BCS Specialist Certificate in Change Management Syllabus Version 1.9 March 2015
BCS Specialist Certificate in Change Management Syllabus Contents Change History... 2 Rationale... 3 Aims and Objectives... 3 Target Group... 3 Specific Learning Objectives... 4 Eligibility for the Examination... 4 Duration and Format of the Course... 4 Duration and Format of the Examination... 5 Additional time for candidates requiring Reasonable Adjustments due to a disability... 5 Additional time for candidates whose native language is not that of the examination... 5 Excerpts from BCS books... 5 Calculators... 5 Syllabus Summary... 6 Question Weighting... 10 Levels of Knowledge / SFIA Levels... 11 Format of the Examination... 11 Class Room Size... 12 Reading List... 12 Additional Reading Material... 12 Copyright BCS 2015 Page 1 of 14 BCS Change Management Syllabus
Change History Any changes made to the syllabus shall be clearly documented with a change history log. This shall include the latest version number, date of the amendment and changes made. The purpose is to identify quickly what changes have been made. Version Number and Date V1.9 March 2015 V1.8 January 2014 V1.7 October 2013 V1.6 March 2012 V1.5 February 2012 V1.4 December 2011 V1.3 August 2011 V1.2 September 2010 V1.1 August 2010 V1.0 May 2010 Changes Made Updated language requirements for extra time and use of dictionaries. Added in new sections for reasonable time, eligibility for the examination, format and duration of the course and BCS excerpts from books. Candidate experience reduced to one year from two. Added simple non programmable calculators can be used during the exam supplied by the candidate. Updated trainer requirements to show minimum pass rate. Minor amendment to Reading List ISO/IEC20000 References to ITIL, ISO/IEC 20000, COBIT and SFIA inserted at Rational and Reading List. Minor update to reading list entry. Minor grammatical improvements Replaced ISEB logo with BCS logo. Made it clearer that accredited training is strongly recommended but is not a pre-requisite Corrected trainer criteria. Changed exam time to 90 minutes. Added in trainer criteria and classroom sizes. Syllabus formatted and updated following ATO feedback Copyright BCS 2015 Page 2 of 12
Rationale This qualification reflects the general industry best practices currently in use in IT Service Management (ITSM) and particularly Change Management (CM). The subject matter within this qualification is based on industry best practice, frameworks and guidelines. This qualification forms part of the IT service management (ITSM) specialist series. Please note that throughout this document: all references to ITIL refer to the 2011 editions which can be purchase from the TSO bookshop all references to ISO20000 refer to the 2011 edition of Part 1 all references to COBIT refer to the COBIT V4.1 all references to SFIA refer to the SFIA V4.0 Aims and Objectives This course provides candidates with an understanding of the principles of, and practical experience, of using industry best practice involved in the prioritising and assessing of changes, authorising changes, managing the building, testing and implementation of changes, reviewing changes and the planning and implementation of the change process, leading to a Specialist qualification in Change Management. Target Group This course is aimed at those working or preparing to work in a change management role and/or within a change management process whether at a technical, operational, supervisory or managerial level. This course may also be of interest to project managers, business managers and business process owners. The purpose of the Specialist qualification in change management is to certify that the candidate has gained the knowledge of relevant industry best practices and is capable of applying them in a working environment. This course is aimed at: Individuals who require a working knowledge of the industry best practice used in change management and how it may be used to enhance the quality of ITSM within an organisation IT professionals who are working within an organisation which has adopted and adapted some of these practices and are required to deliver or improve change management within an ongoing service improvement programme (SIP) Copyright BCS 2015 Page 3 of 12
Specific Learning Objectives Holders of the BCS Specialist Certificate in Change Management will be able to demonstrate their competence in, and their ability to: Explain the goals and objectives of change management Understand and explain processes and roles of change management Use different approaches to, and application of, standards, industry best practice frameworks and guidelines, relevant to change management Develop and improve the customer and business focus of change management Prioritise and assess the impact of proposed changes Assess and manage the risk, benefit and cost of proposed changes Manage the authorisation process Manage changes through their lifecycle Define and agree change models and standard changes Produce and manage forward schedules of change Co-ordinate, schedule, target and focus resources on managing changes, based on priorities Oversee and manage the building, testing and implementation of authorised changes Be aware of the support tools and techniques available for the implementation and support of change management, where possible identifying and instigating improvements Analyse change records, reports and statistics and propose resolutions to reduce the number of failed changes by proactively preventing failed changes, in conjunction with problem management Produce change management reports for dissemination and interpret and use their contents Understand the interdependencies between change Management and other IT areas and processes Assist with the planning and implementation of change management Eligibility for the Examination Candidates must hold the Foundation Certificate in IT Service Management and it is recommended to have a minimum of one year s experience in an IT service management environment or a number of years experience in a specialist service management discipline. It is recommended that candidates have taken BCS Specialist Certificate in Change Management course by an Accredited Training Organisation. Duration and Format of the Course Candidates can study for this certificate in two ways: by attending training courses provided by an Accredited Training Organisation or by self-study. An accredited training course will require a minimum of 18 hours of study run over a minimum of three days. The course can be delivered a number of different ways from traditional class-room based training to online e-learning. Copyright BCS 2015 Page 4 of 12
Duration and Format of the Examination 90 minute closed book 25 multiple choice questions Pass mark is 16/25 (64%) Additional time for candidates requiring Reasonable Adjustments due to a disability Candidates may request additional time if they require reasonable adjustments. Please refer to the reasonable adjustments policy for detailed information on how and when to apply. Additional time for candidates whose native language is not that of the examination If the examination is taken in a language that is not the candidate s native / official language then they are entitled to 25% extra time. If the examination is taken in a language that is not the candidate s native / official language then they are entitled to use their own paper language dictionary (whose purpose is translation between the examination language and another national language) during the examination. Electronic versions of dictionaries will not be allowed into the examination room. Excerpts from BCS books Accredited Training Organisations may include excerpts from BCS books in the course materials. If you wish to use excerpts from the books you will need a license from BCS to do this. If you are interested in taking out a licence to use BCS published material you should contact the Head of Publishing at BCS outlining the material you wish to copy and the use to which it will be put. Calculators Simple non-programmable calculators can be used during paper based examinations (to be provided by the candidate). Candidates taking on-line examinations will have access to an on screen calculator. No other calculators or mobile technology will be allowed. Copyright BCS 2015 Page 5 of 12
Syllabus Summary Syllabus code SCCH01 SCCH02 Content Introduction Introduction to course. Overview of course structure, objectives, exam format and agenda. History of ITSM, introduction to ITSM in general, including standards, good practice and frameworks such as ISO/IEC 20000, ITIL and COBIT and the differences in approach. The goals and objectives of the change management process and an outline of the related functions, roles and processes. Change Management process, based on industry best practices Note: This session should incorporate at least one practical session to help delegates understand the change management process and its operation. Change Management concepts and principles: The responsibilities and objectives in support of generic change management Understanding the impact of changes Understanding the different types of changes The resourcing considerations, staffing levels, rotas, shifts, skills and knowledge levels Change scheduling The how - ITIL and its application to Change Management: The structure intent and use of ITIL The key change management guidelines within ITIL Interfaces with and dependencies on other areas of ITIL and ISO/IEC 20000 especially, service desk and incident, problem, release, service level, financial and service asset and configuration management A generic Change Management process, including: Change decision making and change authorisation including Change Advisory Board Impact assessment The lifecycle of a change Types of change Change models and standard changes Back out plans Communication Management reporting Syllabus Weighting % 5% 30% Copyright BCS 2015 Page 6 of 12
The what the requirements of the ISO/IEC 20000 standard: The structure, intent and use of ISO/IEC 20000 The key change management requirements of Part 1 of the standard Supporting material from Parts 2 and 3 of the standard The overall service management system Interfaces with and dependencies on other areas of the standard to: Prioritise changes based on business impact and urgency Assess the cost, benefit and risk of proposed changes Define and agree which changes can be handled through the use of standard changes and change models Understand the use of emergency change processes and the triggers for using emergency change processes Categorise changes (for authorisation) Build a business justification (with the change initiator) for proposed changes Manage, control and report on the progress of changes throughout their lifecycle Determine the resources needed for the management of changes Organise and prepare agenda for Change Advisory Board meetings Understand the correct attendees of Change Advisory Board meetings based on the changes to be considered Understand the requirements of and triggers for Emergency Change Advisory Board meetings Manage and monitor minor changes not assessed by the Change Advisory Board Plan and schedule authorised changes Produce and manage a forward schedule of change Liaise with internal support groups and external suppliers ensuring that changes are managed and communicated effectively Liaise with initiators of failed changes Ensure authorised changes are properly built Ensure authorised changes are independently tested Ensure authorised changes have agreed back out plans Co-ordinate the implementation of changes working closely with release management Explain the relationship between change and release management Co-ordinate the back out of failed changes Manage communication throughout the change process Conduct change reviews Define procedures and work instructions for change management Explain the ISO/IEC 20000 requirements of change management Support the change management aspects of an ISO/IEC 20000 certification Copyright BCS 2015 Page 7 of 12
SCCH03 SCCH04 SCCH05 Tools, methods and techniques Awareness, knowledge and use of change management support tools and techniques Typical change management toolsets Generic requirements for change management toolsets Integration with other areas, processes and functions The benefits of automation to assist with the: Definition of assessment criteria for choosing appropriate support tools Selection of appropriate support tools and techniques Justification, procurement and implementation of such tools Change Management roles and responsibilities SFIA and ITIL The skills and knowledge required by change management personnel. Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) and its use with defining Change Management roles: Overview of the structure and content of the SFIA framework Change management roles, levels of responsibility and work activities ITIL and its use in defining Change Management roles: Change Management roles and responsibilities to: Apply the SFIA framework to the definition of change management roles and responsibilities Apply the ITIL guidelines to the definition of change management roles and responsibilities Control, measurement and reporting activities COBIT and its application to Change Management: The structure intent and use of COBIT The key change management requirements of COBIT Interfaces with and dependencies on other areas of COBIT The preparation of Change Management reports for dissemination: The purpose of change reports, management reports and reporting. What to report on - and what not to? Key performance indicators (KPIs) and critical success factors (CSFs) How statistics can be used, and abused Common categories of classification and analysis 10% 5% 5% Copyright BCS 2015 Page 8 of 12
SCCH06 SCCH07 to: Describe the change management reports required and their use Produce regular, ad hoc and exception change management reports Define, measure and report on the metrics and KPIs of change management Analyse reports and take appropriate action Use and apply COBIT principles and techniques to change management Describe and explain the change management control objectives of COBIT and how they could be achieved Analysis of changes, failed changes, delayed changes statistics and trends Note: This session should incorporate a practical session to help delegates understand the importance of accurate and relevant reports, statistics and their analysis. The analysis of changes, statistics and reports, identifying trends: Identification of areas of weakness and proposing resolutions for the proactive prevention of possible incidents and further failed changes to: Analyse details of recorded changes and reports Identify trends Make use of statistical techniques e.g. extrapolation, trendlines, distribution curves Identify weaknesses and initiate corrective actions and changes Interfaces and dependencies: The appreciation and understanding of the interfaces and dependencies Change Management has with other areas, functions and processes, including. Service desk and incident management Release management Service level management Financial management Problem management Service asset and configuration management Request fulfilment Capacity, availability and continuity principles IT security management Projects and major changes Supplier management Technical, operations and applications management teams 15% 10% Copyright BCS 2015 Page 9 of 12
SCCH08 SCCH09 to: Identify and understand the interfaces that change management has with other areas, functions and processes Define and document the dependencies between other areas, functions and processes and change management Assist with the development, implementation and automation of procedures facilitating interfaces and dependencies Planning, improvement and implementation The planning, implementation and continual improvement (Plan/Do/Check/Act ) of change management. to: Explain the activities involved in the planning of change management Understand the potential costs, benefits and problems associated with the implementation of change management Know the objectives and scope of change management Review the operation of the change management process identifying areas of weakness Instigate resolutions and proactive improvements in change management within an overall SIP Mock Examination The purpose of this unit is to help the candidate to pass the examination. Specifically, candidates will sit one full mock examination which will subsequently be reviewed. 10% 10% Question Weighting Syllabus code Target number of questions SCCH01 0 SCCH02 8 SCCH03 3 SCCH04 2 SCCH05 2 SCCH06 4 SCCH07 3 SCCH08 3 SCCH09 0 Total 25 Copyright BCS 2015 Page 10 of 12
Levels of Knowledge / SFIA Levels This course will provide candidates with the levels of difficulty / knowledge skill highlighted within the following table, enabling them to develop the skills to operate at the levels of responsibility indicated. The levels of knowledge and SFIA levels are explained in on the website www.bcs.org/levels The levels of knowledge will enable candidates to develop the following levels of skill to be able to operate at the following levels of responsibility (as defined within the SFIA framework) within their workplace: Level Levels of Knowledge Levels of Skill and Responsibility (SFIA) K7 Set strategy, inspire and mobilise K6 Evaluate Initiate and influence K5 Synthesise Ensure and advise K4 Analyse Enable K3 Apply Apply K2 Understand Assist K1 Remember Follow Format of the Examination This syllabus has an accompanying examination at which the candidate must achieve a pass score to gain the relevant qualification. Type Duration Pre-requisites Supervised Open Book Multiple choice, 25 Questions Scenario Based. 90 Minutes. Candidates are entitled to an additional 30 minutes if they are sitting an examination in a language that is not their native/official language. Accredited training is strongly recommended but is not a prerequisite. Candidates must hold the ITIL Foundation Certificate and should have a minimum of one year s IT Service Management experience. Yes No Pass Mark 16/25 Distinction Mark None Credit No credits are available for this examination from March 2015. Calculators Delivery Learning Hours Simple non-programmable calculators can be used during the exam to be supplied by the candidate. Paper-based examination via a BCS Accredited Training Organisation 18 hours Copyright BCS 2015 Page 11 of 12
Trainer Criteria Criteria Hold the BCS Specialist Certificate in Change Management Have a 10 days training experience or hold a train the trainer qualification Have a minimum of three years practical change management experience Class Room Size Trainer to candidate ratio: 1:16 Reading List ITIL Service Transition - Change Management sections COBIT Change Management sections AI 6 and 7 ISO/IEC 20000 Section 9 Control Processes SFIA Change Management areas Additional Reading Material Service Support - Change Management sections Title ITIL Service Transition Author Ivor MacFarlane and Shirley Lacy Publisher TSO Bookshop Publication Date July 2011 ISBN 9780113310487 Title COBIT 4.1 Framework Control Objectives (Management Guidelines Maturity Models) Author Multiple Publisher IT Governance Institute Publication Date 2007 URL www.itgi.org for COBIT Version 5 (latest version as of January 2015) Title ISO 20000-1:2011 Information Technology Service Management Part 1 Publisher ISO Publication Date 2011 URL www.iso.org Title Skills Framework for the Information Age V4.0 Title ITIL Service Support Author Multiple Publisher TSO Bookshop Publication Date 2000 ISBN 0113300158 Copyright BCS 2015 Page 12 of 12