Who is this for?

  • Digital professionals who are transitioning into a career encompassing AI and machine learning
  • Candidates who are looking to move into analytical or research roles within AI
  • Employees who want to strengthen their digital credentials and future-proof their career
  • Business professionals with a background in science, engineering, knowledge engineering, finance, education or IT services
  • Anyone wanting to know more about big data and how their existing data management skills might apply to an AI role

Entry requirements

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

What will I learn?

This award sits within the Data area of the AI Foundation Pathway, offering a practical understanding of big data, its associated principles and approaches.

You’ll learn about:

  • the concept of big data
  • working with a big data framework
  • big data analytics
  • big data and machine learning

Download our latest syllabus (PDF)

This award contributes 4 credits towards the:

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

Other Data 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 30 hours based around 29 hours of independent learning (if at a training provider, we recommend 8 hours of contact time, plus 21 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

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