Please note: V4.0 will retire on 2nd September 2024.

  • Take your first step on your business analysis career path by attaining a certification that employers around the world respect and value
  • Understand how to identify and evaluate options for improving your business
  • Develop skills and knowledge to support successful business change programmes within your organisation
  • Attain one of the four modules you need to gain the International Diploma in Business Analysis, which follows entry onto the professional registration for IT technicians (RITTech)

Who is it for?

  • The foundation certificate is designed for people who want to understand business analysis, support change and improve business processes
  • Suitable for business analysts, business managers and members of their team, business change managers and project managers

What are the entry requirements?

  • There are no entry requirements for this certification.

What will I learn?

You’ll gain a broad understanding of business analysis, including:

  • The role and competencies of a business analyst
  • How to identify and evaluate options for improving your business
  • Investigative techniques, including interviews, workshops, prototyping and scenarios
  • How to categorise, analyse and manage stakeholders
  • Making a business case and assessing feasibility
  • How to document, manage and validate requirements

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

Download our latest syllabus (PDF)
Download the specimen paper and answer key (PDF)

How do I get this certification?

Take the complete training programme (recommended)

You can take a bundled programme of courses with one of our approved training providers. You’ll find them across the UK and around the world.

How long will it take?

Classroom courses normally last three days.

Where can I study?

  • 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 and course format.

Find a provider

Exam only (study on your own)

Ideal if you’re self-motivated and already know something about business analysis.

How long will it take?

It usually takes a minimum of 27 hours to prepare for the exam.

Where can I take the exam?

At any Pearson VUE test centre across the world

How much does it cost?

UK price: £192 (£160 + VAT).
International prices may vary by region, please check international pricing via our partner Pearson VUE.

Book your exam with Pearson VUE

What format is the exam?

  • One hour ‘closed book’ with 40 multiple choice questions
  • Pass mark is 65% (26/40)

Resources to help you study

Business Analysis book cover
Business Analysis 4th edition
This book will accompany the syllabus for the BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis.

What are the benefits of gaining a BCS certification?

"An apprentice’s journey doesn’t stop once the scheme has finished, this is only the beginning as an IT Professional."

Satveer Kaur-Singh
Business Analyst, AXA Insurance

What's next?

Demonstrate your skills and expertise by gaining the internationally-recognised International Diploma in Business Analysis, available once you have completed three other modules.

International Diploma in Business Analysis

  • Available once you’ve completed four modules: two core modules, one knowledge module and one practitioner module
  • You’ll have an oral examination to discuss your experience and capabilities

Read more about our International Diploma in Business Analysis

*This offer applies to first-time BCS members. Free membership is applicable for your first year as a BCS member only.

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