Understanding CBAP and its Benefits

The Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification program is one of the most globally reputed programs offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). The award demonstrates a professional's advanced knowledge and training acquired during the CBAP training program. The holders of the CBAP qualification are considered experts who can determine an organisation's business requirements. They are professionals with adequate knowledge and understanding of the Business Analysis domain and are very adaptive to the evolving IT sector. You might be wondering What is CBAP. Well, continue reading this blog to learn more.   

According to the 2021 IIBA Global State of Business Analysis Report, about 22 percent of Business Analysts (BA) hold six to ten years of experience in their field. The same study revealed that 41 per cent of employees reported to their IT or Project Manager. Read this blog to learn What is CBAP and how you can earn this certificate, its roadmap, and the salary of the certificate holders. 

Table of Contents 

1) An introduction to What is CBAP 

2) Benefits of the CBAP certification 

3) Cost of the CBAP examination 

4) Roadmap to becoming a CBAP  

5) Salary of CBAP professionals 

6) Conclusion 

An Introduction to What is CBAP  

The CBAP certification designed by the IIBA validates an individual's skills as a professional in Business Analysis. It is one of the highly demanded qualifications established in 2006. The IIBA awards the CBAP qualification to validate an individual's knowledge and capability to determine an organisation's business requirements.   

CBAP awardees typically hold many years of business analysis experience and can adapt to a rapidly evolving IT sector. The certification also trains them to manage key competencies required across all job profiles in this domain. Candidates specialising in business and systems analysis are ideal for getting trained for the CBAP certification.  

Certified CBAP professionals are defined by their capabilities to handle complex projects, collaborate with stakeholders to manage their business goals, drive business processes, and spearhead initiatives in business analysis. They also become more employable and increase their earning potential on their path to being established leaders.   

Moreover, every candidate interested in the Certified Business Analysis Professional program and testing their professional growth should be resilient throughout their preparation. The experience of taking up new training while being employed is a rewarding experience, albeit a difficult one.

Benefits of the CBAP certification
 

The IIBA has designed the CBAP certification program so that awardees can benefit from it in many ways, such as: 

Building a knowledge base 

Aspirants of the Certified Business Analysis Professional certification will discover concepts and knowledge that they may have never acquired on their job. Their knowledge foundation would broaden across a host of other industries and businesses using an efficiently designed academic process. The CBAP program courseware encompasses many scenarios and approaches concepts in-depth with their answers.   

The necessity to broaden one's knowledge and skillset is more important than before because of Digital Transformation. The emergence of new software tools for business analysis demands adequately skilled professionals who must be adaptable and resilient. These characteristics pertain to new technology stacks organisations must employ to match industry-standard product deliveries. The experience gained through the extensive training in the CBAP program will take certified professionals beyond the boundaries of their previous employers and profiles. As a result, their perspectives on business goals and process management also broaden. 

 Improved career prospects 

Employers are consistently on the lookout for the top qualified Business Analysts worldwide. They wish to work with certified professionals with industry-standard qualifications like the CBAP. The practitioners of Business Analysis worldwide have observed that this certification offers many benefits such as promotions, employability, and demanding higher salaries.   

Furthermore, the CBAP certification encourages BA professionals to decide and pave their paths in the IT industry and the BA community. Thus, professionals always remain competitive in the market and are constantly working to advance their career prospects. 

Networking opportunities 

The Certified Business Analysis Professional certification program encourages and facilitates networking among candidates. CBAP-certified professionals can enjoy the privilege of joining the global community of CBAP professionals. The community environment is akin to an exclusive club for CBAP professionals. The certification process involves opportunities in the form of ideas and relationships that professionals can leverage to establish and progress their careers.   

Furthermore, CBAP-certified individuals employed at senior-level BA positions are awarded access to an exclusive community of top-qualified professionals in their areas. The opportunity to interact with a group of distinguished experts aids in constantly improving the knowledge and capabilities of BAs. As a result, the significance and overall value of the BA industry is also enhanced. 

Learn the knowledge areas in the CBAP certification program by signing up for the IIBA Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) course now! 

Better credibility 

A significant benefit of being a Certified Business Analysis Professional certified is the global recognition attached to the award. IIBA is globally reputed for promoting the Business Analysis industry and its related professions. It is well-reputed for establishing standards for business worldwide. Although the number of certified BA professionals is still growing, earning this certification gives BA professionals an edge in the market. More importantly, the limited awareness of the certificate will make BA professionals stand out more. Additionally, their improved market profile can significantly impact their chances of getting more contracts and improving their CV. 

Consistent development 

BA professionals should maintain consistency while enhancing their knowledge of procedures in Business Analysis. The continual effort ensures that they can keep their certification while being active in the market. While refining their knowledge, they can also discover evolving learning requirements based on their career goals. 

Training aspiring BAs 

The responsibilities of a senior-level Business Analyst involve both positive and negative aspects. The duties of a professional certified with CBAP typically involve handling a group of BAs and simultaneously acting as their mentor. A senior BA professional can fulfil the ongoing requirements of expertise and leadership and serve as a mentor to their junior BAs. Thus, a CBAP certification equips professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge. 

Start your career in Business Analysis with our IIBA® Entry Certificate In Business Analysis (ECBA™) course. 

Cost of a CBAP examination 

The table below shows the various costs for the IIBA CBAP certification for members, non-members, and corporate members:
 

Roadmap to Becoming a CBAP

The roadmap to becoming a CBAP entails a professional's commitment and dedication to preparing for the examination. Additionally, their interest in utilising the principles of Business Analysis also defines their path to successfully being awarded the certification by the IIBA. The time taken for candidates to prepare for their CBAP exam will depend on whether they choose the mode of self-study or class-based learning.   

Here are the key steps professionals can abide by to begin their CBAP journey: 

Fulfil the exam requirements 

The professional BA must first satisfy a few essential prerequisites to be eligible as a candidate for the CBAP examination. Here are some critical directives by the IIBA that candidates must adhere to: 

a) Completing a minimum of 7500 hours of work experience as a Business Analyst within the last ten years of their employment.  

b) A breakdown of the 7500 hours of work into a minimum of 3600 hours corresponding to each of the six categories specified in the BABOK (Business Analyst Body of Knowledge) guide.   

c) The applicant must have completed a minimum of 35 hours of development during the last four years of their employment.   

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Register for the examination 

After the professional has acquired the required experience to be an eligible candidate for the CBAP exam, they can proceed to sign up. The prospective candidate must comply with the IIBA's Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions by presenting two professional reference documents that attest to their credentials. Additionally, they must pay an application fee of GBP 115.61 to register as candidates.   

Study for the examination 

Once the professionals join the CBAP certification program, they must schedule sufficient preparation time before their exam day. The CBAP exam contains 120 questions covering a wide range of topics. The candidates should also check the subject areas corresponding to their certification. According to IIBA, here are the subject areas that can be expected in the exam:
 

Candidates can utilise their time before the examination to prepare by conducting mock tests. The testing environment is very distinct from a regular workplace, so candidates will benefit more from practice and job experience. 

Pass the CBAP examination 

Candidates can choose one of two modes of attendance for their CBAP exam attempt. They can attend in person at the test location or virtually in the presence of a remote proctor, who confirms the test-taker identity at exam time. Candidates should ideally choose the exam setting that works in favour of their performance. This decision also guarantees the candidate's peak performance on their exam. 
 
Here are some key steps that candidates can follow to become a CBAP professional within three months: 

a) Ensure their eligibility for the CBAP examination  

b) Participate in the IIBA-approved training for CBAP  

c) Study the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABoK) guide and practice the CBAP questions through mock tests  

d) Get approval for your application  

e) Attempt the CBAP exam and become a certified professional 

Make use of your CBAP credentials 

After passing the CBAP examination, candidates will successfully achieve their certification. The certification can then be utilised across their online business profiles such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, etc. Achieving the CBAP credential is a big accomplishment that validates their acquired knowledge and improved skills. As a result, they remain relevant and competent in the market.   

Salary of CBAP professionals 

According to the IIBA, professionals with the CBAP certificate earn about 12 percent more than non-certified professionals. Here are the salaries of various CBAP professionals in the UK:
 

 
Conclusion 

The industry of Business Analysis is rapidly evolving with the increase in demand for the CBAP credential. In this blog we discussed What is CBAP. Additionally, the blog has described the crucial elements of the certification program to guide prospective candidates in taking the correct decision. The benefits, such as global recognition and access to an exclusive community of expert BA professionals, can be enjoyed after successfully passing the CBAP examination. More importantly, candidates who invest time into pursuing this certification prove their resilience and interest in upskilling themselves in their industry. 

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