Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP)

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?

The Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification is a strongly desired professional certification for individuals with comprehensive business analysis knowledge and experience. MITS’ CBAP certification course program covers a wide scope of the basic skill sets required by Business Analyst (BA) professionals, with regards on today’s industry accepted standards including Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK), and other industry best practices. This coursework also offers thorough exposure to BA concepts which guide participants use the learning obtained during the program.

Why is having a certification very important in the industry?

CBAP is one of today’s rapidly growing and most sought-after professional certification which make participants qualified to become part of the professional group of Business Analysts. Listed below are some of the many reasons that emphasize the importance of CBAP being one of the most popular accreditations for business analysts and project managers alike:

• Allow participants to become qualified to participate in an acknowledged professional group
• Provide acknowledgement of professional competence by professional peers and management
• Business Analysts are in great demand in today’s industries, and having a CBAP certification is an edge from other professionals.
• The roles and responsibilities assigned as a Business Analyst are becoming one of the most crucial roles in IT. There was a survey conducted by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections Program which indicates that American employers will need 876,000 business analysis related professionals by 2020. And to address such increasing demand, the IT industry needs properly skilled and trained Business Analysts, making CBAP certification the most sought-after certification for Business Analysts.

What are the prerequisites of the CBAP certification?

To earn the CBAP® certification, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Candidate must have a minimum of 7500 hours of BA work experience aligned with A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide) in the last ten years.
• Candidate must have a minimum of 900 hours in four of the six knowledge areas.
• Candidate must have a minimum of 21 hours of Professional Development in the past four years.
• Candidate must acquire two references from a career manager, client or Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) recipient.
• Candidate must obtain a Signed Code of Conduct.

More so, candidates are expected to re-evaluate the CBAP Handbook for full comprehension of other information on application criteria, fees, and details on how to apply.

How can you become CBAP certified?

• Complete the eligibility requirements as specified by IIBA
• Take the MITS’ course training program and obtain 21 PDs that are required to appear for the exam
• Submit application for CBAP exam. The exam’s application fee is $125 and is non-refundable. MITS will help you in the entire application filing process and also ensures that all eligibility requirements are met.
• Applications are then screened and evaluated by IIBA to assess if all the stated requirements are met.
• If your application has been accepted, the next step is to register for CBAP exam with the official testing agency. The exam fee is $325 for IIBA members, while it costs $450 for non-members.
• MITS’ final coaching done by the end of every chapter through quizzes and simulation exams will help you be familiar with the questions that you may encounter during the CBAP exam.

Once you have successfully passed the CBAP examination, you will be granted with the Certification and may use the designation of Certified Business Analysis Professional.

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

CBAP® exam, which consists of 150 multiple choice questions, is based on the tasks and techniques in the BABOK®. The questions comprise of some knowledge-based and fact-based questions and practical questions. The situational or practical questions will test your ability to use the BABOK® information in real life situations.
 
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 CBAP professional, you are required to complete the IIBA Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program. With this, CBAPs should obtain a minimum of 60 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) during the 3 year CCR cycle. But if your certification has lapsed its due date, you need to re-take the CBAP exam.