BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis (inc. exam) – Blended learning

Blended Learning – the best of both ways to learn.

This course blends the flexibility of self-paced learning with the structure of live, instructor-led sessions. You'll learn from world-class industry experts and gain practical skills to drive meaningful results in your workplace. Our digital platform also empowers you to track your progress and manage your learning journey effectively.

This course is ideal for anyone new to business analysis or looking to better understand the role and support change. It also supports learners pursuing the Business Analysis International Diploma, either as a foundational starting point or as a comprehensive overview towards the end of their learning pathway.

By the end of this course, learners will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamental business analysis concepts, principles, and techniques applicable to the business analyst role. Specifically, learners will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• The role and competencies of a BA
• The strategic context for BA and the BA service framework
• How to investigate the current and target business state
• Define a solution and prepare a business case
• Elicit and manage requirements
• Deliver a solution

There are no specific prerequisites for this blended learning course. Although not essential, it may be advantageous if you have already completed courses in the Diploma pathway and/or have some experience.

Target Audience

This course is aimed at roles such as Business Analysts, Product Owners, Change Mangers, Business and Project Managers and IT project team members. It’s also suitable for those aiming to transition into a business analyst role or take on related responsibilities, equipping them with essential skills to advance their careers.

This course consists of fourteen modules:

1. What is business analysis?
2. The competencies of a business analyst
3. The strategic context for business analysis
4. The business analysis service framework
5. Investigating the business situation
6. Analysing and managing stakeholders
7. Improving business services and processes
8. Defining the solution
9. Making the business case
10. Establishing the requirements
11. Documenting and modelling requirements
12. Validating and managing requirements
13. Delivering the requirements
14. Delivering the business solution

Delivery Method

This Blended Learning course consists of three key stages.

Self-Paced Learning

• Up to 18 hours, completed over a 4-week period prior to the live event.
• It is critical that the self-paced learning is completed prior to joining the live event.
• It is recommended that learners have a minimum of 4 weeks between the course booking and the instructor-led live event to complete the necessary hours of learning.
• The self-paced learning is available 4 weeks prior to the live event and for 12 months following the live event.

Instructor-Led Live Event

• This course has a 2-day live event.

Exams and Assessments

• 1-hour multiple-choice online examination for the BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis.
• There are 40 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. The pass mark is 26 correct answers of 40 (65%).
• Learners will receive an email with details of how to book their online exam. It is recommended the exam is completed within two weeks of attending the course where possible.
• BCS exams take place remotely via QuestionMark Proctoring. When booking your exam, please ensure you book a slot that is after the course has concluded and at a time convenient for you. You will be required to download and install QuestionMark and conduct a compatibility test prior to sitting the exam.
• In order to be eligible to take the associated exam, you are required to provide a valid, government-issued photo ID with a valid signature (e.g. a driving licence or passport), prior to sitting your exam. Failure to produce this ID will result in your examination unable go ahead and you will be subject to charges from the Exam Board.

Reasonable adjustments policy

BCS provides additional time for candidates who have a disability or whose first language is different from the language of the examination paper. Full details can be found in the BCS Reasonable Adjustments Policy, available on the BCS website. To request reasonable adjustments, you must inform the Exam Administration Team as early as possible. A minimum of two weeks' notice is required to process your request. Please note that if you do not notify QA in time or fail to provide the necessary evidence when requested, you may not be granted the additional support outlined in the BCS policy.

To make a request or ask questions, you can contact QA Exam Administration by email at exam.admin@qa.com or by phone at +44 (0)1793 696162.