Keep goals achievable by balancing ambition with realistic constraints and capability. Check relevance to ensure effort supports wider priorities and better resource use.
Add a firm timeframe to create urgency, accountability, and reduce procrastination. Instructor-led Self-paced

BCS Business Analysis courses

Start with BCS Business Analysis Foundation, build depth with practitioner-level modules, or achieve the International Diploma through a structured, recognised learning pathway.

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Contents25,000 professionals trained
Choose your course
Contents
Foundation
Business Analysis FoundationIntroduction to SMART goals
3 days or 30 hoursUnderstanding the SMART criteria
FromWriting SMART goals £499Benefits +VAT
View courseApplying SMART goals
 Conclusion
Practitioner
Business Analysis PracticeFAQs
3 days or 10 hoursInfographic
Introduction to SMART goalsFromSMART goals are a structured approach to goal setting, ensuring clarity and focus. They are an effective method for setting objectives by making them £749Specific+VAT,
View courseMeasurable
, Achievable
Practitioner,
Modelling Business ProcessesRelevant
, and 3 days or 13 hoursTime-bound
. This framework aids individuals and organisations in better planning and achieving their aims, ultimately leading to improved productivity and success.FromThe concept of £699SMART+VAT goals originated in November 1981, when George T. Doran published it in Management Review journal as a method for clearer and more achievable goal setting. Over time, it has become a widely accepted practice across various fields, from personal development to corporate management.
View courseAdopting SMART goals can provide psychological benefits such as reduced stress and enhanced motivation. Breaking down objectives into manageable parts allows individuals to focus on priorities, leading to more effective approaches to personal and professional challenges.
To learn more about how to set SMART goals, subscribe to our Business Analysis Learning Library (BALL)
Practitioner™
Requirements Engineering where you can learn 26 different business analysis techniques including SMART.
Understanding the SMART criteria 3 days or 16 hoursSpecific
Being Fromspecific
achievable
to maintain motivation and drive. It’s important to set objectives that are within reach yet still challenging. 12 days or 69 hoursBalancing ambition with practicality ensures that goals are inspiring but not discouraging. For instance, setting an objective to “Run a marathon in six months” is more realistic than aiming for one in a month with no prior training.
RelevantFromEnsuring that goals are  relevant£2,199 aligns them with broader objectives. This ensures that efforts contribute meaningfully to overall ambitions.+VATPrioritisation is key, as it focuses resources on what truly matters. A relevant goal might be “Learn advanced Excel for work efficiency,” aligning personal development with career progression.
View courseTime-bound
Setting 

 provide a well-defined path, ensuring clarity and focus. By breaking down ambitions into specific, manageable components, individuals and organisations can concentrate efforts effectively. This approach minimises distractions and aligns actions with objectives, fostering a targeted and efficient pursuit of goals.People new to business analysis or change who need a broad introduction to core concepts, techniques, and terminology.
None
3 days or 30 hours
Instructor-led, self-paced
BCS BA Foundation exam
Improved motivation and accountability60 minutes, multiple choiceSMART goals play a crucial role in boosting 
motivationBCS Foundation certificate and enhancing accountability. The structured nature of SMART criteria ensures that goals are not only clear but also achievable.
This clarity in purpose and progress tracking energises individuals, maintaining enthusiasm and commitment. Furthermore, having measurable outcomes fosters a sense of responsibility, as progress can be visibly monitored and assessed.FoundationBetter resource management
Efficient use of resources is another significant advantage of setting SMART goals. With clear objectives and timelines, resources such as time, effort, and finances can be allocated more effectively. Personal development
SMART goals are invaluable for Business analysts and change professionals who want to improve how they investigate business situations and recommend effective, evidence-based improvements.

Accredited BCS provider

Train with an approved BCS provider offering courses aligned to the latest business analysis syllabuses and good practice.Use CATWOE and transform your problem-solving approach

Experienced trainers

Simon Buehring
Learn from trainers with real-world business analysis and change experience, not just theoretical knowledge.14 Sep 2026

Clear learning pathways

Discover how CATWOE can transform your problem-solving approach. Learn its components and see real-world applications. Scroll down to enhance your decision-making skills.
Follow a structured route from Foundation through practitioner modules to the International Diploma, with guidance on which course to take next.

Flexible study options

Choose live online classes, self-paced e-learning, or in-house training so you can fit study around work and life.

Exam-focused preparation

Benefit from exam-style questions, practice activities, and guidance that helps you feel prepared and confident on exam day.

Support beyond the courseUsing fishbone diagrams effectively

Get responsive support from our team before, during, and after your course, including help with booking exams and planning your next step.Simon Buehring
14 Sep 2026 Discover how fishbone diagrams can help identify root causes of complex issues. Read on to gain insights and practical tips for using this essential problem-solving tool effectively.

Start a business analyst career
Learn new skills to become a better business analyst
Advance your career with a BCS certification

What is the best business analysis certification?Or chat with us using the link at the bottom of the screen.

Contact us with questions about the courses on this page, or about which project management certification or training is best for you. Contact

There are several business analysis qualification schemes available, such as those offered by BCS, PMICookies®Privacy and IIBATerms®Customer Support.

Knowledge Train offers BCS training and certification because it is one the few certification schemes that can provide comprehensive training to those new to the business analysis profession.[email protected]

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If you’ve enrolled in our is a registered trademark of Knowledge Train Limited. BCS Business Analysis course 20 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7AN, England, United Kingdom., we’ll provide introductory reading to help you familiarise yourself with basic terms and concepts before the course begins. This reading should take no more than 3-4 hours and provides a basic overview of some of the topics you’ll encounter on your first day of training.Knowledge Train are experts in

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If you choose a , BCS Business Analysis training courseagile, you can expect to be given up to 1 hour of homework at the end of each day. Homework may include reading assignments, pop-quizzes, and other beneficial revision exercises.,

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If you live in the United Kingdom. Choose from a full range of instructor-led and self-paced training and certifications to boost your career. and you are taking a classroom PRINCE2BCS Business Analysis training course®, we’ll send your manual to you via courier. We aim to ensure that it arrives 3 days prior to the start of your training course, MSP

If you live outside the UK, we’ll provide you with a digital copy of the BCS Handbook via email. You can still elect to receive a hard copy of the BCS manual if you choose but must pay an additional postage fee.®

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All our trainers on our instructor-led BCS training courses are experienced at coaching students to learn what is required to pass their BCS exams.®

In addition, you’ll receive official specimen exams that match the style, form, and content of questions you will be asked in your BCS exams., PRINCE2

Your self-paced BCS online course is designed to help you learn fast and retain information longer, making it an ideal preparation for sitting your exam(s).®

The online self-paced training also contains official sample exams that match the style, form, and content of questions you will be asked in your BCS exams. Agile, RESILIA

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