Question 1

How many EC-AI practice questions are there?

Accepted Answer

135 questions across 1 version, each with the correct answer and an explanation.

Question 2

Are there free EC-AI sample questions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 12 sample questions are free; 6 are open to everyone and the rest unlock with a free account.

Question 3

What does full access include?

Accepted Answer

Every EC-AI question in study, timed and flashcard modes, explanations for each answer, and progress that saves so you can resume.

Question 4

What topics does EC-AI cover?

Accepted Answer

An Introduction to AI and Historical Development (15%), Ethical and Legal Considerations (15%), Enablers of Artificial Intelligence (15%), Finding and Using Data in Artificial Intelligence (20%), Using AI in Your Organisation (20%), Future Planning and Impact - Human Plus Machine (15%).

Question 5

What is the BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence?

Accepted Answer

The BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence (EC-AI) is an entry-level certification from BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. It validates foundational knowledge of AI terminology, ethical considerations, machine learning basics, data concepts, organisational use of AI, and the future impact of AI. It is suitable for professionals across all industries who want to understand AI fundamentals.

Question 6

How many questions are on the BCS AI Essentials exam and what is the pass mark?

Accepted Answer

The BCS AI Essentials exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 30 minutes. The pass mark is 65%, meaning you need to answer at least 13 out of 20 questions correctly. It is a closed-book, supervised examination.

Question 7

How much does the BCS AI Essentials exam cost?

Accepted Answer

The BCS AI Essentials exam costs GBP 160 in the UK (inclusive of a GBP 35 remote proctoring fee, VAT not included). International prices vary by region. If you study with an accredited training provider, course-plus-exam packages typically start from GBP 695 plus VAT.

Question 8

What is the difference between BCS AI Essentials V1.2 and V2.0?

Accepted Answer

V2.0 launched in September 2024 and expanded from 4 domains to 6. It adds dedicated coverage of ethical and legal considerations, data quality, generative AI, LLMs, ISO 42001, UK AI Principles, project management approaches, and organisational governance. V1.2 was more technically focused with topics like agent types (PEAS) and neural network schematics. V1.2 must be sat by 29 May 2025; from 30 May 2025, only V2.0 is available.

Question 9

Do I need any prerequisites for the BCS AI Essentials exam?

Accepted Answer

No. There are no formal entry requirements or prerequisites for the BCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence. It is designed as an entry-level qualification. However, BCS recommends approximately 40 hours of self-study if you have no prior AI knowledge, and training with a BCS accredited provider is highly recommended.

Question 10

What is the next certification after BCS AI Essentials?

Accepted Answer

The next step is the BCS Foundation Certificate in Artificial Intelligence, which is a more in-depth examination with 40 questions over 60 minutes at a 65% pass mark. Beyond that, BCS offers the Artificial Intelligence Foundation Pathway and the Foundation Certificate in the Ethical Build of AI for further specialisation.

Question 11

Can I take the BCS AI Essentials exam online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The BCS AI Essentials exam is delivered in online format only. You can sit it via BCS remote proctoring (using Questionmark) or through Pearson VUE. To book directly with BCS, call +44 (0)1793 417417. For Pearson VUE, visit pearsonvue.com/us/en/bcs.

Question 12

What topics are covered in the BCS AI Essentials V2.0 syllabus?

Accepted Answer

The V2.0 syllabus covers six domains: (1) An Introduction to AI and Historical Development (15%), (2) Ethical and Legal Considerations (15%), (3) Enablers of Artificial Intelligence (15%), (4) Finding and Using Data in AI (20%), (5) Using AI in Your Organisation (20%), and (6) Future Planning and Impact - Human Plus Machine (15%). Key topics include AI definitions, AI history milestones, ethics vs law, UK AI Principles, ISO 42001, robotics, machine learning, data quality, generative AI, LLMs,…

Question 13

Is the BCS AI Essentials exam difficult?

Accepted Answer

The BCS AI Essentials exam is designed as an entry-level certification and is considered accessible for candidates who prepare adequately. With 20 multiple-choice questions in 30 minutes and a 65% pass mark, the exam tests recognition and understanding of AI concepts rather than deep technical skills. BCS recommends a minimum of 40 hours of preparation for candidates with no prior AI knowledge.

Question 14

How long is the BCS AI Essentials certification valid?

Accepted Answer

BCS professional certifications, including the Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence, are typically lifetime credentials that do not expire. There is no mandatory recertification requirement. However, given the rapidly evolving nature of AI, BCS periodically updates the syllabus (as seen with the V1.2 to V2.0 transition) to ensure the certification remains current.

EC-AIBCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence practice test

Full access

Practice EC-AI in the simulator.

EC-AI, by the numbers.

Everything about EC-AI.

Exam information

What EC-AI covers

How do I earn this certification?

How to study for this exam?

What's changed on this exam?

Who should take this exam?

Three ways to practise

Study mode

Timed mode

Flashcards

EC-AI questions, answered

EC-AIBCS Essentials Certificate in Artificial Intelligence practice test

Full access

Practice EC-AI in the simulator.

EC-AI, by the numbers.

Everything about EC-AI.

Exam information

01Exam format30 min · 204

02Registration2

03Validity1

04In our question bankv1 (135)

What EC-AI covers

01An Introduction to AI and Historical Development15%3 topics

1.1State the definitions of key artificial intelligence termsTo build their understanding of AI, it is essential for candidates to recognise the definitions of the key artificial intelligence terms listed.5 obj.

1.2Identify key milestones in the development of artificial intelligenceCandidates will be able to identify key milestones in the evolution of AI from the 1956 Dartmouth conference through AI winters, to big data and generative AI.6 obj.

1.3Identify different types of AICandidates will be able to identify examples of narrow AI (Weak AI) and general AI (Strong AI).3 obj.

Hands-on skills & common mistakesConfusing Tom Mitchell's machine learning definition with the AI definition

02Ethical and Legal Considerations15%3 topics

03Enablers of Artificial Intelligence15%4 topics

04Finding and Using Data in Artificial Intelligence20%6 topics

05Using AI in Your Organisation20%3 topics

06Future Planning and Impact - Human Plus Machine15%4 topics