Do you work as a business analysis professional? Are you looking for a promotion, or you want to work a level higher in your profession? Every single individual in this world is aiming for something good, and so do you! Why not think of going for CBAP certification?
CBAP stands for Certified Business Analysis Professional. It is a level 3 certification given by the international leading professional institution, The International Institute of Business Analysis and Project Management Institute.
Professionals with this certification earn a higher value in the current situation. They find a better job opportunity, a higher salary, and a safe career ahead. They find themselves in a respected position, and there is considerable credibility given to their business analysis work.
There is not an easy path to becoming successful; neither is it for the CBAP certification. The way you select depends on the time you can give for the preparation, the money you can invest while learning for the certification, and the amount of patience you carry. However, you may opt for a few steps to follow while planning for the CBAP certification.
For some of us, it might work as a situation where we need to complete the course in a week or two. And for someone who has time, can give proper 2-3 months before they appear the examination. It does not prove that we are not a better business analyst; it is just that we believe in boot camp type of class.
Steps to become a CBAP certified professional
Step 1 – You need to confirm your business analysis experience.
If you wish to apply for the CBAP certification, you must have at least five years of experience with 7500 hours of business analysis. These standards are laid by the BABOK guide.
We have seen many individuals who initially think of applying for the certification, but ultimately end up losing confidence as they don’t have the experience to appear for the examination. In such cases, they can apply for other junior level certification.
You must demonstrate 900 hours of business analysis experience in at least four knowledge areas out of 6.
Many professionals are still isn’t aware that they are eligible for the CBAP certification. They are working in business analyst capacity for the past years, and they are likely to sit for the examination. Whether you are surprised or not, check this out.
Step 2 – Earn appropriate professional hours in business analysis.
Before you apply for the certification, you must have 35 hours of professional development that you need to submit as per the BABOK guide.
There are many CBAP certification training available as well as you can include some conferences that qualify for professional development credits.
We often come across questions on how to find free professional development credits. But, it is unlikely to see any free credits you can submit for the certification.
Step 3 – Prepare your application and submit it.
The application you submit to IIBA requires professional development hours and experience, but they also need a couple of references. The IIBA website helps you with the whole process for the certification.
Step 4 – Become familiar with the standards for the business analysis described in the BABOK guide.
Becoming a CBAP certified professional proves that you are a senior business analysis professional, with the knowledge that IIBA defines in the Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge. It merely means that to prepare for the CBAP certification, you must be aware of the content placed in the BABOK guide.
The BABOK guide is seriously a dense text. You must have read it multiple times to get ready for the certification and to work as a senior business analyst.
You may join some social groups, where professionals have informal conversations regarding the BABOK guide. In such situations, you may get ready for the examination as the experience they share over time is very helpful.
Step 5 – Schedule and pass your examination
Once your application is approved, you might plan to take the examination in 2-3 months from then. We have come across many individuals who are keen believers of investing time before giving the test. Also, we have met professionals who are confident enough to crack the CBAP certification with the kind of experience they carry.
Once you schedule your examination, you can always reschedule. If you fail to pass, you can again schedule your test within one calendar year of approval.
We feel that if you schedule your examination, it motivates you to prepare for the exam. We would always suggest you keep at least 2-3 months of preparation time for the test. And do not panic if you fail to pass in the first attempt. You always have a chance to redo it within the first year of application approval.
You sit for the exam and give your best!
Before you apply for the exam, see to it that all your professional credibility and other relevant experience certificate is in place. Though you need the highest value of training programs for the CBAP certification, like you do while bridging the gap, you must also be in a situation to provide the required experience.
You can decide on following all these steps that we mentioned adobe before you take the certification training and, finally, apply for the certification. Also, you may take the help of trainers who are in the same field for a while to get a detailed understanding of the CBAP certification exam pattern.
Once you complete your certification and achieve the credits, you may take some time to celebrate the success. You’ve given your attempt and earned it! Stay stuck to your profession and build your professional development credits. It would help if you felt grateful for serving your job and bridging the gap between the technical and functional teams. We need to build a scenario of one business analyst at a time, and let the success start with you!
