Knowledge Based Systems - BCS Foundation Award

Build AI systems that think logically — capturing human expertise to support smarter, explainable decision-making.

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just about data and machine learning; it’s also about knowledge, logic, and decision-making.


Many of today’s AI systems rely on data-driven models, but organisations still need systems that can apply rules, replicate expert thinking, and provide clear, explainable outcomes. This is where Knowledge-Based Systems (KBS) play a critical role.


The BCS Foundation Award in Knowledge-Based Systems aligns with SFIA Level 3 and introduces how AI can capture human expertise and use it to make intelligent decisions. You’ll explore how rule-based systems work, how they complement machine learning, and how organisations use them in real-world applications such as diagnostics, automation, and customer support.


For individuals, this provides a deeper understanding of how AI systems make decisions.

For organisations, it supports the development of more reliable, explainable, and controllable AI solutions.

Pay with Klarna, PayPal, or card – interest-free instalments available, no credit check. Contact us to arrange live training or payment via invoice.

Accredited Excellence You Can Trust

Duco Digital is a BCS-accredited training provider, offering courses that uphold the highest standards in learning artificial intelligence. Each module aligns with the official BCS syllabus, giving you the knowledge, confidence, and credentials to excel.

Trusted by professionals and organisations worldwide. Certified by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.

About the Course

The BCS Foundation Award in Knowledge-Based Systems explores one of the core approaches to Artificial Intelligence — systems that use rules, logic, and structured knowledge to make decisions.

You’ll learn how Knowledge-Based Systems are designed, including how they capture human expertise in a knowledge base and apply reasoning through an inference engine. The course also covers how rules are created and applied, and how systems can make decisions using structured logic.

You’ll explore how Knowledge-Based Systems complement modern AI techniques such as machine learning, helping organisations build solutions that are both intelligent and explainable.

The syllabus highlights that these systems enable AI applications to make decisions by capturing and applying human expertise — particularly valuable in environments where reliability, transparency, and consistency are critical. 

You'll learn:

By completing this course, you’ll gain the ability to:
 •  What Knowledge-Based Systems are and how they work
 • How AI systems capture and use human expertise
 • The structure of a Knowledge-Based System (knowledge base + inference engine)
 • How rules (IF, AND, THEN) are used to drive decisions
 • The difference between knowledge-based and data-driven AI
 • How Knowledge-Based Systems complement machine learning
 • The concept of case-based reasoning and how past solutions are reused
 • How AI systems deal with uncertainty using probability and fuzzy logic
 • How inference engines apply logic to generate outcomes
 • Real-world applications such as diagnostics, chatbots, and automation.

These skills are essential for anyone involved in data-driven or AI-supported work.

What you get:

 • Approx. 16 hours of online learning with 12 months’ access
 • BCS eCertificate on passing your exam
 • 1-year BCS Associate Membership (worth £92) after passing exam
 • Exam fee included — no hidden extras
 • Pass Assist package with live tutor support, practice exams, and exclusive video guides.
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Course Syllabus
Course Requirements
Career Path
course subjects you will learn

Course Syllabus

Concept of Uncertainty, Knowledge Based Systems
Use of Fuzzy Logic
Role of the Inference Engine
Forward Chaining and Backward Chaining
Case-Based Reasoning
How Knowledge-Based System Complement Machine Learning
Rules within Knowledge-Based Systems
Statements Used Within Rules
Role OF Knowldge Bsed Systems Within an AI Solution
Eligibility for the course

Course Requirements

No mandatory pre-requisites.
A good level of English
is recommended
An internet connection with a mobile/tablet or laptop is required

Not sure if this course is right for you?
Contact us to check your suitability before starting.

career opportunities 

Career Path

Understanding how AI makes decisions is a key differentiator in today’s job market.

This course helps you:
 • Build deeper technical understanding of AI systems
 • Strengthen your ability to design or evaluate AI solutions
 • Develop skills in logic, reasoning, and decision-making systems
 • Position yourself in areas such as AI governance and explainability

It supports progression into roles such as:
 • AI or Machine Learning Practitioner
 • Business Analyst (AI / Digital)
 • Knowledge Engineer
 • AI Governance or Responsible AI roles
 • Technical Consultant.
  • Health
  • Robotics
  • Engineering & Manufacturing

  • Finance
  • Government
  • Consulting

  • Retail
  • IT & Telecommunications
It's important to note that virtually all sectors can benefit from artificial intelligence (AI) training, as AI is becoming crucial to understand in nearly every industry.

Pass Assist

Your course price isn’t just for learning materials — it includes the complete Pass Assist package, designed to give you the best chance of passing your BCS exam with confidence.

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Two live video calls

Two live video calls with your course trainer for Q&A and a deeper understanding

Practice exam papers

Practice exam papers to test your knowledge and get exam-ready

Exclusive video guides

Exclusive video guides to make a learning plan, maximise the course, and prepare effectively

Tutor support

Tutor support via forum, email, and WhatsApp for help whenever you need it

BCS exam included 

BCS exam fee included — take your exam when you’re ready, at no extra cost
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EMPLOYERS
NEED  PROFESSIONALS WITH QUALITY AI KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

50%

AI projects require human oversight due to decision transparency concerns


Explainable AI is one of the fastest-growing areas in AI governance and regulation

65%

Organisations say lack of explainability is a major barrier to adopting AI

DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Explore the BCS Diploma in Artificial Intelligence

If you’re looking to build deeper, career-focused expertise across multiple aspects of Artificial Intelligence, the BCS Foundation Pathway in Artificial Intelligence (AI Diploma) may be a better fit. The AI Diploma allows you to explore AI from multiple perspectives — including data, ethics, machine learning, risk, governance, and real-world organisational use — rather than focusing on a single course. Learners select 8 accredited AI awards from a wider suite of options, creating a personalised pathway that reflects their role, interests, or career goals.

Designed by BCS, the Diploma provides a structured, recognised route for professionals who want to demonstrate broad AI competence, not just awareness.
The AI Diploma is ideal if you want to:
 • Develop expertise across multiple AI disciplines, not just the basics
 • Build a strong, evidence-based AI skillset for career progression
 • Support roles in leadership, consultancy, data, IT, governance, or transformation
 • Show employers you understand AI holistically, including risk and ethics
 • Create a flexible, accredited learning pathway aligned to your career.
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Many learners start with the BCS Foundation Certificate in Artificial Intelligence and then progress into the Diploma to broaden their knowledge and strengthen their professional credibility. 
Explore the BCS AI Diploma Pathway or contact us to discuss which pathway best suits your goals.

Learners from These Organisations Choose Us

Meet Your Instructors

Darren Winter

Company Director and BCS Trainer
I’m Darren, BCS Accredited Trainer and Company Director of Duco Digital Training. I've been teaching AI for over 7 years and am completing my PhD in AI Ethics at Cordoba University.
If you have any questions about choosing the right course for your career, please contact me.

James Mc Connell

Accredited BCS  AI Trainer
James has more than forty years’ experience in technical, management and digital roles across a range of sectors including manufacturing, defence, social enterprise and public services.  He is an engineering graduate and postgraduate in education, business and risk.  James is an experienced speaker, lecturer and instructor and is passionate about empowering people to harness their digital superpowers for good.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is BCS?

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, is an internationally respected professional organisation, recognised and trusted by businesses, academic institutions, and IT professionals around the world. Representing over 60,000 members across 150 countries,

BCS brings together a global community of technology experts, educators, industry leaders, and policy-makers. Its purpose is to steer the IT profession through ethical and societal challenges, nurture the skills and careers of those within the field, and champion the use of technology for the greater good. Through its qualifications, events, and professional networks, BCS promotes continuous learning, thought leadership, and responsible innovation across the global tech landscape.

What is SFIA Plus?

SFIA Plus is a comprehensive, BCS-developed enhancement of the SFIA framework,  a globally recognised, seven-level framework that provides a common language for defining skills, competencies, and responsibilities in the digital world.

SFIA Plus provides detailed competency, training, and development resources for over 120 IT skills. It serves as a 3D, 7-level career roadmap to help organisations and individuals benchmark skills, define roles, and map career progression. 

Why should I take this course?

Not all AI systems are black boxes.

In many industries, organisations need AI that is:
 • Explainable
 • Auditable
 • Consistent
 • Aligned with business rules.

This course will help you:
 • Understand how rule-based AI systems make decisions
 • Build knowledge of explainable and transparent AI approaches
 • Complement your understanding of machine learning with logical AI systems
 • Apply structured thinking to problem-solving and decision-making
 • Gain a recognised, accredited certification.

For organisations, it helps teams:
 • Develop AI systems that are explainable and trustworthy
 • Capture and scale expert knowledge
 • Improve consistency in decision-making
 • Reduce reliance on purely data-driven models.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for:
 • Professionals looking to deepen their understanding of AI systems
 • Individuals working in AI, data, or digital transformation roles
 • Business analysts and technical professionals involved in decision systems
 • Those interested in explainable AI and rule-based systems
 • Organisations building or evaluating AI solutions

The syllabus highlights that this course is particularly suited to those exploring the more technical aspects of AI and how different AI approaches work together.

What does the course include?

  • Online access to structured modules and lessons that follow the official BCS syllabus
  • Pass Assist support package (tutor calls, practice papers, video guides, discussion forum, email/WhatsApp support)
  • 1 year access to the BCS eLibrary of over 100 ebooks in business and technology and includes the recommended BCS books for this course
  • A personal course login that saves your progress
  • Exam booking guidance and support
  • A BCS eCertificate and 1-year Associate Membership* when you pass
  • VAT.


*New BCS members only

What is Pass Assist?

Pass Assist is our unique support package designed to give you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pass your BCS exam.

When you enroll in this course, Pass Assist gives you:
  • Two live video calls with your course trainer to ask questions and deepen your understanding
  • Practice exam papers to test your knowledge and get familiar with the exam format
  • Exclusive video guides to help you make a learning plan, get the most from the course, and prepare effectively for the exam
  • Ongoing tutor support via discussion forum, email, and WhatsApp for guidance whenever you need it


With Pass Assist, you’re never learning alone—you have the tools and support to succeed.

When is the start date of the course?

Self-study: Begin right after enrolment — learn anytime, anywhere. Book a 15-minute welcome call and a 15-minute exam prep session with your trainer directly via the course link.

Live training: Held on mutually agreed dates. Contact us to check availability.

How to start the course?

Enrol online now with card, PayPal, or Klarna — or contact us for invoice/bank transfer.

If you prefer live training, please contact us or message us on WhatsApp with a date you would like the training and any requirements, for example, the number of people. 

We train individuals and support teams with their training needs in organisations, colleges, universities, and government departments in different countries. Contact us if you have any questions.

What happens after I enroll?

  1. Click on the enrolment email to gain access.
  2. Complete your study
  3. Book your BCS exam using the link in the BCS email sent to you 14 days after enrolment
  4. Take your exam
  5. Download your BCS certificate from your BCS exam account when you pass
  6. Access your free* 1-year BCS Associate membership from the link in your BCS exam account when you pass
  7. Create a BCS professional profile, access further learning, build networks, and access career tools with a BCS membership

*New BCS members only

What is studying with Duco Digital Training like?


  • Self-paced learning that fits around your schedule

  • Step-by-step modules aligned with the syllabus

  • Our unique Pass Assist package of tutor support, BCS-recommended Books* discussion forums, and exam preparation resources

  • Accredited courses trusted by organisations worldwide

  • BCS certification and membership** that add real career value.


*BCS eBooks as recommended on your syllabus
** Pass the BCS exam to claim your certification. Membership for new BCS members only.

I prefer live training — how can I book this?

Prefer learning in real time with a trainer? We offer live online training for groups of two or more. If you’re learning solo, you can invite a friend or colleague to join. To book, just contact us with your preferred dates and group size, and we’ll confirm availability and customise the session to your needs.

Can organisations buy this course for teams?

Yes. Duco Digital Training partners with organisations, colleges, universities, and government departments around the world. We can enrol teams of any size, giving each learner their own login, progress tracking, and Pass Assist support. Payment is available by invoice or bank transfer, and our self-study approach allows groups to learn consistently, at their own pace, while keeping costs manageable.

How long will I have access to the course? 

You have 12 months to complete all BCS courses and take the exam. For career pathways that include multiple courses, simply contact us if you need extra time.

Live Training for Companies

Looking to train a team?* We deliver bespoke live training in AI for organisations worldwide – online or onsite.
Tailored sessions, group discounts, and the same exam-ready Pass Assist package. Ideal for teams adopting AI tools, developing AI strategies, or needing confidence around ethical and responsible use.
*minimum of two people
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What People Say About Us

The course is really thorough about AI in general, and it covers all of the basic knowledge about AI. As a lecturer myself, I will teach this to my students.
Cholid
The training provided will assist me to conduct AI research projects in a more professional and systematic way. The knowledge provided will be incredibly valuable for my future study in the field of computer vision.
Muhammad
Good training materials for remote learning, and the most impressive part was the speed at which they responded to questions. I also had issues with the exam (through the exam platform, not Duco) and they were really helpful in resolving it.
Tom
The course is really thorough about AI in general, and it covers all of the basic knowledge about AI. As a lecturer myself, I will teach this to my students.
Cholid
The training provided will assist me to conduct AI research projects in a more professional and systematic way. The knowledge provided will be incredibly valuable for my future study in the field of computer vision.
Muhammad
Good training materials for remote learning, and the most impressive part was the speed at which they responded to questions. I also had issues with the exam (through the exam platform, not Duco) and they were really helpful in resolving it.
Tom

Get in touch today to discuss enrolment, team training, or payment options.

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