Section 1
Overview of Qualifications
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Do you want early recognition of your IT expertise?
Are you planning to advance your career and achieve promotion?
Are you looking for a new career direction in Information Technology?
Do you want to study from a flexible, realistic and manageable syllabus?
BCS Professional Examinations are the essential qualifications for a career in computing and information technology (IT). Trusted for its independence and integrity, BCS is the only Chartered Engineering Institution for IT professionals which can award an internationally recognised professional qualification. The three levels of examination (Certificate, Diploma, and Professional Graduate Diploma) and associated projects have been developed in consultation with employers to meet the demands and evolving needs of the IT community. At their highest level, the examinations are examined to the academic level of a UK university honours degree and acknowledge practical experience and academic ability. As an added benefit, all candidates now receive BCS Membership. Being a member of BCS demonstrates your commitment to both your own and the IT communitys professional development. So, whether you seek greater job recognition, promotion or a new career direction, youll find BCS Professional Examinations are flexible and relevant to your needs.
Professional Graduate Diploma
Diploma Certificate
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WHY BCS PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATIONS?
Setting the Standard for IT Professionalism As the chartered professional body for IT professionals, BCS Qualifications set the highest standard of best practice. Internationally Recognised Qualifications With members in over 100 countries around the world, BCS is the only Chartered Engineering Institution for IT professionals which can award an internationally recognised professional qualification. Relevant to Industry The examinations have been developed in consultation with employers to meet the demands and evolving needs of the IT [Link] are constantly updated to acknowledge both practical and academic experience confirming your proficiency, and endorsing your skills and capabilities to apply that knowledge in your workplace. Flexible Modular Course Structure The modular structure offers three levels of qualification (Certificate, Diploma and Professional Graduate Diploma), allowing you to demonstrate your expertise at your chosen level. Courses are available in a variety of formats, including part-time and distance learning. This allows you to progress at the pace that is appropriate to you. Excellent Support BCS is committed to high quality course provision. We have registered course providers in countries throughout the world, all of whom adhere to a strict code of practice to ensure candidates rights are protected so that they have the best possible chance of success with our examinations. Route to Study at UK Universities Passing the Professional Graduate Diploma level (and project) provides successful candidates with the opportunity for postgraduate study in an IT-related subject at UK universities. A Pathway to BCS Professional Membership Graduating at the Professional Graduate Diploma level (and project) provides candidates with the eligibility to apply for BCS professional membership (MBCS). Completion at the Diploma level with work experience provides eligibility for MBCS, whilst completion at Certificate level provides access to BCS Associate membership (AMBCS).
I initially took accountancy exams (ACCA) in Mauritius, but wanted to change my career path to move into IT solutions. BCS Professional Examinations really are prestigious IT qualifications that are highly respected worldwide. Taking the Professional Graduate Diploma has really boosted my morale and given me the confidence to face the world of IT. Siddick Ayoub, Professional Graduate Diploma candidate Mauritius
I chose the BCS Exams because of its recognition world over and because of its modular structure. I feel its a highly practical exam compared to others which are available and prepares you for the working environment. Anusha Dassanayake, Professional Graduate Diploma candidate Sri Lanka
My main reason for taking the Exam was to work towards Chartered status. Computing is an accessible field in which you can learn a great deal for yourself. However, taking a BCS Professional Exam gives you focus in your learning. The content is relevant to industry. Moreover, it is an academic specialist exam covering the fundamentals of IT. Chris Pheby, Professional Graduate Diploma candidate UK
Phone: +44 (0)1793 417424 [Link]/exams
BCS Prof Exams
2 hour written paper on: I Information Systems I Software Development I Computer & Network Technology 2 hour written paper on: I Professional Issues in Information Systems Practice 2 hour written paper on THREE of the following modules: Q Computer Networks Q Database Systems Q IT Project Management Q Object Oriented Programming Q Systems Analysis Computer Architecture Internet Technologies (new) IT Service Management Software Engineering 1 Systems Design The Internet and World Wide Web PROJECT Project submitted in Year 2 of a UK university honours degree UK university honours degree 31st Aug 2006 28th Feb 2007 ONLY I core and Q popular modules Year 2 of a UK university honours degree 15th Aug 2006 15th Jan 2007 20 academic points towards Professional Membership. Eligible to apply for MBCS if have 3 years experience as an IT professional Year 1 of a UK university honours degree 15th Aug 2006 15th Jan 2007 10 academic points Eligible to apply for Associate Membership (AMBCS)
Details
Modules (I core, Q popular, optional)
Academic level examined to
October 2006 sitting Entry Closing Date 2
April 2007 sitting Entry Closing Date 2
BCS Membership Points
Certificate
No formal academic entry requirements Internationally recognised Candidates typically educated to UK GCE A-level standard and at least 19yrs old Recommended study: minimum 200hrs per module1
Professional Examinations
Diploma
No formal academic entry requirements Internationally recognised Candidates typically educated to UK GCE A-level standard and at least 19yrs old Assumes knowledge of Certificate level modules Recommended study: minimum 225hrs per module1
Provides consideration for entry into selected IT degree courses with UK universities Recommended study: minimum 200hrs1
30 academic points towards Professional Membership. Eligible to apply for MBCS if have 2 years experience as an IT professional NO SITTING 15th Jan 2007 30 academic points towards Professional Membership. Eligible to apply for MBCS if have 2 years experience as an IT professional
Summary Sheet vital information at a glance
Professional Graduate Diploma 3 hour written paper on FOUR of the following modules: Advanced Database Management Systems Computer Services Management Distributed and Parallel Systems Knowledge based Systems Management Information Systems Network Information Systems Programming Paradigms Software Engineering 2 System Design Methods User Interface Design Web Engineering (new) World Wide Web Beyond the Basics PROJECT UK university honours degree project RESULTS2
No formal academic entry requirements Internationally recognised Candidates typically educated to UK GCE A-level standard and at least 19yrs old Assumes knowledge of Certificate and appropriate Diploma level modules Practical experience required to answer some questions Provides consideration for entry into selected IT degree courses with UK universities Recommended study: minimum 250hrs per module1
Provides consideration for entry into selected MSc courses with UK universities Recommended study: minimum 300hrs1
31st Aug 2006
28th Feb 2007
50 academic points. Eligible to apply for Professional Membership (MBCS) 8th Feb 2007 7th Aug 2007
IMPORTANT DATES
[Link]/exams
NOTES: (1) Additional study hours are recommended for those students who lack practical experience (2) extended dates for re-sits will go out with results letter
