Personal Update: BCS Essential Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We are currently in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) summer, with new AI solutions and AI features appearing in various technologies. The popularity and usage of AI is growing which brings both positives (automation, new solutions) and negatives (ethical issues, bias). As I’m using AI in my professional role, and at home for my personal projects I decided to expand my AI knowledge.

BCS Essential Certificate in Artificial Intelligence

BCS is the Chartered Institute for IT, formed in 1957 it has a royal charter. BCS provides help and guidance to individuals, organisations and the UK government on various technology matters.

BCS created the Essential Certificate in Artificial Intelligence to help discuss key terminology, the benefits and risks of AI, whilst introducing the processes that Machine Learning uses, and the future of humans / machines in work. The certification was originally created in 2018 and updated in 2023.

I enjoyed the certification and it introduced me to some AI references that I had not heard of before, such as the Asimolov Principles, and that we in the UK have AI principles. There is also a recommended reading list that included titles I’ve added to my reading list, and I’m looking forward to learning more about Tom Mitchell’s work as his definition of Machine Learning is one of the pillars of the certification.

Syllabus

The certification is split into 6 sections:

1. An Introduction to AI and Historical Development

State the definitions of key artificial intelligence terms
Identify key milestones in the development of artificial intelligence
Identify different types of AI

2. Ethical and Legal Considerations

Identify the role of ethics in AI
State key ethical concerns in AI
Identify guiding principles in the use of ethical AI

3. Enables of Artificial Intelligence

List common examples of AI
Identify robotics in AI
Describe machine learning
Identify common machine learning concepts

4. Finding and Using Data in Artificial Intelligence

State key data terms
Identify the characteristics of data quality
State the risks associated with handling data in AI
Identify data visualisation techniques and tools
State key generative AI terms
Identify the use of data in the machine learning process

5. Using AI in Your Organisation

Identify opportunities for AI in your organisation
Identify project management approaches
Identify governance activities associated with implementing AI

6. Future Planning and Impact – Human Plus Machine

Describe the roles and career opportunities presented by AI
Identify AI uses in the real world
Identify AI’s impact on society
Describe the future of AI

Certified!

The exam for the certification was scheduled for 30 minutes, containing 20 multiple choice questions, and I’m happy to write I’ve passed and earned my BCS Essential Certificate in Artificial Intelligence.