Professional Business Analyst (PMI-PBA)®

Why do you need to certify?

The fundamental purpose of any professional certification program is to offer an independent, dependable assessment of the knowledge and skills comprehension required for having an edge in performing a professional role. This assessment, like any other, is typically accomplished by the successful completion of the given examination.

What is the course about?

Being the main communication between businesses and IT departments, the business analyst holds the responsibility to gather and document business requirements and interpreting them into functional design specifications that can be developed by IT development teams.

What is the difference between PBA and CBAP certifications?

The development of Professional Business Analyst (PBA) certification has brought series of questions as to its distinctiveness from the Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP). For individuals who wish to gain a certificate as a business analyst, knowing more about your desired certificate is essential to calculate if you have chosen the right choice. But between PBA and CBAP, such decision is very critical as one certification may be mistaken as the other. Their primary difference, however, appears to be in the focus of each. PBA is more into the practices and principles of business analysis and requirements management in a project orientation, while the CBAP have a broader focus on business analysis in general. In PBA, they address the “how” in business analysis, such as how it is practically used in projects and programs. But in CBAP, as highlighted on the BABOK, their emphasis is on “what” someone performing business analysis should do for acceptable practices.

Why is having a certification very important in the industry?

Having a certification is essential in today’s cutthroat industry. While there are many who belittle certifications, a lot of positive aspects have come in handy along with the growing demand of Business Analysts in any organization. So let us talk about the benefits of becoming a certified Professional Business Analyst:

• Certifications demonstrate and validate a standard and acknowledged level of knowledge and skill in a particular field of practice. Certifications are used by many industries, employers, and professions to separate the ‘amateurs’, portrayed as being those roles that are solely for the paycheck or are only temporarily doing such responsibilities, from the ‘professionals’ being those who take the responsibility more actively as a career.
• Like college degrees, certifications provide a certain sense of perception, dependability and dedication to the assigned roles and responsibilities. The certificate holder has offered generous time and effort to study and practice the said role, gaining insights and experience on the techniques, practices, and tools to become a successful executioner in that role. When considering a certification or actually pursuing it, the candidate has a voluntary interest to the profession, owing for greater focus on all areas covered under the roles and responsibilities as a PBA. With this, based on the principle of mindfulness, he or she gains insights and absorbs more about the complexities and subtleties of the role.
• Certifications are considered like goals, being targeted to achieve, and provide a great sense of motivation to most in advancing their skills to play the role better.

Who can take the PBA certification?

PMI® suggests that candidates for the PMI®-PBA certification include “anyone focused on assessing and analyzing business complexities and anyone managing requirements with a project or program.”

So, if you work with project teams and manage requirements or product development, or if you are a project manager or program administrator who operates business analysis in your role, then you are a great candidate for the PBA certification.

What are the prerequisites of the CBAP certification?

To earn the PBA certification, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Candidate must have obtained a Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or the global equivalent).
• Candidate must have a minimum of 7,500 hours of business analysis experience or its equivalent.
• Candidate must have a minimum of 2,000 hours working on project teams.
• Candidate must have a minimum of 35 contact hours of education in business analysis. OR
• Candidate must have obtained a Bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent of such.
• Candidate must have a minimum of 4,500 hours of business analysis experience or its equivalent.
• Candidate must have a minimum of 2,000 hours working on project teams.
• Candidate must have a minimum of 35 contact hours of education in business analysis.

What comprises the PBA exam, such as its test duration and pattern of questions?

PBA exam, which consists of 40 multiple choice questions, is a one hour closed book method of examination. To be able to pass the exam, the participant must have a total percentage of at least 65%, equivalent to 26/40.

How can I maintain my credential?

To any regulatory professional, continuous learning, knowledge improvement and professional development are essential to maintain the integrity of your credentials. If you are already certified for the profession, then as a PBA professional, you are required to obtain a minimum of 60 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) in business analysis topics for three years. But if your certification has lapsed its due date, you need to re-take the CBAP exam.