Individuals who have a strong background in business analysis and related studies can dream of becoming a business analyst in a reputed organization or firm. However, for that, they also have to complete a certain BA (Business Analysis) certifications that would make them eligible for the post of a business analyst. These certification courses also improve a candidate’s chances of getting higher salary packages.

There are some BA certifications are entry-level courses that may or may not require relative experience whereas there are few advanced level certifications that can only be applied by candidates who have extensive experience of business analysis. These are the certification courses that are suitable for those who want to build a career in business analysis:

PMI – PBA (Professional Business Analyst)

PBA certification is one of the most popular certifications among individuals who want to build a career in business analysis. Anyone having a bachelor’s degree in business management or any other related field can apply for this course if he/she has worked for 3 years (4500 hours) as a business analyst in the last eight years. Moreover, the candidate should have 2000 hours of experience in handling and work with project teams.

Similarly, an individual who has a high school diploma or any other associate degree can apply for this course if he/she has worked for 5 years (7500 hours) as a business analyst in the last eight years. Also, the candidate should have 2000 hours of experience in handling and work with project teams.

The certification also provides 35 contact hours of training that is required to apply for the PBA exam. This course is suited for both business analysts and people who are interested in becoming a professional business analyst. On completion of this course, a person will have the following skills:

  • A complete understanding of the roles, functions, and responsibilities of a business analyst
  • Insights on how to collaborate with various stakeholders of an organization
  • Knowledge of all the fifty analytical tools and methods that are required for business analysis
  • A complete understanding of the concepts and acquiring the skills required to pass the PBA exam

CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional)

CBAP is a highly recognized business analysis certification that is accepted worldwide. However, its eligibility criteria are more stringent as compared to the PBA certification. To apply for this course a candidate must have 7500 hours of experience in business analysis out of which 900 hours should be dedicated to the six BABOK (Business Analysis Book of Knowledge) key knowledge areas in the last ten years. Out of the 6 knowledge areas, the 900 hours must include at least 4.

Apart from that, he/she must also complete 35 professional development hours in the last 4 years. For the completion of the hours of professional development, one can enroll in any of the reputed PMI (Project Management Institute).

Following are the benefits of completing this course:

  • Complete understanding of the practices and rules of business analysis
  • Acceptance of professional pro-efficiency by professional peers and company management
  • A better salary package
  • A feeling of achieving a milestone in the field of business analysis
  • More opportunities in the business analysis market
  • Improvement in overall performance as a business analyst

IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis) Entry-Level Certification

This certification does not require much experience and its eligibility criteria are much lenient. It is also considered as the first or entry-level certification in business analysis. A candidate just needs to complete 21 hours of training in the last four years. It gives you a basic understanding of all the roles and responsibilities that a business analyst is responsible for.

CCBA (Certification of Competency in Business Analysis) Level 2 Certification of IIBA

Once you complete the entry-level certification, you can gain some more experience in business analysis and then you can apply for this certification which certifies that a candidate is competent enough to handle the role of a business analyst.

To be eligible for this course, a person must have the experience of 3750 hours while working in the field of business analysis. Also, the candidate must have completed 900 hours in 2 of the 6 knowledge areas of BABOK or 500 hours in 4 of the 6 knowledge areas of BABOK.

This course covers all the fundamentals, 6 knowledge areas of BABOK, and other key concepts that you must learn to become a competent BA.