How do I Earn a Business Analyst Certification?

The International Institute of Business Analysis® offers a professional certification for qualified business analysts who meet certain work experience, education, and professional reference requirements. Applicants for the Certified Business Analysis Professional™ designation must successfully complete a written examination based upon the Institute’s Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®, which is a collection of methods and practices commonly accepted within the business analysis profession. To be considered for testing, you must possess a minimum of five years of practical work experience as a business analyst, along with 21 hours of coursework pertaining to business analysis.

You must possess a high school diploma or equivalent in order to be considered for professional business analyst certification. Prior to taking the certification examination, you will need to complete a specific course of study based upon the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®. At least 21 hours of coursework in this field of study are required by the Institute before you are approved to sit for the business analyst certification exam. Additionally, these courses must be completed within the four-year period prior to the examination date.

It is also necessary to obtain at least five years of work experience as a business analyst before you can become professionally certified. This work experience must include activities aligned with the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®, and must be completed within the ten-year period prior to applying for business analyst certification. In addition to the educational and work experience requirements, you must provide two letters of professional recommendation to the International Institute of Business Analysis® along with your application. These recommendations can be made by a client, manager, or a professionally certified business analyst.

The Institute has recently begun offering an intermediate level business analyst certification known as the Certification of Competency in Business Analysis™. This certification is intended to be a gateway to the senior level Certified Business Analyst Professional™ designation. This certification is designed for individuals who are still in the process of meeting the full requirements for. It offers business analysts a method of demonstrating their competency to employers and prospective clients prior to becoming professionally certified. The educational requirements for this intermediate certificate are the same as the senior level requirements, but only 2-1/2 years of work experience is needed.

The International Institute of Business Analysis® periodically conducts both types of exams at various locations throughout the world. The written exam is usually three hours long and consists of a series of 150 questions. It is possible to take exams electronically at some testing locations. Membership in the International Institute of Business Analysis® is not required.