BCS Foundation Award - Understanding ethical principles in the IT profession

Explore the field of ethics in IT to understand why it’s so important, how it can be threatened and how to minimise the threat – as well as the impact of legislation and corporate governance on ethical decision-making.

Who is this for?

  • All IT professionals who are required to operate ethically in society and in business - from service desk operative to CIO!
  • Business leaders and professionals who need clear sight of how ethics impacts their work
  • Consumers who would like to be more informed in an increasingly technology-driven society

Entry requirements

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

What will I learn?

This award sits within the Ethics area of the AI Foundation Pathway while also providing essential standalone foundation learning for all professionals working in the IT industry.

You’ll learn about:

  • the importance of ethics in society, business and the IT profession
  • ethical behaviour required by IT practitioners
  • corporate governance
  • ethical dilemmas and safeguards

This award contributes 5 credits towards the:

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

Other Ethics awards in the IA Foundation Pathway include:

The syllabus includes training objectives, details of modules and learning hours, plus a recommended reading list:

Download our latest syllabus (PDF)
Download v1.1 syllabus (PDF)

Please note: there are two versions of this syllabus live: version 1.1 (examining the version 1.0 exam) and the new version 2.0 syllabus (and version 2.0 exam) which launched in September 2024. Both versions of the exam can be booked but please note the last date for booking the version 1.0 exam is 25 April 2025. These exams must be sat by 29 May 2025. From 30 May 2025, version 2.0 will be the only version of the exam which can be sat.

How can I prepare for this award?

You can achieve this qualification through virtual or classroom training with a BCS-accredited training provider. As a guide, the estimated total qualification time for this award is 50 hours based around 16 hours of contact time, 33 hours of independent learning and a 30-minute summative assessment. Prices of exams start from £90 + VAT per award - though prices may vary depending on training provider.

Classroom

Virtually

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 generative AI, 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.

Understanding data in your organisation

Business innovation Awards

Explore different types of organisations and their uses of AI, the challenges and opportunities they might face, and whether AI can offer the right solutions.

Understanding the problem and implementing the solution

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