For many business analysts (BAs), the IIBA Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK®) Knowledge Area that is the least familiar is Enterprise Analysis (EA). In some ways, this may be a mixed blessing. On the one hand, the BABOK® Version 2 (v2) EA area describes important topics and techniques that BAs should be conversant with: defining business needs, solutions, business cases, and project initiation. On the other hand, I have issues with the ways BABOK® v2 treats these topics, especially how it portrays business needs and considers defining them as only part of EA.
The Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK® 2.0) is the definitive guide to the profession of business analysis. Every business analyst can profit from it, and few analysts can afford to be without it.
The CBAP® (Certified Business Analysis Professional) certification was begun in late 2006 to screen, test, and certify qualified and knowledgeable BAs. We now number over 600 CBAPs around the world, with more being added every week. For people dedicated to the field of business analysis, the CBAP is becoming the "gold standard"of our profession, much like the PMP® is for project management.
While Business Analysts are in demand, only the best will do. We investigate quintessential business analysis professional competencies, with a discussion of how academics and application can work together for your success. Key planning and preparation insights for CBAP certification are also uncovered.
Getting your CBAP certification is a worthwhile and rewarding experience. True, it can be frustrating at times, but the IIBA has improved the process with their online application. Entering your information through the web site takes much of the drudgery out of the steps, but the requirements are still rigorous. If you plan to apply for the version 1.6 exam, plan to apply by June 1 to be certain of meeting their deadline. If there are any delays or questions in processing your application, you will have enough time to resolve them and schedule your exam before the deadline. Good luck in getting your CBAP!
IIBA, CBAP, and BABOK are registered trademarks of the International Institute of Business Analysis.
Standardization offers the benefits of uniformity, predictability, interchangeability, and harmony. If this is not of interest to you, than there is little point in trying to participate in a standards program. But if you do wish to participate, understand there is more to implementing standards than to just say "that's just how it is going to be done." There has to be some sound rationale for their governance. In addition, you must address the enforcement issue. Standards will be adhered to by the degree of discipline instilled in the staff; If well disciplined, your chances for success are good, but if discipline is lax, automation is required to assure standards are being followed.
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