EXIN BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis

Business analysis is a research discipline of identifying business needs and determining solutions to business problems. Solutions often include a software-systems development component, but may also consist of process improvement, organizational change or strategic planning and policy development.

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This certification provides a foundation for the range of specialist BCS modular certificates in the areas of Business Analysis, IS Consultancy and Business Change. The certification can also be used as the knowledge-based specialist module for the International Diploma in Business Analysis. In addition, the certification provides foundation-level Business Analysis knowledge for specialists in other disciplines, particularly Project Managers and System Developers.

Scope and Concept

Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business analysis principles and techniques. Key areas are:

  • the role and competencies of a business analyst
  • strategy analysis
  • business system and business process modelling
  • stakeholder analysis
  • investigation and modelling techniques
  • requirements engineering
  • business case development

The syllabus is based on the BCS publication Business Analysis, 3rd edition, and it is recommended that this text is studied by those preparing to take this examination. The headings listed in the syllabus relate to the relevant chapter headings, section headings and text included in this publication.

Summary
This certificate covers the range of concepts, approaches and techniques that are applicable to Business Analysis. Candidates are required to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of these aspects of Business Analysis.


Context
This Foundation in Business Analysis certificate can be studied alongside other BA Foundation certificates, prior to progressing to Practitioner level.

Target group
The certificate is relevant to anyone requiring an understanding of Business Analysis including business analysts, business managers and their staff, business change managers and project managers.

Requirements for certification

There are no specific pre-requisites for entry to the examination; however candidates should possess the appropriate level of knowledge to fulfil the objective shown above. Accredited training is strongly recommended but is not a pre-requisite.


Examination details

  • Examination type: Computer-based or paper-based multiple-choice questions
  • Number of questions: 40
  • Pass mark: 65%
  • Open book/notes: No
  • Electronic equipment/aides permitted: No
  • Time allotted for examination: 60 minutes
  • The Rules and Regulations for EXIN’s examinations apply to this exam.

Training

Candidates can study for this certificate in two ways: by attending a training course provided by Accredited Training Organisation or by self-study. An accredited training course will require a minimum of 18 hours of study run over a minimum of three days. A reading list to support selfstudy is provided below.


Contact hours

The recommended number of contact hours for this training course is 18. This includes group assignments, exam preparation and short breaks. This number of hours does not include homework, logistics for exam preparation and lunch breaks.


Indication study effort

18 hours, depending on existing knowledge