The BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis is the entry-level business analysis certification from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. The exam has 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, you need 65% (26 out of 40) to pass, and there are no prerequisites. It is the recommended first step towards the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis.
The BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis covers the fundamental knowledge needed for a business analysis role: what business analysts do, the competencies they need, and the core techniques they use to understand business problems and recommend solutions.
It's the starting point of the BCS business analysis path. It builds the foundation for the Practitioner certificates, such as Business Analysis Practice and Requirements Engineering, and counts towards the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis. It's also useful for professionals in related roles, such as project managers and business change managers, who need a solid understanding of business analysis.
Code : BAF
Exam Name : BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis
Awarding Body : BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT
Level : Foundation (entry level)
Number of Questions : 40 multiple-choice
Duration : 60 minutes
Pass Mark: 65% (26 out of 40)
Open Book : No
Prerequisites : None
Languages : English, Dutch, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, German
Current Syllabus : Launched December 2020
Status : Active
Topic : What Is Business Analysis
What It Covers : The origins, scope and value of business analysis, and the role of the business analyst
Topic : Business Analysis Competencies
What It Covers : The personal qualities, business knowledge and professional techniques a BA needs
Topic : Strategy Analysis
What It Covers : External analysis (PESTLE), internal analysis (MOST, resource audit) and SWOT analysis
Topic : The Business Analysis Process Model
What It Covers : The stages of business analysis work, from investigating the situation to defining requirements
Topic : Investigation Techniques
What It Covers : Interviews, workshops, observation, document analysis and other techniques
Topic : Stakeholder Analysis and Management
What It Covers : Identifying, analysing and engaging stakeholders
Topic : Modelling Business Systems and Processes
What It Covers : Business activity models and process models
Topic : Gap Analysis and Requirements
What It Covers : Comparing current and future states, and defining requirements
Topic : The Business Case
What It Covers : Identifying options, costs, benefits and risks to support decisions
New and aspiring business analysts
Project managers, product owners and business change managers
IT professionals moving into business-facing roles
Anyone starting the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis
Ready for the next step? Continue with our BCS Business Analysis Practice, BCS Requirements Engineering or BCS Modelling Business Processes practice exams.
BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis
Level : Foundation
Role in the Path : The recommended starting point
BCS Practitioner Certificate in Business Analysis Practice
Level : Practitioner
Role in the Path : Core module of the International Diploma
BCS Practitioner Certificate in Requirements Engineering
Level : Practitioner
Role in the Path : Core module of the International Diploma
The exam has 40 multiple-choice questions, and you have 60 minutes to complete it.
The pass mark is 65%, which means at least 26 correct answers out of 40.
No. There are no formal prerequisites, which makes it the ideal starting point for a business analysis career.
No. The exam is closed book, and no electronic equipment is allowed.
It covers what business analysis is, BA competencies, strategy analysis (PESTLE, MOST and SWOT), the business analysis process model, stakeholder analysis, business modelling, requirements and the business case.
The next steps are the Practitioner certificates, such as Business Analysis Practice and Requirements Engineering, which lead towards the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis.
The exam is available in English, Dutch, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese and German.
Study anywhere with our portable PDF question bank
Simulate real exam conditions with our online engine
Everything you need to know about the BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis Practice Exam certification
Showing 5 of 20 FAQs
3,402 Students Downloaded this exam
Updated September 10, 2026
Stay current with frequently updated content
We're confident in our materials' quality