With the heavily influential role that business analysts play in software development, it is worth investigating the opportunities for certification. Here is a short list to get you thinking of where to start when searching for a program that best recognizes your skills.
The International Institute of Business Analysis offers two certification programs:
Certification of Competency in Business AnalysisTM(CCBA®) is a professional certification for business analyst practitioners. The coverage areas include:
- Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring
- Elicitation
- Enterprise Analysis
- Requirements Analysis
- Solution Assessment and Validation
- Requirements Management and Communication
The requirements at a glance are:
- 3750 hours of business analyst experience in the last 7 years
- 900 hours in 2 out of 6 knowledge areas or 500 hours in 4 out of 6 knowledge areas
- 21 hours career development in the last 4 years
Certified Business Analysis ProfessionalTM(CBAP®) is a professional certification for experienced business analysts. While the coverage areas remain the same, the requirements increase to:
- 7500 hours of business analyst experience in the last 10 years
- 900 hours in 4 out of 6 knowledge areas
- 21 hours career development in the last 4 years
Skills Framework for the Information Age is a simple and logical two-dimensional framework consisting of areas of work on one axis and levels of responsibility on the other. This framework, from the UK-based SFIA Foundation, details the areas of work as follows:
- Strategy & architecture
- Business change
- Solution development & implementation
- Service management
- Procurement & management support
- Client interface
SFIA recognises seven levels of professional skill. The levels range from 1 at basic entry to 7 at a very senior level, normally in a large organization.
The Australian Institute of Business Analysis (AIBA) provides individuals with a personalised learning and development pathway. They offer accreditation that covers:
- Translation & Communication
- Analysis & Improvement
- Definition & Redefinition
- Creativity & Innovation
The accreditation is segmented into 9 levels of varying experience. Although this is mainly recognized in Australia, it still holds core principles that are applicable internationally.
