Business Analyst Certifications
Business Analysts play a critical role in helping organizations implement technology solutions by bridging the gap of understanding between business needs and technology. Organizations that have employees with strong technical skills cannot implement solutions without skilled Business Analysts who can identify the requirements, determine possible solutions and work with technologists to determine what the ultimate solution should be.
Business Analysts can enhance their career potential by obtaining a business analyst certification from the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) or another institution. Certification will identify the person as having a proven level of competence that employers can rely on to produce effective results.
Business Analysis Certifications Available
The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) offers the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) designation for experienced Business Analysts. This certification is the industry standard for Business Analysts and is recognized worldwide.
A number of online schools, professional development programs and training centers offer their own business analysis certifications which are accessible to those without significanct experience.
Preparing for Certification Exams
There are many programs that use the IIBA's Business Analysis Book of Knowledge (BABOK) as the basis for their program. Many of these programs prepare students to take the CBAP exam as either their main goal or as a component of a more comprehensive business analysis education. Programs that focus strictly on the CBAP exam are typically offered by training centers and are available in various formats such as intensive boot-camps, self-paced online classes, traditional classrooms and online classrooms.
Other, more comprehensive programs that also include preparation for the CBAP exam are typically offered by continuing education programs at universities, corporate education centers and online colleges. These programs have the added advantage of providing Continuing Development Units (CDUs), which are required for CBAP certification.
Exam Content
The CBAP exam is based on the Business Analysis Book of Knowledge (BABOK), which is available free to IIBA members on their website or for a fee to non-members. The knowledge areas included on the exam are as follows:
- Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring
- Enterprise Analysis
- Elicitation
- Requirements Analysis
- Solution Assessment and Validation
- Requirements Management and Communication
The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in three and half hours. The types of questions include both comprehension and situational analysis.
Obtaining Certification
The CBAP application process requires that candidates document five years of hands-on experience in the field, at least 21 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) and two professional references. CDU's are typically earned through formal professional development courses. After the application has been approved, the candidate must pass the CBAP exam.
Maintaining Certifications
To maintain a CBAP certification, certificate holders must obtain and report 60 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) in each three year cycle. CDUs can be earned through formal education, professional development, professional activities, volunteer service and professional experience. All CDUs earned must be related to business analysis. To recertify, individuals must submit a renewal application along with the renewal fee.
Who Should Get Business Analysis Certification?
Candidates for the CBAP need to be professionals in a business analyst role who have at least five years of analysis experience within the last ten years. Candidates need not have the title of Business Analyst. Professionals who have this role are often Systems Analysts, Project Managers, Consultants and Software Engineers and are all eligible for this certification, as long as they meet the experience requirements.
Those who have less than five years of experience should pursue one of the many other, non-CBAP programs that are geared for people with less business analysis experience. Business knowledge experts, software developers, project managers and quality assurance analysts are all good candidates for obtaining a business analysis certification and expanding the breadth of their knowledge in the process.
Evaluating Training Options
Choosing from the many business analysis programs available can be a difficult task. Considering the below factors may help make it easier:
- Reason for Pursuing Certification - Some individuals already possess all the business analysis skills they need and are just looking for a certification to gain recognition of their abilities. Other individuals would like to expand their business analysis knowledge as well as gain certification. Various programs are suited to each type of student.
- Time Commitment – Some business analysis programs are comprised of a number of courses, some of which are not necessary to pass a certification exam. Individuals who want to commit the time to gain a more complete education should choose one of these programs.
- Method of Training - Students should pick a method of training that fits their lifestyle and learning style. For instance, boot-camp courses are suited to those who can dedicate consecutive days to attending a course and learn best when able to focus solely on the course.
About the International Institute of Business Analysis
The IIBA is a non-profit professional association based in Toronto, Canada with chapters located throughout the U.S. and other countries. Their mission is to create and maintain business analysis standards and provide certification for business analysis professionals.
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