BCS Foundation Award - Understanding the role of ethics in the responsible use of AI

Discover how an ethical culture leads to the sustainable and responsible use of AI, by considering the potential harm that can come from AI, the safeguards that can be implemented, and where the responsibility lies within our organisations and society.

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 and digital leaders considering AI as a solution for their organisation
  • Digital practitioners looking to upskill and develop their professional credentials
  • Employees who want to understand more about the ethical impact of their work and decisions
  • 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 and demonstrates how the societal impact of AI will be controlled by human interaction.

Learn about:

  • the impact of, and level of responsibility for, AI in business
  • scaling up the impact and responsibility of AI to society
  • potential harm and safeguards
  • the role of humans in an AI world

This award contributes 4 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 v1.0 syllabus (PDF)

Please note: there are two versions of this syllabus live: version 1.0 and the new version 2.0 syllabus, 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 ethics in 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 40 hours based around 39.5 hours of independent learning (if at a training provider, we recommend 16 hours of contact time, plus 23.5 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.