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Business Analyst Training

Business Analyst Training

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Last Updated November 22, 2013

Business analysts are in demand by organizations seeking to evaluate and improve their business needs in a timely manner, and then plan and execute the solutions that will likely be most effective.

Members of the business analyst (BA) community can be recognized by their shared title as a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP). Since the first Certified Business Analysis exam was administered, thousands of business professionals have earned their CBAP designation.

CBAP Training

The certification is the culmination of extensive, hands-on experience of at least 7,500 hours, including at least 900 hours in four of six specific knowledge areas. Certification also typically requires a significant investment of time in professional development.

The specific areas where a business analysis professional can acquire knowledge include:

  • Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring – how the analyst evaluates the activities that are important in order to complete an analysis.
  • Elicitation – ways of working with business stakeholders to obtain insights into their needs, concerns and working environment.
  • Enterprise Analysis – the process of identifying and refining a business need and defining a feasible solution scope.
  • Requirements Analysis – the process of evaluating stakeholder and solution requirements to ensure a solution that effectively meets business needs.
  • Requirements Management and Communication – the way that business analysts manage conflicts, issues and changes to create the most valuable solutions.
  • Solution Assessment and Validation – how analysts assess proposed solutions with business needs.

Is Business Analysis for Me?

It may take some effort to find the kind of job, skills and knowledge that can lead to a successful career in business analysis. Picking out the right business analysis training program is important, so it can be beneficial to get familiar with a business analyst’s roles and responsibilities and weigh how different facets of the position fits with your interests and capabilities.

It’s also important to identify any skills and qualifications already acquired which may be transferred to a business analyst position. Professionals can develop certain skills by adopting a business analysis mindset and by practicing techniques like scoping projects and eliciting information.

Finally, networking is critical. Your connections may end up in a position to offer opportunities to practice BA techniques. Other contacts may help circulate your résumé to recruiters. Co-workers and managers can also provide feedback and offer suggestions for improving your positioning.

Business Analysis Training and Prepare For Certification

Various educational programs are available to help professionals get business analysis training, and prepare for industry certification. Villanova University’s 100% online Certificate in Business Analysis has helped business professionals produce reliable, high-quality results with improved consistency and efficiency. It covers the required courses (Essentials of Business Analysis and Mastering Business Analysis) and a required elective, with choices ranging from Essentials of Business Intelligence to Essentials of Business Process Management.

The autonomy of the business analyst profession typically makes it attractive to those who are independent and self-motivated, and its complexity can keep things interesting. Obtaining a CBAP credential demonstrates an understanding of key business analysis skills and validates a professional’s ability to be an effective business analyst.