Business Analyst Certifications 

This article will explore the different certifications available to Business Analysts and why certification is important for those working in this field. It will also examine the differences between business analytics certification and certificate study.

What is a Business Analyst?

A Business Analyst is hired to help find areas within an organization that aren’t performing as efficiently as possible and devise ways to help improve these operations. Business Analysts often work with individuals in other departments across the organization to collect data and gain an understanding of the various procedures and protocols in place, as well as to perform observations or interviews. They then propose changes designed to help streamline processes, improve software integrations, and ensure that the organization runs as efficiently as possible. This can involve prioritizing the company’s functional or technical requirements, analyzing and visualizing data, creating new financial models, and establishing new business strategies and goals. 

Do Certifications Matter for Business Analysts?

Achieving Business Analyst certification is one way to show a potential employer that they have acquired the training, skills, and knowledge needed to perform as a Business Analyst. Some organizations specifically seek candidates with business analytics certification listed on their resumes. In a competitive job market, it can be challenging to stand out from others applying for jobs. Because Business Analyst certifications are recognized in major business industries, achieving certification in this field provides a way for candidates to show their passion for analytics and dedication to this field. In addition, certification is a great way to increase a Business Analyst’s credibility among colleagues, clients, and managers. 

Although not all business analytics jobs require certification, it is often necessary for more specialized fields, such as agile analysis, business data analytics, or cybersecurity analysis. For example, some common certifications for Cybersecurity Analysts are CompTIA’s Network+, The EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker Certification, and the IIBA Cybersecurity Analysis.

Certifications vs. Certificates: What’s the Difference?

Certifications and certificates are available for those interested in demonstrating to employers that they are dedicated to the field of business analytics. Certifications in business analytics typically require passing an exam offered by a third party. They also sometimes require a certain number of hours of experience and professional development in the business sector. On the other hand, certificates in business analytics are often educational programs that require coursework over several weeks or months. Both certifications and certificates provide industry-relevant training for those working with business analytics.

How to Get Certified as a Business Analyst

The International Institute of Business Analysts (IIBA) breaks the Business Analytics certification process into four steps:

1. Choose which certification level best suits the test taker’s professional goals. Three main certification levels are offered, from beginner-level to expert. Once the candidate has chosen the appropriate certification, they should review the certification requirements, such as professional development hours. After these requirements are satisfied, they can sign up for the exam.
2. Become familiar with what the exam will cover. This can involve learning what questions will be asked on the exam, the blueprint of the test, and what sorts of topics are likely to appear. The IIBA’s exam information page provides guidelines on each certification exam and sample questions.
3. Prepare for the exam. Depending on which certification the candidate wishes to achieve, they will need to review the bodies of knowledge and industry standards that align with that certification. Students can elect to do this preparation on their own or use one of the training providers endorsed by the IIBA.
4. Register for the exam. After becoming familiar with the exam’s layout, sample questions, and subjects likely to appear on the test, it’s time to register for the exam. The core certifications each require an application and exam fee, and the specialized certifications only require an exam fee. Once this is paid, it is time to schedule the exam.

Top Certifications & Certificates for Business Analyst

Certificates

Those who are interested in a certificate in business analytics have a variety of learning options available. The following are just a few examples of certificates to pursue in business analytics:

• Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA): This certificate covers core business analytics knowledge based on the Business Analysts Body of Knowledge (BABOK) guide. Both beginners and professionals with business analytics experience can take this course to better understand what Business Analysts do and how they contribute to their organizations. To qualify for ECBA certification, a candidate must have completed at least 21 hours of professional development within the past four years.

• Business Analyst Certificate: Noble Desktop offers a 63-hour certificate in business analytics. This course is offered in-person in Manhattan, as well as live online. It provides training in business-relevant software, applications, and tools, like SQL, Tableau, PowerPoint, and Excel, among others. 

Certifications

The following are some of the main certifications available for Business Analysts:

• Academic Business Analysis Certificate (ABAC): Many colleges or institutions partnered with the IIBA offer this entry-level certification. Students often complete the ABAC before they pursue other competency-based IIBA certifications.

• Certification of Competency in Business Analytics (CCBA): This certification tests students on real-world business scenarios. To achieve CCBA certification, a candidate must have completed at least 21 hours of professional development, 3,750 hours of experience with business analytics, and pass an exam.

• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): This certification evaluates how well candidates can apply different techniques and tools to business problems. This exam tests students on the seven domains of the analytics process. It typically takes three months to complete this certification, which is a great way to boost earning potential. 

• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP): This is the highest level of business analyst certification possible for a Business Analyst to earn. Those seeking the CBAP must have completed a minimum of 35 hours of professional development, 7,500 hours of experience with business analytics, and pass an exam.

Sign up for Hands-on Business Learn More About Business Analytics

For those looking to begin as a Business Analyst, various courses are available for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students who hope to brush up on their business and analytic skills. In addition to Noble Desktop’s Certificate in Business Analytics, students may also wish to learn more about core business analytics concepts by studying Excel or enrolling in an 18-hour SQL Bootcamp.

In addition, a great resource for finding business analytics classes close to home is Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool. You can use it to search through more than 250 live online and in-person business analytics courses currently available in topics such as SQL, PowerPoint, and Excel for Business, among others.