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BCS International Diploma in Solution Development Higher
Solution Development is an important factor in businesses, as efficiently functioning IT systems are vital to successful business performance. The International Diploma in Solution Development is the industry-recognised qualification that truly demonstrates the knowledge, skills and capabilities to be effective in solutions development.
Overview
What are the learning outcomes?
The Diploma has been designed to offer candidates real flexibility to develop skills in the areas most relevant to them and their organisation. It provides breadth as well as depth with core and associated modules in disciplines such as service management.
The table below outlines the module certificates that form the Diploma in Solution Development. Candidates must have passed two Core modules; one Knowledge based specialist module and one Practitioner specialist module to be eligible for the oral examination.
Diploma Module CertificatesCore modules Knowledge-based specialism Practitioner specialism Systems Development Essentials Foundation Certificate in Systems Development Business Analysis Practice Systems Modelling Techniques Intermediate Certificate in Enterprise & Solution Architecture Systems Design Techniques ISTQB-ISEB Certified Tester Foundation Level Practitioner Certificate in Enterprise & Solution Architecture Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management (V3) Integrating Off-the-shelf Software Solutions 2 of the above 1 of the above 1 of the above
Oral ExaminationHaving passed the four modules required, the candidate must then pass an oral examination to be awarded the Diploma. The oral examination is based on the oral syllabus.
Who is it aimed at?This qualification is aimed at practising solution developers and professionals from related disciplines, who wish to gain a detailed understanding of solution development best practice.
Entry Requirements:The entry criteria for this examination are:
- Examination passes in the BCS Certificates in Systems Development Essentials and Systems Modelling Techniques
- An examination pass in one of the knowledge-based specialist modules defined within the syllabus
- An examination pass in one of the practitioner specialist modules defined within the syllabus.
At least one of these examination passes must have been achieved within 12 months of the date of the oral examination unless an exemption has been agreed with the Examinations Officer.
Book Exam
This section contains information and documents that will help you take this examination.
Structure of the Exam
Format and content of the oral examination
The oral examination leading to the International Diploma in Solution Development consists of an interview lasting up to 50 minutes. The interview is conducted by two examiners each of whom will have been provided with a copy of the candidate’s registration form.
The oral examination will take the following format:
- Introductions and discussion of experience based upon the registration form. This will be led by the examiner initiating the oral examination.
- Questions from the initiating examiner. This should last for approximately 25 minutes.
- Questions from the 2nd examiner. This should last for approximately 25 minutes.
- Oral examination close.
The oral examiners will ask questions covering a range of the topics from the oral syllabus, including subjects covered in the candidate’s selected specialist modules. Please note that the oral syllabus may include topics that have not been covered by the module certificates taken by the candidate.
Full information can be found in the Oral Syllabus (PDF) and the Candidate Guidelines (PDF).
Exam Options, Dates & Locations
There are two exam options for this certification:
- Accredited Examination Provider (exam only)
- Public Examinations (exam only)
Accredited Examination Provider
BCS accredits Examination Providers and promotes those organisations which demonstrate that they use competent staff and suitable examination papers. BCS does not accredit the course materials used by the Examination Providers who deliver the courses for the BSD scheme.
Find an Examination ProviderPublic Examinations - London
Time: As selected when making online booking & payment
Venue: BCS, The Davidson Building, 5 Southampton Street, London, WC2E 7HA- Friday 25 October 2013 (Solution Development Oral Exams)
- Friday 29 November 2013 (Solution Development Oral Exams)
Public examinations must be booked and paid for a minimum of three weeks prior to the examination date (subject to availability). If you are applying directly, you should register and pay online using our Online Registration Facility.
Public Examinations - Edinburgh
Time: As selected when making booking & payment
Venue: Edinburgh Training and Conference Venue,16 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SU- Friday 2 August 2013 (Solution Development Oral Exams)
- Friday 6 September 2013 (Solution Development Oral Exams)
Public examinations must be booked and paid for a minimum of three weeks prior to the examination date (subject to availability). If you are applying directly, you should register and pay online using our Online Registration Facility.
It is essential that you complete and sign, either physically or digitally and return the registration form when booking this exam. If the completed, signed, form is not returned then you will be unable to sit this exam.
Please ensure that you use your current candidate number when registering and booking online, if you are unsure of this number then please contact our customer services team on 01793 417655 who will be able to advise.Exam Fees
Public Examinations cost £175 (excluding VAT) for the oral exam.
If you are booking via an Accredited Examination Provider then you can obtain information on fees and charges by contacting them directly.
Register for the Exam
Examination Provider
If you are taking training through an accredited examination provider, you will obtain and submit your registration form through them.Public Examinations
Prior to booking an oral examination, candidates should download and complete one of the following forms, depending on your chosen specialism, and either email this to certifications@hq.bcs.org.uk or post to BSD Diploma, PDS Client Services, BCS Offices, 1st Floor, Block D, North Star House, North Star Avenue, Swindon, SN2 1FA.BSD6 registration form - Solution Development
Payment methods:
a) Cheque (made payable to BCS)
b) Visa/Access/MasterCard
c) Invoice (this must be paid a minimum of three weeks prior to the exam date)Please note that an additional fee is chargeable for late cancellations
Examination Providers
Further information about The Diploma in Solution Development can be obtained from our Examination providers.