BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence v2.0

The updated BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence introduces a complicated topic for professionals with a non-technical background. For some, the BCS AI Essentials 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 AI Essentials provides an overview of the different types of AI systems while also exploring how AI is set to transform the ways people work, learn, travel, and communicate with each other. With the new refresh, the AI Essentials concentrates less on technical issues and instead focuses more on ethical and legal considerations, risk management, and AI governance.

This accredited course is delivered online, enabling delegates to gain a recognised AI qualification by attending two consecutive 4-hour instructor-led sessions. The course follows the latest BCS Syllabus (v2.0) and prepares participants for the 30-minute multiple-choice BCS 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:

• Understand the key terminology and the general principles of artificial intelligence (AI)
• Explore the benefits of AI in modern society
• Learn the fundamental processes of machine learning (ML)
• Assess the challenges and risks associated with AI technologies
• Consider the future of AI and humans in work

The BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence is an entry-level programme for individuals who need to understand the terminology and concepts concerning responsible AI. 

• Data protection practitioners (new team members only)
• Governance, risk and compliance professionals (new team members only)
• Project managers and business change professionals
• Heads of departments
• Owners/directors of SMEs

While it used to be sufficient for data protection professionals to possess an expert-level understanding of relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, modern practitioners are increasingly being asked to advise on non-legal aspects of utilising and protecting personal data. To stay current, practitioners must build on their existing knowledge of data protection laws to include a detailed understanding of AI. This is particularly relevant when considering automated decision-making and ethical issues such as algorithmic bias, fairness, and transparency.

Following the refresh of the BCS Syllabus (v2.0), the AI Essentials Certificate may be suitable for less-experienced team members but is too light for experienced data protection professionals. Instead, the BCS Foundation Certificate in Artificial Intelligence may be more suitable.

Module 1: An introduction to AI and its historical development

• An introduction to key AI definitions and terms
• The development of AI from the 1956 Dartmouth conference to Big Data, the Internet of Things and Large Language Models (LLMs)
• The difference between task-specific (narrow) AI and general (strong) AI that aims to replicate human intelligence

Module 2: Ethical and legal considerations

• The role of ethics in AI:
  • What are ethics?
  • Differences between ethics and law
• Key ethical concerns in AI:
  • Potential for bias, unfairness and discrimination
  • Data privacy and protection
  • Impact on employment and the economy
• Guiding principles in the use of ethical AI
• AI governance models:
  • ISO/IEC 42001:2023 AI management systems

Module 3: Enablers of AI

• Common examples of where AI tools and applications are used in everyday life
• Machine learning (ML):
  • Deep learning and neural networks 
  • Big data and data science
• Robotics and their applications

Module 4: Finding and using data for AI purposes

• Data definitions and terms
• 5 characteristics of data quality
• Risks associated with handling data in AI
• Data visualisation techniques and tools
• Generative AI
• Stages of the ML process

Module 5: How organisations use AI

• Identifying opportunities to use AI
• Different project management approaches
• AI governance activities:
  • Compliance
  • Risk management
  • AI Lifecycle

Module 6: Future planning and impact

• AI roles and career paths
• AI literacy and skills development
• Real-world AI applications
• The impact of AI on society
• The future of AI

Essential Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI-E)

Syllabus version 2
January 2025

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.

Exam Format

Additional time for candidates requiring Reasonable Adjustments

Adjustments and/or additional time can be requested in line with the BCS reasonable adjustments policy for candidates with a disability or other special considerations, including English as a second language.

Get this BCS Essential Certificate in Artificial Intelligence v2.0 for:

£695.00_+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 eBook course manual (see here for eBook features & print options)
• Includes free lifetime updates, which means it will never go out of date
• Full course PowerPoint presentation
• Exercises & revision materials
• Sample exam questions