7 steps to become a Business Analysis Professional in Nigeria

7 steps to become a Business Analysis Professional in Nigeria

Business Analysis Professional (s) often find themselves in higher demand and get credibility for their business analysis experience in many organizations today. According to IIBA’s Annual Salary Survey report “ the average salary of top 5 certification holders is 11% more on average in comparison to non-certification holders”.

Becoming a certified Business Analysis Professional requires a lot of effort from you in terms of finance, time and most importantly commitment. The steps below will guide you through the process.

Table of Contents

Step 1: Meet the requirements

The first thing you need to do once you’ve made a decision to take any of the Business Analysis certifications is to research on the requirements involved and ensure you familiarize yourself with the process.

Many Business Analysis professionals who have been in the business field for a long time but are not aware of the BA profession are surprised to learn that they can actually apply to sit for the CBAP® exam. On the other hand, some professionals try to pursue the CBAP® only to get disappointed when they realize they do not meet the  CBAP®  requirement which are:

Minimum 7500 hours of BA work experience aligned with the BABOK® Guide in the past ten years, including:

a minimum of 900 hours in each of four of the six knowledge areas.

Minimum of 35 hours of Professional Development Training in the past four years.

Two references from a career manager, client, or CBAP® recipient.

Agree to CBAP® Code of Conduct

The International Institute of Business Analysis has other levels apart from the CBAP which you can opt for. Try to consider the IIBA® Certification of Capability in Business Analysis™ (CCBA®) or the  Entry Level Certificate in Business Analysis™ (ECBA™)

Step 2: Earn the required Professional Development Hours

As stated above, you need to earn a minimum of 35 professional development hours (PDs) in the last four years to sit the CBAP exam. Likewise, you need 21 hours to sit the  ECBA or CCBA exams. Also, by attending training, you will be well enlightened on each knowledge areas and tasks involved in each area (for those sitting CCBA/ CBAP).

This, in turn, will enable fill your application appropriately and get it approved without being selected for an audit.

At HARRYBAKER, you can earn the necessary PDs by attending our Business Analysis Classroom training

Step 3: Choose the right References

Another requirement for those opting for the CCBA/CBAP is to be able to document 2 references who could be your boss, career manager, or even CBAP recipients.

When filling the section, you want to make sure you notify these people beforehand as they will receive an email with a form to be completed and sent back to IIBA. Your application can’t be completed until your references return these forms.

Step 4: Submit your application

Once you have paid the application fee ($60 for ECBA and $125 for CCBA/CBAP))and you have filled the required sections on your application, you will get a “green tick” on all sections. Then “Submit” your application.

The Application review does not usually take long. You will get feedback within 5 working days. The feedback can either be “Approved” or “Approved Pending Audit”

Step 5: Pay the exam fees

Once your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming this. You have 1 year from the date on your approval email to take your exam.  During this time, you should ensure you pay your exam fee and sit your exam before the application lapse. Otherwise, you will have to reapply to take the exam.

Step 6: Prepare for your exam

After your training and your application has been approved, It is advised to take at least 2-3 weeks to study and prepare more for your exam. Also, get yourself familiar with the BABoK Guide (you will get one, once you register as a member of IIBA).

Another great help we provide at HARRYBAKER is to grant you access to our online E-learning that you can use to test yourself before you eventually sit the exam.

Step 7: Schedule & Pass the Exam

You can schedule your exam at any time. Once IIBA receives your exam fee, you will be sent a link and eligibility ID which you would use to schedule your exam with a Prometric Centre for those sitting CCBA/ CBAP and PSI for those sitting the ECBA exam.

Ready to be a Certified  Business Analysis Professional? Register for our upcoming Classroom training session

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