The CBAP or Certified Business Analytics Professional is a professional certification that validates your Business Analysis (BA) experience. As a CBAP certification holder, you will work as a senior member of the BA community. In order to be eligible for the CBAP designation, you must have the following:
- At least 7,500 hours of work experience in business analysis in the previous ten years.
- Out of these 10 years, at least 900 hours in 4 of the 6 BABOK Guide Knowledge Areas i.e., a minimum of 3,600 hours from the total 7,500 required hours.
- At least 35 hours of experience in professional development in the past 4 years.
- Two references.
- Agree to Code of Conduct and Terms & Conditions.
Even if you satisfy all the eligibility requirements, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to go for the CBAP designation. You need to figure out if CBAP is right for you or not. The CBAP certification is suitable for:
- Professionals with significant business analysis experience
- Professionals with CCBA designation
- Non-BA consultants
- Trainers
- Product Managers
- Hybrid BA professionals such as Project Manager, Quality Assurance professionals, Designers, Testers, and Change/Transformation Managers
If you think that the CBAP designation is the right step for your career, you can go for the certification. Once you pass the certification exam and become a CBAP, you will be able to enjoy the following benefits:
- Get knowledge that is far more than what you would learn during your experience
When you are preparing for the exam, you won’t be focused on just 1 or 2 best practice techniques. Instead, you will have to study all the practice techniques in detail. This doesn’t mean that you have to become a master in all of them. However, it is important to be aware of them. This way, when you are facing a situation that would benefit more from one practice over another, you would know when and how to use it. You will know how to select a methodology that is most appropriate in the current situation. So, the immediate benefit you have is the efficacy or the ability to get the desired effect as you will be aware of the required tools.
- You will become aware of your shortcomings
While preparing for the certification exam, you will be studying the competencies that will help you determine where you stand as a Business Analyst. There are two ways in which it can help you. The first one is that you will feel confident about the things that you are doing well. Second is that you will get a clear idea of what you need to focus on. Without the certification, the only way for you to compare your experience by looking at the resume of other senior BAs and comparing yourself with their qualifications and job descriptions.
- You will be able to learn the language of Business Analysis
You will only be able to lead a team and help them understand the concepts of Business Analysis if you have an in-depth knowledge of the inner workings. Even if you think that you are knowledgeable in the field, getting to the next level of understanding will add a layer of distinction and clarity.
- You will be able to make smooth career progression
A CBAP certification can help in facilitating your career progression. The companies today want candidates who have professional certification. So, it is safe to assume that with the CBAP certification, your career graph is going to move only in the upward direction. After the CBAP certification, the chances of you getting a pay hike and a promotion will significantly increase.
- You will be highly recognized in the industry
Today, several organizations, especially the Fortune 500 companies and MNCs, want the candidates applying for a job in their organization to be CBAP qualified, specifically for roles like Business Analyst and Project Manager. In fact, they will give priority to candidates with CBAP certification over the ones with not. A CBAP certification can validate your skills as a Business Analyst and prove that you are committed to your chosen career path. Thus, with a CBAP certification, you will be highly recognized in the industry.
- You will have a global networking opportunity
Through the CBAP certification, you will have the opportunity of joining the global network of professionals working in the field of Business Analysis. With access to a global network of such elite professionals, you will be able to enjoy benefits in the professionals as well as the social domain. As long as you can make the best out of such an opportunity, you will face no limitations.
- Your confidence will increase
While you are studying for the CBAP certification, the curriculum will make you explore every possible scenario you might have to face in the real world. You will be prepared for the practice field and have the much-needed confidence required for successfully dealing with the challenges in your professional journey as a Business Analysis professional or a Project Manager.
- Your customer will be more satisfied
With the CBAP online training, you find it easy to discharge your day to day duties conveniently and maintain your confidence level. This way, you will be able to achieve the targets on time while providing higher satisfaction to your customers.
Given the above-mentioned benefits of CBAP online training, you can safely assume that the CBAP certification is completely worth your time, money, and effort. It can provide you a rewarding and promising career. However, it is important to note it is very difficult to clear the CBAP certification exam. To be successful, you will need disciplined effort and systematic training over a certain period of time. Only then will you be able to pass this challenging exam. For working professionals, the best way to prepare for the exam is by taking the CBAP online training. These courses provide unmatched control and flexibility to the candidates in reaction to their place, time, and pace of study. So, you will be able to learn at your convenience.