Technological advancements are changing the very nature of existing business models today. Customers are getting a personalized experience with various products and services and expect the same from different businesses. With a rapidly changing scenario, companies that are able to identify problems quickly and offer innovative solutions have a better chance of achieving success compared to others. This task requires companies to have skilled business analysts who have strong business acumen. Such professionals work as an agent of change and identify the solutions that maximize the value delivered by a company to its stakeholders.
Business analysis involves conducting feasibility studies, risk assessment and its mitigation, writing detailed business cases, and identifying new business opportunities. You too can perform all these tasks if you achieve a business analysis certification. One of the most valuable certifications in this area is the CBAP certification. This article gives you a complete overview of the CBAP certification and how you can pass the CBAP exam and get certified.
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The CBAP Certification
The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a global thought leader and the voice of the business analysis community. Working as a non-profit professional association, IIBA maintains global standards for business analysis professionals through competency-based certifications. One of the industry-recognized certifications offered by IIBA is the Certified Business Analysis Professional or CBAP certification.
The CBAP certification is ideal for candidates who have significant experience in the world of business analysis. It recognizes your understanding of multiple business domains and your ability to handle more complex projects. Further, it demonstrates your ability to lead the BA effort, work with stakeholders to define and manage their business needs, drive business processes, and find out opportunities to achieve better business outcomes.
The CBAP exam is a computer-based exam that consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and the time allowed is 3.5 hours. The questions are scenario and case study based and are formulated from the BABOK Guide. Candidates can take the exam online via proctor format or at a PSI test center. The exam is based on the following knowledge areas (weightings of each area are also mentioned):
- Business analysis planning and monitoring – 14%
- Elicitation and collaboration – 12%
- Requirements life cycle management – 15%
- Strategy analysis – 15%
- Requirements analysis and design definition – 30%
- Solution evaluation – 14%
Apart from the exam, there is certain eligibility criteria that one needs to fulfill:
- Complete at least 7500 hours of Business Analysis work experience in the last 10 years.
- At least 900 hours out of the total 7500 hours of experience should be completed in 4 of the 6 BABOK Guide Knowledge Areas.
- Complete at least 35 hours of Professional Development in the last 4 years.
Also Read: 7 Best Business Planning Softwares to look out for
Steps to Pass the CBAP Exam
Be thorough with the CBAP Exam Blueprint
The first step of your preparation should be to familiarize yourself with the exam syllabus and what competencies and proficiencies are required for each knowledge area. Topics like planning stakeholder management, conducting elicitation, assessing requirements changes, defining change strategy, and defining requirements architecture are important.
Take a Training Course
The CBAP exam needs extensive knowledge of business analysis along with years of work experience in the domain. If you are not comfortable studying on your own, then better let an industry expert help you. There are many reliable training providers who offer CBAP Certification training whose curriculum is aligned with the latest version of the BABOK Guide. You’ll get to work on case studies as well as achieve the required Personal Development Units.
Follow the BABOK Guide Rigorously
You should read the BABOK guide at least two times before appearing for the exam. It takes time to get used to the terminology used in the guide as it may differ from what you generally use. Sometimes, the exam questions need to be understood according to BABOK terms and concepts. Also, learn the definitions and techniques related to each knowledge area mentioned in the guide.
Refer to Sample Questions
Sample questions give a look and feel of the actual exam and so going through them will allow you to get a clear idea of what you can face in the CBAP exam. You can find some scenario-based sample questions on the IIBA website itself. Additionally, you can refer to some reliable online resources which enrich your learning experience by providing many questions that are aligned with the BABOK Guide and the concepts covered in the CBAP exam.
Join Business Analysis Communities and Forums
One of the best ways to get the right tips and tricks for any exam is to get in touch with someone who has already qualified for the exam. Joining a reputed community or forums related to business analysis will help you connect with CBAP certified professionals and learn about their experience. You can also get answers to your queries from business analysis experts through such forums.
Conclusion
Apart from the steps mentioned above, you can also take practice tests that will help you know what knowledge areas you are good at and which need more attention. When you have followed all these steps and completed your preparation, you can schedule the exam.
The future is bright for anyone aspiring to become a business analyst. The growing digital transformation has further increased the demand for skilled professionals who can help organizations cope with the changing business dynamics. So, are you joining the scarce business analysis talent by getting CBAP certified?
