About The PMI-PBA (Project Management Institute – Professional in Business Analysis)

The PMI-PBA certification is basically for business analysts who work with project teams and manage requirements or product development, as well as project and program managers who perform business analysis as part of their job role. It deals more on the relationship between the project manager and the business analyst in order to maximize the contribution of each of the roles for project success.

According to PMI, “Business analysis has become a competency of critical importance to project management”. Hence, the PMI-PBA certification spotlights your ability to work with stakeholders in defining requirements, shaping project outputs and driving intended business outcomes. Getting this certification will prove your ability and skills to perform efficiently in an environment that requires such capabilities. 

What you need to know about the PMI-PBA

Pre-requisites

Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree
7,500 hours of non-overlapping business analysis experience – (5 years working as a Business Analysis practitioner. This experience must have been earned in the last 8 years.)
35 contact hours of business analysis education
OR

Bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent
4,500 hours of non-overlapping business analysis experience – (3 years working as a Business Analysis practitioner. This experience must have been earned in the last 8 years.)
35 contact hours of business analysis education

Price

Membership fee: $139
Exam fee for Member: $405
Exam fee for Non-member: $555

What the PMI-PBA Exam Covers

You’ll be tested on the following domain:

Needs Assessment (18%)
Planning (22%)
Analysis (35%)
Traceability and Monitoring (15%)
Evaluation (10%)  

ABOUT CBAP- Certified Business Analysis Professional

CBAP has been in existence for more than a decade now and the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) keep working to maintain global standards for the ongoing development of the Business Analysis practice and certifications.

In contrast to PMI-PBA, IIBA looks at Business Analysis in a much broader perspective that extends beyond projects and programs. IIBA explicitly defines Business Analysis as a practice that covers activities that applies to the entire organization improvement (Project & Programs inclusive). At its best, it sees Business analysis as a practice that should be routinely carried out to evaluate opportunities before projects are approved, even before a project manager is assigned.

CBAP recognizes your expertise in multiple business domains including your ability to tackle more complex projects, work with stakeholders to define and manage their business requirements, drive business processes, lead the BA effort, and identify opportunities to achieve better business results. Furthermore, IIBA’s view gives more opportunities to seek out senior roles and grow in the Business Analysis career path generally.

As a matter of fact, IIBA also has other levels preceding the CBAP qualification which individuals who plan to grow their career in the field can opt for. They are:

ECBA – Entry level Business Analysis Professional (This is targeted at Individuals entering the BA field)
CCBA – Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (Recognizes BA professionals who have 2-3 years of BA experience)
And CBAP being the highest level recognizes BA professionals who lead and have over 5 years of BA experience
To know more about IIBA’s Business Analysis certification, visit our Business Analysis training page

What You Need To Know About the CBAP Exam

Pre-requisites

To earn the CBAP designation, candidates must:

Complete a minimum of 7,500 hours of Business Analysis Work Experience in the last 10 years.
Within this experience, a minimum of 900 hours completed in 4 of the 6 BABOK® Guide Knowledge Areas, for a total of at least 3,600 of the required 7,500 total.
Complete a minimum of 35 hours of Professional Development in the last 4 years.
Provide two references.
Agree to Code of Conduct.
Agree to Terms and Conditions.

Price

Membership fee: $85
Application Fee: $125
Exam fee for Member: $325
Exam fee for Non-member: $450

What the PMI-PBA Exam Covers

You’ll be tested on the following knowledge areas:

Business analysis planning and monitoring 14%
Elicitation and collaboration 12%
Requirements life cycle management 15%
Strategy analysis 15%
Requirements analysis and design definition 30%
Solution evaluation 14%
The CBAP exam is one exam you need a lot of preparation for as the exam is comprised of scenario-based questions. 

Recommendation

For someone who is targeting business analysis career and still focused towards projects, PMI-PBA® and CBAP® are the two best options to move ahead. Many professionals who have chosen to acquire both the certification are now at a higher level in the career.

Ultimately, the choice to take either the PMI-PBA or CBAP certification is your decision to make. Both certifications have their benefits, and both will definitely boost your career options. Whichever exam you choose to take, you’re guaranteed to be one of the “most sought-after” by a large number in the business world of today.