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BCS Essential Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Categories:
- Artificial Intelligence Data and Office Applications
- Level:
- Fundamentals
- Code:
- QAAIBCSE
- Exam:
- Yes - Included
Overview
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a methodology for using a non-human system to learn from experience and imitate human intelligent behaviour.
The BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence tests a candidate’s knowledge and understanding of the terminology and the general principles.
This course covers the potential benefits; types of Artificial Intelligence; the basic process of Machine Learning (ML); the challenges and risks associated with an AI project, and the future of AI and Humans in work.
Prerequisites
There are no specific pre-requisites for the entry to the course or examination, although a good knowledge of computers and a basic understanding of data using computers (e.g. spreadsheets) is highly recommended.
Once registered you will receive a confirmation email directly from the BCS. This email will reference a provisional exam location, date and time and should not be mistaken for a confirmed session.
You will receive a further email from Questionmark (within 48 hours). It is at this stage that you will be provided access to the live calendar to enable you to schedule your exam session.
Examination
All BCS exams are delivered as Remote Proctored. Learners will log into their QuestionMark portal and schedule their exam for any time that suits them at a later date. This must be sat only after 5pm on the final day of the course.
Exam Requirements
If you are taking a BCS exam you must bring photographic identification with you (passport, driving license or student card), as it is a BCS requirement to produce it for the invigilator prior to the exam. Failure to produce a valid form of photographic identification will result in a candidate not being able to sit the exam. For any questions about what form of identification is acceptable please contact your Account Manager or the QA Examination Administration team on 44 (0)1793 696273.
BCS allow additional time for candidates who have a disability or whose native language differs to that of the examination paper. Full details are provided in the BCS Reasonable Adjustments Policy which is available to view on the BCS website. If you believe you qualify for this then please notify the Exam Administration team on the details below as early as possible. At least two weeks' notice will be required for processing this request. Delegates failing to advise QA and provide evidence when requested, may not be allowed the additional support offered via the BCS policy. QA Exam Administration can be contacted by email exam.admin@qa.com or by phone 44(0) 1793 696162.
What's included
Select your preferred way to learn:
What is Virtual?
Live, instructor-led training delivered online
Interactive online sessions led by subject matter experts. Learners join live classes, take part in discussions, and complete practical exercises from any location, making it easy to fit collaborative learning into busy schedules.
If you prefer to connect to a course that is taking place in a physical classroom, you can choose our Remote Access option. .
Best for: Teams and individuals who want expert guidance, real-time collaboration, and flexible access.
What's included?
1 Day instructor led course
Exam included
6 month free access to QA learning platform
Free 6-Month Access: Learning Platform Discovery plan
Included FREE with every instructor‑led course
Get free guided access to the QA Learning Platform. Assess your skills, explore in-demand topics, and understand which areas to focus on.
Learn AI, Cloud, Data, and Leadership skills at your own pace.
Put skills into practice with hands-on Labs and Simulabs.
Validate knowledge and highlight gaps with skills assessments.
What is bespoke training?
Custom instructor-led training designed by QA to fit your needs
Tailored programmes built around your organisation’s goals, challenges, and skill levels. Delivered in the format that suits you to maximise relevance and impact.
Best for: Organisations and teams looking to target specific business priorities and capabilities with QA subject matter expertise.
Find out more about the course:
Learning outcomes
Learners will be able to demonstrate a basic knowledge and understanding of general concepts in the following areas:
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Human and Artificial Intelligence;
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The Machine Learning process;
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The benefits, challenges and risks of a Machine Learning project;
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The future of humans and machines in Work.
Target Audience
The Artificial Intelligence Essentials course is focussed on individuals with an interest in, (or need to implement) AI in an organisation, especially those working in areas such as science, engineering, knowledge engineering, finance, or IT services.
The following roles could be interested:
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Engineers
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Scientists
-
Professional research managers
-
Chief technical officers
-
Chief information officers
-
Organisational change practitioners and managers
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Business change practitioners and managers
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Service architects and managers
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Program and planning managers
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Service provider portfolio strategists / leads
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Process architects and managers
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Business strategists and consultants
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Web page developers
Course outline
Artificial and human intelligence - an introduction and history
-
General definition of human and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Learning from experience and how it relates to Machine Learning (ML)
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ML and Growth of AI
Opportunities for an AI system
Examples of AI – benefits, challenges and risks
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Benefits of AI
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Challenges of AI
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Risks of AI
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Funding sources for AI projects
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Opportunities for AI
Machine Learning
-
AI intelligent agent description
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Examples of Machine Learning
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AI capability useful in ML and AI agents’ functionality
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Examples of forms of Machine Learning
Maturity and funding of an AI system
The future of artificial intelligence – human and machine together
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AI driving humans and machines to work together
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Future directions of humans and machines working together
Good to know
Ready to book? Complete the form and a member of our team will be in touch shortly to discuss your options.
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What our customers are saying
“As a leading Cloud Solutions Training Services Partner, QA’s Microsoft 365 Copilot Adoption Accelerator offers organisations an innovative and scalable training solution to increase user productivity, confidence, and consistent best practice use of Copilot across the business.”
Jeroen van Hilten
Global Partner Sales Executive, Microsoft Worldwide Learning
"The AI Champions Pathway was invaluable at really helping to super-charge AI adoption across Awaze... we've seen the application of AI-first thinking grow rapidly; from simple everyday ChatGPT usage for communications, to the creation of GPTs, to evolved complaints handling processes. As a business, we now see innovative, AI-first thinking as a key enabler to our strategic priorities, rather than a nice-to-have.”
Charlotte Hickey
People Transformation Lead, Awaze
“QA's training and hands-on labs are a powerful approach to maximising the value of Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption. Copilot is a once-in-a-generation technology, and using QA to learn this technology is a smart way to harness AI-driven productivity.”
Tatiana Arventi
Senior Go To Market Manager - M365 Copilot Microsoft UK
Portfolio Director
Dr Vicky Crockett
Portfolio Director – Artificial Intelligence
Frequently asked questions
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Find more answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs: Bookings & Cancellations page.
How do QA’s virtual classroom courses work?
Our virtual classroom courses allow you to access award-winning classroom training, without leaving your home or office. Our learning professionals are specially trained on how to interact with remote attendees and our remote labs ensure all participants can take part in hands-on exercises wherever they are.
We use the WebEx video conferencing platform by Cisco. Before you book, check that you meet the WebEx system requirements and run a test meeting to ensure the software is compatible with your firewall settings. If it doesn’t work, try adjusting your settings or contact your IT department about permitting the website.
How do QA’s online courses work?
QA online courses, also commonly known as distance learning courses or elearning courses, take the form of interactive software designed for individual learning, but you will also have access to full support from our subject-matter experts for the duration of your course. When you book a QA online learning course you will receive immediate access to it through our e-learning platform and you can start to learn straight away, from any compatible device. Access to the online learning platform is valid for one year from the booking date.
All courses are built around case studies and presented in an engaging format, which includes storytelling elements, video, audio and humour. Every case study is supported by sample documents and a collection of Knowledge Nuggets that provide more in-depth detail on the wider processes.
When will I receive my joining instructions?
Joining instructions for QA courses are sent two weeks prior to the course start date, or immediately if the booking is confirmed within this timeframe. For course bookings made via QA but delivered by a third-party supplier, joining instructions are sent to attendees prior to the training course, but timescales vary depending on each supplier’s terms. Read more FAQs.
When will I receive my certificate?
Certificates of Achievement are issued at the end the course, either as a hard copy or via email. Read more here.