Business Analyst Certification: What You Need to Know in 2024

Business analysts assist their organizations by using data to report on problems and opportunities within the business’ operating systems. Ultimately, this improves and innovates the processes. Business analysts are problem solvers within their companies as they work to find the root causes of problems and generate solutions. 

As a business analyst, you will share your findings with different members within your company and provide new insights and solutions that could optimize business operations. You may perform strategy analysis, master the concept of lifecycle management, and ultimately share your expertise to improve your company and lead members through changes.

If you become certified as a business analyst, you will be a more competitive candidate in the job market and a valued expert in the project management field. Certifications can help you advance both your workplace and technical skills. 

What is a business analyst certification? 

A business analyst certification is an official document verifying your skills, abilities, and knowledge in business analysis. Having a certification confirms to your employer that you have expertise in business analysis planning which may lead to more job opportunities. You can display your business analysis certification on your resume or cover letter, making you stand out as a strong candidate. This credential could further validate your ability to use certain data software, engage in business analyst planning, and understand business and product management statistics. 

Types of certifications

As you enter the business and product management world, you can pursue various business analyst certifications. Many business analysis institutions offer multiple certification levels, ranging from entry to expert, or offer specialized certifications. 

Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA)

This entry-level certification by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is one of the many certifications offered by this institute. It acts as an introductory exam and certification for business analysis. The ECBA covers foundational concepts on approaching business analysis and will set you apart from other entry-level candidates as you apply for jobs. 

Requirements: Previously, you needed to complete 21 hours of professional development in the past four years. However, that requirement has recently been eliminated. Now, you must only agree to the code of conduct and terms and conditions and pass the exam.

Cost: $350 [1]

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

The CBAP certification is the highest level of business analyst certification offered by the IIBA. It demonstrates your advanced expertise in, and mastery of, business analysis as well as showcases your dedication to your field of work. This certification will validate you as a professional senior leader in the business analysis world. 

Requirements: Complete at least 7,500 hours of business analysis experience within the past 10 years, plus 35 hours in professional development in the last two years. At least 3,600 of your 7,500 business analysis hours must be in four of the six BABOK Guide Knowledge Areas. Additionally, you must provide two references and pass the exam to achieve the certification. 

Cost: $145 [2]

PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)

The PMI-PBA certification is for business analysts who work in product development or with project teams and define requirements with stakeholders. This certification can verify you as an expert, highlighting your skills in driving business outcomes and shaping project results. To maintain your PMI-PBA certification, you must submit a renewal application every three years, including completing 60 professional development units.  

Requirements: You have a few options in terms of requirements for the PMI-PBA certification. Firstly, you can have a secondary degree such as a high school diploma or associate degree, 60 months of business analysis experience, and 35 contact hours of education in business analysis (you must gain experience within the past eight years). Secondly, you can have a bachelor’s degree, 36 months of business analysis experience, and 35 contact hours of education in business analysis (again, said experience must be within the last eight years). Thirdly, a GAC-accredited bachelor’s or postgraduate degree, 35 hours of formal education, and at least two years of unique, non-overlapping professional business analysis experience. 

Cost: $405 for members, $555 for non-members [3]

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

The CAP certification validates your ability to provide guided business advice using analytics tools and data sets. Completing the training courses and exams takes about three months, which makes it a cost-effective certification. Analytics-focused organizations highly value the CAP exam and will verify your competency in workplace skills and technical expertise. It will also assess your familiarity with business and analytics problem framing, methodology, data, and lifecycle management. 

Requirements: To earn this certification, you will need a bachelor’s and master’s degree, three years of experience with an MA/MS in a related area, five years of experience with a BA/BS in a related area, confirmation of workplace skills from an employer, a pledge to ethics guidelines, and successful completion of the exam.

Cost: $440 for INFORMS members, $640 for non-members [4]

How to choose a business analyst certification program

To choose a business analyst certification program, first assess your interest and skill level and decide what you need from the certification. If you have no prior experience and are just starting out in the business analysis world, you may want to take a few preparatory courses and work towards an entry-level certification. 

You can also contact potential employers or check job postings to see what certifications are required or recommended for various positions. Consider your financial situation and available time, as earning a certification has associated costs and time requirements. 

Benefits of earning a certification

Earning a business analyst certification comes with many benefits that can improve your career and overall opportunities in your industry. A recognized credential builds your resume and can help you stand out to employers. Employers seek out potential hires with certifications and credentials as it validates their advanced ability in a particular skill set that can help the company. 

Aside from gaining more opportunities and increasing your pay and job security, certification can improve your overall skills in business analysis and make it easier for you to succeed in your role. Business analyst certifications demonstrate dedication to your craft and will earn you respect among your peers and employers.

How to prepare for a business analyst certification test

When preparing for a business analyst certification test, follow these steps to ensure you are ready to take the exam. 

1. Meet the requirements and check your eligibility.

Before registering for the exam, make sure you have the required degree, references, experience, and any other requirements needed to take it. You should also have all your materials collected before you begin preparing to take it to ensure you have not skipped any of the prerequisites. 

2. Prepare and assess resources.

After confirming that you meet the exam prerequisites, ensure you are familiar with the exam fee and can pay for it. Then, you can register to take the exam officially. You can usually pay for the exam through the official site of whichever certification you are testing for, and you can also determine if you need to schedule the exam at a testing center or take it online. 

3. Practice.

The best thing you can do to prepare for the exam is to familiarize yourself with the format and material of the test. Many certification exams will have multiple-choice and scenario-based questions to test your memorization and application of fundamental or advanced concepts. You can also take courses in person or online to prepare for the exam. 

Getting started in business analysis 

Earning a business analyst certification can help you build the skills you need for success in this role. It can also help make you a more competitive candidate when searching for a job. On Coursera, you can find courses to help you prepare for certifications in the business analysis field. For example, the Automation Business Analysis: Concepts and Principles course follows the IIBA’s BABOK Guide. This course can help you start your career in the business analysis world or prepare for your first certification exam.