Comments on: Laura’s CBAP Journey: Finding My “Why” (Week 4)

By: Gnaneswara

Gnaneswara — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:22:26 +0000

Though I am not CBAP and never read CBABOK(except some extracts here and there)., I still do believe, BABOK is very helpful in making BA skills stronger and skills to generalise any kind of BA situations. But as far as CBAP side, I do see this as mere short-convincing factor to your recruiter(not the employer). Recruiter wants to judge your skills just not on your documented experience, but a valid certifications. Because, for him it is not possible to judge your entire skills just by interviewing for few minutes or an hour. Ofcourse, once you are hired, then its your turn, how you impress them with your way of working.

By: Karess

Karess — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 07:58:44 +0000

In reply to Laura Brandenburg. Free konwlgdee like this doesn't just help, it promote democracy. Thank you.

By: Laura Brandenburg

Laura Brandenburg — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:34:17 +0000

In reply to Angela Meek.

Angela,
And in case the study groups Michael mentions are not an option for you (not all chapters yet run them and not all locations have IIBA chapters), there are some more affordable training options.

On our courses page, there are links to 3 BA courses, all well under 1K, that provide the PDs required for certification. These are more affordable because they are offered virtually and, in some cases, with more limited instructor support. But they are still great learning opportunities. I can personally attest because I have participated in some degree in each.

http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/business-analysis-training-courses/

Good luck!

By: Michael Gladstone

Michael Gladstone — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 15:28:32 +0000

Hi Angela,

While commercial training options do (generally) incur significant cost, there is no requirement for such training to meet IIBA certification application requirements.

IIBA certification study groups run by IIBA Chapters can be run in such a way as to ensure that time spent participating in them will qualify towards the Professional Development requirement. Chapters are aware of these requirements.

I’d certainly encourage you to check out this option to obtain the required professional development at a significantly discounted rate (or free). I believe there are even chapter study groups that are run virtually.

I hope this helps.

Michael

By: Angela Meek

Angela Meek — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:08:09 +0000

I found this a very interesting posting thread as I have been contemplating certification for the last 12 months. I agree with all the points here, pro and con, but at the end of the day, I know I could buckle down and spend the time and do it. I do not mind a rigorous certification process. (That could easily fulfill the “how tenacious is your BA??” portion of an exam!) I think there can be value in the credentials depending on the situation. I believe even for a seasoned professional who may not “need” the certification, there is valuable learning to be gained from studying the BABOK and taking the prep courses. (We can ALWAYS learn something new!)

So I had to question myself on why I really haven’t invested in it…and that is where I find my problem with the certification process. I actually struggle with the cost prohibitive nature of the certification. It seems as is if the requirements appeal to an elite class. As a single working professional with a child, I have to carefully weigh where to budget my funds. (We are well cared for, entertained and fed, mind you, but every large expense is reviewed carefully!) While I can justify a $300+ one time exam fee and budget for it, I struggle with the professional study/prep hours requirement. Boot camps, online study courses, and other options I have explored that fulfill this requirement are well over $2,000, some closer to 5 and 6K. This is a HUGE deterrent for certification. Certainly it may “weed out” people who just want to do a brain dump on material and sit for a test, but it is just plain prohibitive for your average working professional. My perception is that the certification option may only be available to a wealthier BA “class”.

I believe those certification requirements should be allowed to be met through alternatively low or non-cost means. (Volunteering specifically in a BA role? Being in a mentorship program? Free online recorded classes through IIBA? There has to be something…)

Perhaps there are other low/free methods to meet this requirement and I have just not interpreted that portion of the requirement correctly? If so, it’s likely there are others who feel the same and need to be enlightened.