Business analysis involves identifying an organization's needs, analyzing opportunities and threats, and proposing solutions to implement necessary changes. It focuses on understanding clients' business objectives, meeting their needs, and adding value for the organization and its stakeholders.
With LinkedIn listing business analysis as one of the top 10 skills that companies need most. Business analysts should anticipate an opportunity in their profession as the worldwide business analytics market is estimated to increase at a compound yearly rise of 7.3% with LinkedIn, from 67.92 billion in 2019 to over 103 billion by this year end 2025.
What Are Business Analyst Certifications?
Freshers are now opting to pursue business analysis (BA) as a career due to its growing popularity, beginning with a Business Management Certification course or the fundamental ECBA certification. To stay up to date with the newest concepts, theories, and advancements in the profession, even seasoned or experienced business analysts are supplementing their knowledge with some higher level business analysis coursework.
In this article, we will discuss the three most common business analyst credentials, along with the significance of earning one. The various certification levels ECBA being the most basic and CBAP and CCBA being the most advanced as well as the parallels and discrepancies between the two levels of CCBA and CBAP will be covered.
ECBA Accreditation
The IIBA offers an entry-level or level-one certification for business analysis called the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA). This qualification is intended for freshers who are just starting out the business analysis. Previous working experience is needed to be eligible for the ECBA exam.
The foundational knowledge of business analysis based on the Guide to the BABOK (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge) is the main emphasis of the ECBA certification. This aids in the development of the fundamental abilities needed for the position.
CCBA Accreditation
A level-two certification for business analysis specialists with some practical experience is the CCBA (Certification of Capability in Business Analysis). A candidate needs to have at least 2 to 3 years of experience in order to apply for CCBA. BABOK Guide states that it concentrates on somewhat more complex business analysis subjects. This certification proves that you can manage increasingly challenging tasks and effectively use all of the acquired skills.
CBAP Accreditation
Professionals with a great deal of business analysis experience can earn the level three Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification. The CBAP certification attests to the person's exceptional skill. It also confirms that the person is a prominent figure in the field of business analysis. Based on the BABOK Guide, CBAP focuses on advanced business analysis subjects. This attests to your ability to oversee sophisticated and challenging tasks.
Essential distinctions between the ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP certificates
Here are some differences between these three certifications, ranging from the necessary expertise and eligibility to the test syllabus.
Who can Enroll?
- ECBA is intended for people who are new to business analysis and may not have any real-world experience in the discipline. Earning this certification is a fantastic way to get your career started.
- The CCBA is for candidates who have 2 to 3 years of experience working as business analyst. It is also for the professionals who have worked as tech leads, team leads, project managers or in other hybrid business analysis roles.
- The CBAP is designed for people who have 4 to 5 years of experience as business analysts. 10-year veterans of hybrid business analysis who have worked as requirement analysts, trainers, process managers, and managers, among other positions.
Eligibility Criteria for ECBA, CCBA & CBAP - Qualifications
You must meet specific requirements in order to enroll for these certifications. The following are the eligibility requirements for the three certificates.
Business Analysis Entry Certificate (ECBA): You must have the prerequisites listed by the IIBA in order to take this exam. The following are the requirements to be eligible for the ECBA exam:
a) The IIBA requires that you have a registered account.
b) The code of conduct must be accepted by you.
c) The terms and conditions must be accepted.
Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA): You must meet these requirements in order to sit for the CCBA exam.
a) 21 hours of professional development
b) 3,750 hours of labor history
c) Two references
Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP): You must meet these requirements in order to sit for the CBAP exam.
a) 35 hours of professional development
c) 7,500 hours of work history
c) Two references
Differences between ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP Certifications
Parameters | ECBA | CCBA | CBAP |
---|---|---|---|
Targeted Audience | People who are going to start career in business analysis field | Professionals with 2 to 3 years of experience as business analysts | Professionals with 5 years of experience as business analysts |
Eligibility | No previous experience is required however, understanding in a specific field is required | Complete a minimum of 21 hours of Professional Development within the last 4 years and at least 3,750 hours of BAwork experience over the past 7 years." | Complete a minimum of 35 hours of Professional Development within the last 4 years and at least 7,500 hours of work experience over the past ten years
|
PDU | Requires 21 in the previous four years Analysis of strategies Assessment of the solution Analyzing requirements and defining design Life cycle management of requirements
| Need 21 in the previous four years Analyzing requirements and developing a design specification Business analysis and strategy | It is mandatory to have 35 for the previous four years Elicitation and cooperation Planning, analyzing, and tracking business Life cycle management of requirements |
Focus Area |
Planning, analyzing, and tracking business Key concepts in business analysis Fundamental skills
| Elicitation and collaboration Analysis of the solution Creating company strategies and monitoring
| Strategy analysis Analysis of strategies Assessment of the solution Analyzing requirements and defining design |
Exam Pattern | In one and a half hours, 50 multiple-choice questions | In three hours, 130 multiple-choice questions
| In three and a half hours, 120 multiple-choice questions |
Re-Appearance | Twice in a single year | Twice in a single year, Members pay $250 | Twice in a single year, Members pay $250 |
Fees for Retake of Exam | For non-members, 195 USD, Members pay $110 USD. | 375 for non-members and, members pay 325, | 375 for non-members and, members pay 325, |
Certification Fee | For non-members, 235 USD | Non-members pay 450 USD | Non-members pay 450 USD |
Application Fee | 60 USD | 125 USD | 125 USD |
Conclusion
The ECBA is ideal for beginners, as it provides foundational information. The CCBA is for professionals with some experience who want to improve their skills, whereas the CBAP is for experienced analysts seeking leadership positions. ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP certificates are designed for individuals with varying degrees of business analysis experience. Each certification promotes career advancement, allowing you to expand your knowledge and pursue new chances in the field of business analysis.