Introduction

Passing your BCS exams just once and in flying colors is very attainable. All you need is the right mindset and approach. Getting tutored in an accredited center is a plus as well.

BCS is a UK-based professional body for those working in the field of computing and IT. It offers a range of certification programs for IT professionals, including the BCS Certified Business Analysis Practice (CBAP) and the BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis.

For the BCS, the exams are more focused and the approach is quite different.

Also, experience isn’t required until you get to the final stage. The Advanced International Diploma in Business Analysis requires 5 years of experience and one has to be trained before writing the exams. Upon successfully passing the exams, you earn the BCS Advanced International Diploma in Business Analysis. 

The BCS is a very comprehensive but much longer route than the IIBA and you don’t have to do all of them before you become a Practitioner in Business Analysis.

Another advantage of having a BCS is that you do not need to recertify, it is for life as compared to the IIBA in which you would be expected to recertify every 3 years except for the ECBA.

To be honest, the BCS can be considered a winner when it comes to the added benefits involved as well. Some of these benefits include:

• Exams are mapped to the SFIA plus IT skills framework.
• Entry into the RitTech register after completion of the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis.
• Eligibility for Chartered IT status after completion of the Advanced International Diploma in Business Analysis.

Can You Self-Study for the BCS HEQ Exams and Pass in Just One Sitting?

Yes, you can, provided you have an IT background. And by IT background, I am not talking about being just computer-literate. If you do not have any idea what IT is, then, I would advise you to join an Institute that can help you study and pass the BCS examinations with flying colors.

The BCS HEQ Exams are widely seen as a great option for attaining well-recognized qualifications in IT with the option to earn a degree. 

In summary, if you have no background in IT, then Self-Study won’t be a good option.

Tips For BCS HEQ Exam Success

Here are some tips to help you study and pass your BCS exams:

• Start studying well in advance of your exam. Don’t try to cram all of your studying into the last few days before the test.

• Create a study schedule and stick to it. Determine how much time you need to devote to studying each day or week to feel prepared for the exam.

• Take practice exams. These can help you get a feel for the types of questions that will be on the actual exam and identify any areas where you need to focus your studying.

• Make use of study aids such as flashcards, study guides, and notes. These can be especially helpful for memorizing important information.

• Take breaks and make sure to get plenty of rest. It’s important to take breaks to give your mind a chance to rest and absorb what you’ve learned.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re struggling with a particular concept, don’t hesitate to reach out to a tutor or mentor for assistance.

• Try to relax and stay calm on exam day. If you’ve prepared well and have confidence in your knowledge, you’ll be more likely to do well on the exam.

How Much IT Background Knowledge Do I Need to Self-Study?

To self-study for the BCS (British Computer Society) exams, it is helpful to have a strong foundation in computer science and information technology. This includes a good understanding of programming, computer systems, networking, data management, and related concepts. 

If you have completed a degree or post-secondary certificate in computer science or a related field, you should already have a good base of knowledge that you can build upon. If you do not have a formal education in computer science, you may need to spend more time learning the basics before attempting the BCS exams. 

In either case, it is important to have a strong motivation to learn and a willingness to put in the time and effort to study for the exams.

Accredited BCS Training Centres in the World

BCS accredits training providers around the world to deliver BCS-approved courses and qualifications.

To find a list of BCS-accredited training providers, you can visit the BCS website and use the “Find a training provider” tool. Just select your location and the type, of course, you are interested in, and the tool will display a list of accredited training providers in your area. 

Alternatively, you can contact BCS directly and they will be able to provide you with more information about accredited training providers in your area.

If you are in Nigeria, the following are some of the accredited BCS training centers:

• Twim Institute, Ibadan, Nigeria (they run both online and offline classes)
• Techops
• BACS International
• Jobskills Training Institute

After Passing the BCS Exams, What Next?

After passing the BCS exams, you may be able to become a member of the BCS and use the professional designations associated with your level of membership. 

You may also be able to use your BCS qualifications to pursue further education or training in the field of information technology. 

Additionally, you may be able to use your BCS qualifications to advance your career by seeking out job opportunities that require or prefer candidates with BCS qualifications.

Conclusion

The truth is, as an individual looking forward to writing the BCS examinations, having a background knowledge in IT is a plus and you might need very little to no tutoring at all, depending on your level of proficiency. However, if you are just venturing into the IT world, joining an accredited training center, for either online or offline classes is strongly recommended. 

So, at the moment, are you confident you can go ahead with the examinations with no tutoring whatsoever? And if you belong to the team who would need some tutoring as regards studying and passing the examinations in just one sitting, I’d love to read your comments in the comment section below.