BCS Foundation Certificate in the Ethical Build of AI

The ethical issues of AI and data use

How to use virtue-based thinking to gain trust in AI

How AI ethics and data keep the law from stifling innovation

If and how to approach creating ethics guidelines

Supporting surveyors in an evolving technological landscape 

RICS is proud to collaborate with BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT—the UK’s chartered body for IT professionals and a global leader in ethical digital practice, with over 70,000 members in 150+ countries. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to raising professional standards, supporting innovation, and responding to the challenges of a data-driven world. 

As the surveying profession embraces emerging technologies like AI, PropTech, digital twins, and geospatial analytics, surveyors need more than just technical skills. They need the ethical insight, digital fluency, and sustainable mindset to guide clients, lead projects, and shape the future of the built environment. 

Summary of the course 

The BCS Foundation Certificate in the Ethical Build of AI provides essential knowledge for RICS members to navigate this new landscape with confidence, responsibility, and credibility. 

Exploring the role of ethics in AI, you’ll get more than theoretical knowledge with real-life case studies and interviews to apply what you’ve learnt. Plus, you’ll complete our innovative AI-marked activities which use ChatGPT to give you instant, personalised feedback on your answers. 

Practical tools such as checklists are also included within the course content to provide support when applying ethical decision making in the design of projects. 

What is in it for RICS members?

Through our partnership with BCS, RICS members can now access accredited training that supports our commitment to professionalism, ethics, and innovation. The BCS Foundation Certificate in the Ethical Build of AI offers essential guidance on one of the profession’s most pressing issues—the responsible and transparent use of AI in the built environment. 

• AI is here to stay – in valuation models, smart buildings, automated design, and beyond. 
• Surveyors are increasingly advising on or implementing AI-driven tools, often in high-stakes, high-value settings. 
• Ethical and transparent AI use is essential to protect public interest, data integrity, and long-term value. 
• Understand the risks and responsibilities tied to AI in surveying 
• Build credibility when engaging with digital systems, clients, and regulatory stakeholders 
• Strengthen your alignment with ESG principles, data ethics, and professional trust 
• Gain a globally recognised certification from the UK's chartered IT institute 

Course content 

• 5 modules 
• 5 knowledge checks 
• 3 AI-marked scenario exercises 
• 1 exam 
• 12 hrs total length 

See more details here. 

Learning portfolio 

The BCS Foundation Certificate in the Ethical Build of AI is just one of several new learning options now available to RICS members through this collaboration. You can also explore individual modules: 

• An Introduction to Information Security
• Discovering Green IT: An Introduction to Tech Sustainability
• Driving Sustainability: Exploring Green IT Policies and their Impact
• Avoiding Greenwashing: Identifying and Addressing the Risks and Roles in Green IT
• Developing an Agile Mindset

These modules support RICS members in developing future-ready skills across ethics, cybersecurity, sustainability, and digital transformation, all aligned with the needs of today’s built environment. 

Each module costs £32 for RICS members, and £36 for non-members.  

If you have any enquiries regarding this course, please call +44 (0)2476 868584 to speak to a member of our team or email us at training@rics.org.

For further information about how RICS processes your personal information, and your rights, please see the RICS Privacy Policy 

Use of your information by BCS 

Your information may be shared with BCS, our partner in providing this training. You can find out more about how BCS processes your personal information by reading their Privacy policy. 

BCS is working with Questionmark and Examity to deliver your exam. They are fully compliant with GDPR, and your data is protected. By sitting the exam through Questionmark, you are providing consent to be recorded. The interview will be recorded for quality monitoring and the appeal process. BCS Privacy Policy can be found here: Data privacy notice | BCS 

Note: Before you begin the Ethical Build of AI course, please be aware that a pop-up will appear requesting your email address.

This is a standard part of how the course is delivered through our learning system provider, SCORMProxy. This action is required to launch the course content.

Enrollment duration: 365 Days

Languages: English

Price: 192.00 GBP

Member price: 180.00 GBP

Course Type: Training Programme

Location: