BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis
About the Diploma
The BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis is a prestigious certification for IT professionals seeking to advance their careers. This comprehensive qualification covers essential aspects of business analysis, equipping analysts with the skills to contribute effectively to organisational initiatives.
The diploma program encompasses vital areas such as requirements engineering, business process modelling, and stakeholder management, providing a solid foundation for success in the field.
Pursuing this certification offers numerous benefits for aspiring and experienced business analysts alike. It demonstrates a commitment to professional development and validates expertise in industry-recognised best practices. The BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis also serves as a stepping stone towards more advanced qualifications, such as the BCS Advanced International Diploma in Business Analysis.
Candidates undertaking this certification journey can expect to engage in rigorous training and assessment processes. The program involves a combination of written exams and an oral examination to evaluate the application of knowledge in real-world scenarios.
By completing the BCS International Diploma, business analysts position themselves as valuable assets in the ever-evolving IT and business systems development landscape. This qualification offers:
- An internationally recognised certification
- Flexibility to develop skills in key areas relevant to both individuals and organisations
- Option to work towards the Diploma module by module or take a bundled training program (Please call 0141 222 2227 for more information)
- Potential exemptions for holders of IIBA, IREB, or Organisational Context certifications
Who is it for?
This diploma is designed for business and IT professionals who want to demonstrate a detailed understanding of best practices for business analysis and enhance their career prospects.
How to Obtain the Diploma
To gain the full BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis, candidates must:
- Pass four one-hour examinations on various business analysis topics
- Successfully complete an oral examination with BCS examiners
Diploma Structure
To complete their certification, candidates are required to complete two core modules and select two additional modules: one “knowledge-based” and one “practitioner” module. The choice of modules is tailored to each individual’s unique circumstances and career goals.
This flexible approach allows professionals to customise their learning path and acquire skills most relevant to their specific roles and industry needs. By offering this adaptability, the certification program ensures that candidates can align their studies with both personal development goals and the demands of their professional environment.
Core Modules (Mandatory)
Knowledge-Based Specialist Modules (Choose One)
- BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis
- BCS Foundation Certificate in Digital Business Change
- BCS Foundation Certificate in IS Project Management
Practitioner Modules (Choose One)
- BCS Certificate in Modelling Business Processes
- BCS Certificate in Systems Development Essentials
- BCS Certificate in Systems Modelling Techniques
- BCS Certificate in Benefits Management and Business Acceptance
- BCS Certificate in Data Management Essentials
Preparing for the BCS Business Analysis Oral Examination
While not mandatory, attending a specialised preparation workshop is highly recommended before taking the Oral exam. This workshop provides invaluable benefits:
- Structured review of key concepts
- Practice with sample questions and scenarios
- Feedback from experienced instructors
- Strategies for effective communication during the exam
- Confidence-building through mock examinations
Ideally, candidates should schedule their preparation workshop one to two weeks before the exam. This timing allows for optimal retention of information and skills while providing enough time for final revisions.
By investing in this preparatory step, candidates significantly enhance their chances of success in the oral examination, ensuring they can effectively demonstrate their business analysis expertise under exam conditions.
Examination Process
- Complete the required courses and pass associated exams for each module
- Attend an oral examination preparation workshop (recommended)
- Sit the final oral examination (approximately 50 minutes)
Oral Examination Format
- Duration: Up to 50 minutes
- Examiners: One or two professionals in the field
- Recording: All exams will be recorded for quality assurance
Oral Examination Content
- Questions will be derived from the official oral examination syllabus
- Additional topics will be based on your chosen specialist modules
- Examiners will present scenarios that require you to:
- Apply your business analysis knowledge
- Demonstrate understanding of complex situations
- Provide practical solutions to real-world problems