BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis self-study

Course summary

The certificate provides insights into what a business analyst does, why we need them, and the techniques they use. It includes an exam leading to the BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis.

Learning outcomes:

• 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

Delivery Method 

Hard copy business analysis self study manual (18 hours study) + online exam

The focus of the manual is on acquiring the relevant knowledge and practising exam questions. Each chapter covers the relevant syllabus content, provides exam hints and finishes with a knowledge test and sample exam questions.

The manual finishes with a final set of exam revision questions and then when you think you are ready, a full mock exam paper enabling you to test your knowledge and practise exam technique.

Online BCS exams are taken in you own home/office and will require use of Zoom and installation of exam software on your laptop or desktop PC.

If you would find out if our self-study guide suits your own learning style, please send an email to info@BA-Solutions.co.uk and we will send you a PDF copy of the first few chapters of our self-study manual.

About the authors

Our BCS business analysis self-study material is written by our experienced course tutors who are practising business change professionals who have also been supporting our delegates through the BCS foundation certificate exams and the business analysis diploma for over 10 years.

Suitable for

Our self-study manual is primarily designed for business analysts who want to achieve the BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis without attending a training course. The focus of the manual is on acquiring the required knowledge and passing the exam in the shortest time possible.

Self-study may also be suitable for those wanting a beginner’s course in Business Analysis who wish to gain the BCS accreditation in the most cost effective way whilst also finding out whether they would like to pursue further accreditations leading to the BCS business analysis diploma.

Those who have already taken and passed Requirements Engineering, Business Analysis Practice and Modelling Business Processes and need to complete the knowledge-based specialism will also find this to be the most cost-effective way to complete this module.

Please call us if you need further advice on whether this self-study format is suitable for your own circumstances.

If you would like to find out if our self-study guide suits your own learning style, please send an email to info@BA-Solutions.co.uk and we will send you a PDF copy of the first few chapters of our self-study manual.

What is included?

• £275 + VAT including online exam (£306 inc VAT)
• Printed self-study manual allowing you to study in your own time and without the need for any internet access
• BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis examination, taken online in your own home at the end of your studies
• Equivalent of 4 sample exam papers taken during your study time
• A £10 card processing fee applies if you wish to pay by card
• Find our exam dates and more details of how the exam works here.
• We ask you to complete your BCS exam within 12 months of receiving your self-study guide to avoid incurring additional exam fees.

Course syllabus

This course covers the syllabus for the BCS publication ‘Business Analysis – Fourth Edition.’

The BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis course covers the following topics (with syllabus weightings):

• What is Business Analysis (5%)
• The Competencies of a Business Analyst (2.5%)
• The Strategic Context for Business Analysis (7.5%)
• The Business Analysis Service Framework (2.5%)
• Investigating the Business Situation (12.5%)
• Analysing and Managing Stakeholders (10%)
• Improving Business Services and Processes (12.5%)
• Defining the solution (7.5%)
• Making the Business Case (5%)
• Establishing the Requirements (10%)
• Documenting and Modelling Requirements (10%)
• Validating and Managing Requirements (5%)
• Delivering the Requirements (5%)
• Delivering the Business Solution (5%)

To view the full BCS syllabus for the Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis please click here.

Click here to view some sample exam questions.

Course preparation

• No pre-reading required.
• Full syllabus coverage included with the self-study manual.
• It is not necessary to purchase the BCS Business Analysis book.

BCS Examination and Accreditation Details

The online exam fee is included in the costs shown above. You can sit the exam at home during one of our group exam invigilation sessions which take place on a regular basis. For an additional £50 + VAT you can select a personalised exam slot convenient to you.

The format of the examination is a one-hour closed-book multiple-choice examination consisting of 40 questions. You will receive your result immediately upon completing the exam.

Candidates need to achieve a minimum of 26 marks out of 40 to pass the examination. Candidates who pass the examination are awarded the BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis. This is the first step towards the BCS’s business analysis diploma.

Part of the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis

The Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis can be used as the knowledge-based specialism towards the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis. This qualification is the most recognised BA qualification and accredited training route in the UK. To obtain the full Diploma, candidates must also obtain the two core modules and a Practitioner specialism module. Candidates must also take a one-hour oral exam directly with the BCS – The Chartered Institute for IT, following successful completion of the four modules.