Top 5 Certifications for Business Analysts

You can start learning BA from the below-given level of certifications that suits you. Business Analyst certifications training duration will differ according to the participants understanding and level of learning towards the BA course. Earning a Professional Business Analyst Certification from International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) and Project Management Institute (PMI - PBA) will help you to get quick BA jobs.

1. Name: IIBA Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA)

Description: IIBA offers a comprehensive certification program for budding business analysts. To begin with, you need to take the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA). The ECBA certification is designed to test knowledge and understanding of how business analysis is carried out. ECBA is the first step of a business analyst in order to get a certificate to endorse the BA essential skills. The ECBA course material is available online.

Educational Level: ECBA Level 1

Credential Category: Business Analyst Entry Course

Credential Award: Entry Certificate in Business Analysis



PDs/CDUs Credits: 21



Competency Required: Bachelors Degree

Occupation: Junior Business Analyst

Accreditation Recognized by: International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA)

Prerequisites:

• Account registration with IRBA

• 21 Professional Development hours

• Accept the code of conduct and terms and conditions

Below are the ECBA exam specification category wise price

ECBA exam cost

IIBA member Offer

Non-member Offer

Application fee $60USD $60USD Examination fee $110USD $235 USD Retake fee $85 USD $195 USD





IIBA membership fees

Member Annual Fee $110 USD

One Time Application Fee $15 USD





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

CCBA is the next level of certification. You can take CCBA exam and obtain the certificate to establish your credibility as a business analyst. CCBA is more complicated than the entry-level and tests mainly application and requirement analysis for the candidates.

Educational Level: CCBA Level 2

Credential Category: Business Analyst Advancement Course

Credential Award: Certification of Capability in BusinessAnalysis

PDs/CDUs Credits: 24

Competency Required: ECBA Certification

Occupation: CCBA Designation

Accreditation Recognized by: InternationalInstitute of Business Analysis (IIBA)

Prerequisites

• Candidate must complete minimum 7,500 hours of Business Analysis Work experience (in last 10 years)

• Out of the 7,500 hours, 900 hours of 4 out of 6 BABOK

• Within the span of the last 4 years, 35 hours of professional development needs to be completed

• Two references

• Accept Code of Conduct and terms and conditions

Types of CCBA exam fees IIBA member Non-member Application fee $125 USD $125 USD Examination fee $325USD $450 USD Retake fee $250 USD $375 USD

3. IIBA Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

CBAP is the final level. CBAP certification will establish your knowledge in the domain of business analysis. As CBAP is the highest level of examination for business analysts, the duration of the exam itself is 3.5 hours. CBAP is a highly coveted certification that every business analyst wishes to obtain. CBAP requires years of experience and hard work to successfully complete this level.

Educational Level: CBAP Level 3

Credential Category: Business Analyst Expertise Course

Credential Award: Certification of Capability in Business Analysis

PDs/CDUs Credits: 25

Competency Required: CCBA Certification

Occupation: CBAP Designation

Accreditation Recognized by: International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA)

Prerequisites

It also has a rigorous requirement such as the following

• 7,500 hours of work in the portfolio of business analyst in the preceding 10 years

• 900 hours of BABOK work

• 35 hours of professional development

• References

Types of CBAP exam fees IIBA member Non-member Application fee $125 USD $125 USD Examination fee $325USD $450 USD Retake fee $250 USD $375 USD

4. IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC)

The agile framework has been most popular since its inception. No wonder business analyst who performs in a highly competitive environment wants to be certified with AAC. AAC shows how spontaneous yet sound are the skills of the analyst. Agile Analysis Certification is a good indicator of how well suited a candidate is to handle any business problem with rapidity. IIBA’s recognition as a certified Agile Analyst is of great value in the world of business analysts. Since 2017, IIBA noted that it has become the most sought after certification for most business analysts.

Educational Level: AAC Level 4

Credential Category: Business Analysis Agile Course

Credential Award: Agile Analysis Certification

PDs/CDUs Credits: 25

Competency Required: BA Certification

Occupation: Agile Analyst Designation

Accreditation Recognized by: International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA)

Prerequisites

Though no specific requirement is laid down by the IIBA, AAC is expected that the candidate will possess two to five years of relevant experiences.

Types of AAC exam fees IIBA member Non-member Application fee $125 USD $125 USD Examination fee $325USD $450 USD Retake fee $250 USD $375 USD

5. PMI-Professional in Business Analysis (PBA) Certification

PBA course is designed by Project Management Institute to enhance the competency level of business analysts dedicated to project or program management. PMI PBA professional certification course is designed to help analysts overcome misleading tracks of requirements which can lead to project failure. PMI PBA certification is crucial for candidates desiring to take up leadership roles.

Educational Level: PMI-PBA

Credential Category: Business Analysis Course

Credential Award: Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)Certification

PDs/CDUs Credits: 25

Competency Required: High school diploma, Associate’s degree

Occupation: Business Analysis Expert

Accreditation Recognized by: Project Management Institute

Prerequisites

• High school diploma or similar qualification

• At least 7,500 hours of experience in the domain of business analysis

• 35 hours of professional development courses

Or

• Bachelor’s degree or international equivalent

• At least 4,500 hours of experience in the domain of business analysis

• 35 hours of professional development courses

Types of PMI-PBA exam fees PMI member Non-member Application fee $405 USD $555 USD Examination fee N.A N.A Retake fee $275 USD $375 USD

As a business analyst, you will need to stay updated with the latest tools of analysis. PBA will be in your best interest to undergo a brush-up or revision course whenever you get time.