According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, the employment rate of business analysts is expected to rise by 14% from 2018 to 2028, which in fact is much faster than the average for any other occupation. Acquiring a Business Analysis certification will keep you updated with the contemporary market trends.
Benefits of a Business Analysis certification
- It validates your skill set
- Influences your pay scale
- Builds your peer network
In this article, we will discuss the seven most sought after Business Analysis certifications from around the world.
Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA®)
The PMI-PBA certification is designed for business analysts who work in projects or with program managers who work in analytics. It’s offered by the Project Management Institute, which specializes in widely-recognized project management certifications. The certification focuses on business analysis training through hands-on projects and testing on business analysis principles, tools and fundamentals.
Target audience
- Business Analysts
- Project managers
- Program managers
- Staff members who perform business analysis
- Team Leaders
- IT Directors
- System Analysts
- System Architects
- System Testers
- Application Developers
- QA Professionals
Cost
Member: US$405
Non-member: US$555
The Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA™)
ECBA™ comprises the fundamental knowledge of business analysis and showcases that you possess the core knowledge and are competent enough to fulfil the demand in the field of business analysis. This certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA™) is based on the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® Guide (BABOK® Guide). This guide enables you to learn how to achieve better business outcomes at the operational, tactical, and strategic level.
Target audienceAll individuals entering the Business Analysis profession
- Students enrolled in Business Analysis academic programs
- New graduates in Business Analysis
- Professionals who are transitioning careers
- Functional managers who are not Business Analysts but manage them
Cost
Application Fee: US$60 (non-refundable and non-transferable)
Exam Fee:
Member – US$110
Non-Member – US$235
Corporate Member – US$97.50
Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (CPRE)
The Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (CPRE) is a certifying examination for everyone who is involved professionally with Business Analysis, Requirements Engineering, and systems and software development. CPRE certification offered by the International Requirements Engineering Board (IREB®) increases your opportunities in the job market and raises your market value. You do not have to worry about the expiry of CPRE certification because it has lifelong validity.
Target audience
- Business Analysts
- System Analysts
- Project Managers
- Advanced beginners in Requirements Engineering
- Developers who should specify requirements
- Software Managers
- Software Engineers
- Software architects
- Team Leaders
Cost
US$200 (excluding tax)
Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA)
CCBA recognizes your capability to take on bigger and more intricate project responsibilities and is suitable if you are a business analysis practitioner with an experience of about 2 – 3 years. CCBA offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) showcases your ability to work efficiently with stakeholders, to mould business processes, and evaluate and identify opportunities for delivering better business outcomes.
Target audience
- All individuals who are designated as an ECBA™
- Non-BA consultants
- Product Managers
- Trainers
- Hybrid Business Analysis professionals
- Project Manager
- Testers
- Quality Assurance (QA) professionals
- Change/Transformation Managers and Designers
Cost
Application Fee: US$125 (non-refundable and non-transferable)
Exam Fee:
Member – US$325
Non-Member – US$450
Corporate Member – US$290
IQBBA Certified Foundation Level Business Analyst (CFLBA)
We can clearly know by the name CFLBA that this is a foundation level certification which forms a basis for satisfying the needs of the business analysis field. This certification offered by the International Qualification Board for Business Analysis assures proficiency in the backgrounds of business processes modelling and collecting, analyzing and improving requirements, devising business solutions and operating in the area of innovation.
Target audience
- Business analysts
- System analysts
- Requirements engineers
- Product owners
- Product administrators
- Product Designers
- Business modelers
- Process managers
- Innovators
- Process Optimization Professionals
Cost
US$222
Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
CBAP certification is best suited for individuals with a significant level of business analysis experience. People who enroll in CBAP® are the senior-most, leading members of the Business Analysis community. CBAP offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA™) demonstrates superior knowledge and professional proficiency, employability, marketability, and earning potential. The Annual Business Analysis Salary Survey by IIBA® states that CBAP® certification holders earn at least 13% higher on average when compared to non-certification holders.
Target audience
- All individuals with notable experience in business analysis
- All individuals who are designated as a CCBA™
- Non-BA consultants
- Product Managers
- Trainers
- Hybrid Business Analysis professionals
- Project Manager
- Testers
- Quality Assurance (QA) professionals
- Change/Transformation Managers and Designers
Cost
Application Fee: US$125 (non-refundable and non-transferable)
Exam Fee:
Member – US$325
Non-Member – US$450
Corporate Member – US$290
Agile Analysis Certification (AAC)
AAC is a relatively new competency-based certification which addresses both the need and demand for the analyst and agile communities to combine and transform project delivery. When you become an Agile Analyst, you will be able to learn how agile interacts and intersects with Business Analysis.
Target audience
- Business Analysis professionals who work in agile environments
- Those who want to expand your business analysis skills
- Those who wish to stay up-to-date on industry trends best business practices.
Cost
Member – US$250
Non-Member – US$375
Corporate Member – US$225
Final Word
There is no best time to get started. It doesn’t matter if you just began your career as a Business Analyst or are looking forward to building your resume to switch into the industry or you have been in the industry for umpteen number of years, it is wise to get certified with a suitable Business Analysis certification right away!
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