An Introduction to Machine Learning
• The future of AI; Humans and machines working together

The BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence is suitable for a range of technical and business process-orientated roles. The list includes those working within the privacy industry, where developing an understanding of AI is quickly becoming an essential skill.

• Chief Privacy Officers (CPOs)
• Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and practitioners
• Governance, risk and compliance professionals (all grades)
• Privacy Engineers, technicians
• Solicitors advising on information law
• Data Scientists, analysts, architects
• Data research analysts
• Systems administrators, developers, engineers
• Chief Technical Officers (CTOs)
• Chief Information Officers (CIOs)
• Information security, IT security and IT managers, Chief Information Security Officers (CISO)
• Ethical hackers & Forensics investigators
• Website developers & UX/UI designers
• Organisational/business change practitioners and managers

While it used to be sufficient for privacy and data protection practitioners to possess expert-level knowledge of data protection laws, modern professionals are increasingly being asked to advise on non-legal aspects of utilising and protecting personal data. To stay current, industry professionals must build on existing legal data protection knowledge to expand their capabilities to include machine learning and artificial intelligence knowledge. This is particularly relevant when considering algorithmic bias, transparency and automated decision-making issues.

Privacy and data protection practitioners with a technical background may find the BCS AI Foundation Certificate more suitable.

Module 1: An introduction to artificial and human intelligence

• Human and artificial intelligence (AI) definitions
• How learning from experience relates to Machine Learning (ML) 
• How machine learning has contributed to the growth of artificial intelligence
• Universal Design and the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Module 2: Benefits, challenges and risks of Artificial Intelligence 

• Benefits of Artificial Intelligence
• Advantages of machine and human and machine systems
• Understanding the challenges and risks of Artificial Intelligence
• How AI projects are funded
• Potential opportunities for Artificial Intelligence

Module 3: An introduction to Machine Learning

• Understanding the AI intelligent agent description.
• Machine Learning differences
• The four rational agent dependencies
• Agents in terms of performance measure, environment, actuators and sensors
• The four types of agents
• Examples of Machine Learning
• How narrow AI capabilities are useful in Machine Learning and AI agents' functionality
• Neural network schematics

Module 4: The future of Artificial Intelligence 

• How Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will drive humans and machines to work together
• Future applications for Artificial Intelligence

Essential Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI-E)

Syllabus version 1.2
August 2023

Download the new syllabus (PDF)

Duration and Format of the Examination

The BCS Essential Certificate in Artificial Intelligence exam format is a 30-minute multiple-choice examination. The exam is closed book, i.e. no materials can be taken into the examination room.

The BCS Examination for the Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence is now available in paper and online formats.

Pass Mark

The pass mark is 13/20.

This equates to 65%

Additional time for candidates' reasonable adjustments due to a disability

Candidates may request additional time if they require reasonable adjustments. Please refer to the reasonable adjustments policy (see syllabus) for detailed information on how and when to apply.

Additional time for candidates whose language is not the language of the exam

An additional 25% (15 minutes) will be allowed for candidates sitting the examination in a language that is not their native or official language. In these circumstances, candidates are entitled to use their own paper language dictionary (for translation between the examination language and another national language) during the examination. Electronic versions of dictionaries are not allowed.

Get this BCS Essential Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for:

£495.00_+VAT

• Receive a 15% online discount for multiple bookings onto public courses
• Onsite courses can be delivered for teams of 6 or more 

BCS Accredited AI training package includes:

• 2 x 4-hour live online sessions on consecutive days
• Entrance to the 30-minute, multiple-choice online BCS Examination
• 1-2-1 coaching and support
• 1st year BCS Associate membership

Courseware: a complete Essential level AI manual

• Detailed manual comes in an A4 bound folder + an editable electronic version
• Includes free lifetime updates (electronic version), which means it will never go out of date
• Electronic copy of the full course PowerPoint
• Exercises & revision materials
• Sample exam questions