CBAP - Certified Business Analysis Professional

Course details

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a globally recognized reputed designation offered by IIBA to professional who clears the CBAP exam. CBAP certification program is based on extensive business analysis and is ideal for the ones who have experience and knowledge in business analysis. This credential is based on Business Book of Knowledge and determines professional's ability to identify business needs of organizations and projects and determine solutions to resolve the same. The CBAP certification program is ideally for the intermediate and senior business analyst. Business Analyst, Project Manager, Program Manager etc. are the best suited participants for CBAP training and certification program. CBAP exam is governed by IIBA. It is a three and half an hour duration exam with 150 questions. CBAP exam is based on the Business Book of Knowledge (BABOK).

The advantages of CBAP are as follows:

 Globally recognized professional credential

 Certification awarded by reputed IIBA

 Established skills on business analysis

 Ability to identify business needs and determine solutions

 Better career opportunities in the global job market

Q. What is the CBAP Certification Examination?

International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) has created the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), a designation awarded to candidates who have successfully demonstrated their expertise in this field. The Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) designation is awarded to business analysis practitioners with at least five years of experience, and who have pass a comprehensive examination, based on the IIBA Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) that is designed to objectively assess and measure business analysis knowledge and experience.

Q. What are the education or work experience requirements needed?

To be eligible for CBAP Certification, you must meet the following 5 requirements:

 Sufficient Work Experience - 7,500 hours (i.e., five (5) years) of BA work experience in the last ten (10) years engaged in tasks specifically aligned with the BABOK.

 Expertise in the BABOK Guide Knowledge Areas - Demonstrated experience and expertise (i.e., a minimum of 900 hours (i.e., 6 months) in at least 4 of the 6 BABOK knowledge areas.

 Minimum Education - You must meet the minimum education requirement of high school or equivalent.

 Adequate Professional Development Hours - 21 hours of BA-related professional development within the last 4 years.

 Evidence of Certification Suitability - Two references to indicate that you are a suitable candidate for the CBAP certification, whether a career manager, an internal or external client or a CBAP recipient.

Q. How many questions are on the version 2.0 exam?

The CBAP exam has 150 questions.

Q. What is the 2.0 exam based on?

The exam is based mostly on the tasks and techniques identified in the BABOK, version 2.0, which was released March 31, 2009. The exam switched over to the 2.0 version on August 1, 2009. While most information for the exam is contained in the BABOK, it is not the sole source of questions on the exam. The BABOK references other sources the candidate may find helpful.

Q. What is the procedure for the exam signup and how much does it cost?

You need to pass the initial screening process for the CBAP exams. Once the IIBA assesses your qualifications for the exam, you should schedule a date for the exam with the official testing agency. You will receive an email with the instructions once your reservation is approved. You can visit http://www.iiba.org/Certification-Recognition/CBAP-Designation.aspx for the complete process. The application fee is $125 USD and is not refundable (i.e. regardless of whether your application is approved or declined). The exam fee is $325 USD for IIBA members and $450 USD for non-members.

Q. What percentage is required to pass the CBAP?

IIBA has not published percentages yet

Q. What is the best way to demonstrate that I meet the requirement of 7500 hours?

You need 7500 hours spent on business activities, and not just working hours. IIBA has an application that contains a section you can use as a template with the kind of information you need to complete. The form asks for information such as project name, start/end date, your role, project organization and contact, and project hours spent doing business analysis tasks as well as describing the tasks and your deliverables. The IIBA audits a certain number of applications, so the hours you list should be as accurate as possible.

Q. Do I need experience in all of the Knowledge Areas to apply?

A. No, the IIBA has established you need 900+ hours in at least 4 of the 6 core Knowledge Areas to apply.

Q. Where can I get the BABOK book to study?

IIBA members receive a complimentary copy of the BABOK Guide PDF. If you are an IIBA member, you can download it from BABOK Guide PDF. Non-members can purchase a copy of the BABOK Guide PDF for $29.95 USD.

Q. What counts towards the required 21 hour professional development hours?

Any business analysis training topic, such as requirements elicitation, requirements analysis or modeling courses, requirements planning/managing, etc. Training on related fields such as project management or software testing do not count towards the 21 hours. Nearly every Vellicate Technologies BA course applies to the 21 hours. Contact us if you have any questions.

Q. Can we send the CBAP application without having the needed 21 hours, and once accepted we take the course that gives us 21 hours?

You must have the 21 hours of courses before you submit your application. You do not need to submit a course certificate with your application, but be prepared to provide one if you are audited.

Q. Does being a PMP help in becoming a CBAP?

A. We think having a PMP will help from the standpoint of having prepared for and passed a strenuous exam. The questions and subject matter are different, of course, but the process of exam preparation, study, memorization, and overcoming test anxiety will help you pass the CBAP exam.

Q. Do I need to retake the exams to remain certified?

CBAP professionals are required to complete the IIBA Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) program. For this, CBAPs should have a minimum of 60 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) during 3 year CCR cycle. You do not need to re-take an exam unless your certification has lapsed.

Q. Who should attend the training for CBAP Certification?

Entry level Business Analysts who want to learn how to apply Business analysis concepts and experienced Business Analysts who want to prepare for Professional CBAP certification exams can opt for this course.