Business analysts are in high-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.
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 BA professional can acquire knowledge include:
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 BA 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.
Various educational programs are available to help professionals get business analysis training, prepare for the CBAP test, as well as accumulate the 21 hours required in professional development. Villanova University’s 100% online Master 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 IS Security to Essentials of Software Testing.
The autonomy of the BA profession typically makes it attractive to those who are independent and self-motivated, and its complexity can keep things interesting. Obtaining a CBAP demonstrates an understanding of key business analysis skills and validates a professional’s ability to be an effective business analyst.
