BCS Foundation Award - AI and the digital ecosystem

Develop your understanding of AI to fully comprehend the concept of artificial intelligence, how it fits into the digital ecosystem, and its relationship with data - plus take a look at what’s next for AI development in organisations.

Who is this for?

  • Business professionals looking for a clearer understanding of AI and how it can transform their business
  • IT practitioners planning to transition to a role in which they’ll be working with AI or machine learning
  • Anyone who wants to know more about the power of artificial intelligence and its potential in our society

Entry requirements

There are no pre-requisites for entry to the exam.

What will I learn?

This award sits within the Machine learning and other AI techniques area of the AI Foundation Pathway, providing core understanding of what we mean by AI, how it’s used by organisations now and what it holds for the future.

Learn more about:

  • key components of AI
  • AI and the IT ecosystem
  • the relationship between AI and data
  • the potential future of AI

Download our latest syllabus (PDF)

This award contributes 5 credits towards the:

  • Foundation Certificate in AI (total credits required: 20)
  • Foundation Diploma in AI (total credits required: 36)

Other Machine learning and other AI techniques awards in the IA Foundation Pathway include:

How do I take the exam?

Training and exam (recommended)

Take this course with one of our accredited training providers.

How long will it take?

Classroom courses normally last one day.

Where can I study?

The training provider will be able to advise you, but typical options include:

  • At an approved provider near you
  • At your computer via e-learning or web conference learning

How much does it cost?

Prices for courses vary depending on your chosen training provider, country and course format.

Find a provider

Exam only (self study)

Ideal if you’re self-motivated and already know something about AI and related areas, although we do recommend a training provider for this course.

How do I book an exam?

Call +44 (0)1793 417417 to book your exam.

How long will it take?

As a guide, the estimated total qualification time for this award is 50 hours based around 49.5 hours of independent learning (if at a training provider, we recommend 16 hours of contact time, plus 33.5 hours of independent learning) and a 30-minute summative assessment.

Where do I sit my exam?

If you’re studying for this qualification without a training provider you can sit this exam directly with BCS online.

How much does it cost?

UK price: £65 + £35 for exam remote proctor + VAT.
International prices may vary by region, please check international pricing via our Customer Service team.

Contact us on +44 (0)1793 417417

What's next?

Build on your foundation learning and achieve the Foundation Certificate in AI by studying one award from each of the four key awards areas. Study eight awards across the four areas and you’ll achieve the Foundation Diploma in AI. Why not look at…

Data Awards

Learn how data enables AI to perform, how it’s cleaned, structured and stored - and specifically focusing on machine learning how to use data in the right way, work with security protocols and uphold good ethical practice.

Data visualisation

Ethics Awards

AI’s ability to learn, replicate and predict means it will have a considerable impact on society and our environment if we don’t approach it ethically, sustainably and with clear governance. This set of awards explores the impact of decision-making and is vital learning for any forward-thinking IT professional.

Understanding ethical principles in the IT profession

This qualification is not regulated by the following United Kingdom Regulators - Ofqual, Qualifications Wales, CCEA Regulation or SQA.