Slides from a presentation given by Sam Merrick to IIBA UK on 12 May 2020

1. DATA TAKEN FROM IIBA 2019 BUSINESS ANALYSIS SALARY SURVEY INFOGRAPHIC

2. ALL ABOUT IIBA CERTIFICATIONS
A guide to the routes, criteria, coverage and methods for
obtaining IIBA certifications
Sam Merrick, CBAP®
Business Analysis Manager, Coventry Building Society &
Corporate Relationships Director, IIBA UK
12 May 2020

3. ALL ABOUT IIBA CERTIFICATIONS
What the
certification
routes are
What the
certifications
cover
How to apply,
take exams
& re-certify
What the
criteria for
applying are
CRITERIAROUTES COVERAGE METHOD
TIPS What our tips for success are

4. To give you the knowledge to:
- Recognise the different certifications with IIBA;
- Understand the pre-requisites and fees;
- Be aware of the coverage of certification exams; and
- Know how to apply, take the exam & re-certify.
OBJECTIVES

5. CCA
AAC
CBDA
CORE
CERTIFICATIONS
SPECIALIST
CERTIFICATIONS
IIBA CERTIFICATIONS
ECBA
CCBA
CBAP
ROUTES

6. CORE CERTIFICATIONS
LEAD
DELIVERS BUSINESS VALUE
ECBA
CCBA
CBAP
DO
RESULTS ORIENTED
LEARN
DEVELOPING BUSINESS ANALYSIS SKILLS
ROUTES

7. CORE CERTIFICATIONS
REMEMBER
UNDERSTAND
APPLY
ANALYSE
EVALUATE
CREATE
BLOOM’S TAXONOMY
ECBA
CCBA
CBAP
ROUTES

8. TIP #1
REMEMBER
UNDERSTAND
APPLY
ANALYSE
EVALUATE
CREATE
BLOOM’S TAXONOMY
ECBA
CCBA
CBAP
TIPS
Prepare for the type of question you’ll get.
• 3.5 hours
• 120 Questions
• Detailed case study
• 3 hours
• 130 Questions
• Short scenarios
• 1.5 hours
• 50 Questions
• Knowledge & Understanding

9. SPECIALIST CERTIFICATIONS
AAC
CCA
CBDA
• Agile Analysis Certification
• Apply agile perspective in business analysis
• Certification in Business Data Analytics
• Execute data analysis-related work in business analytics initiatives
• Certificate in Cybersecurity Analysis
• Learn cybersecurity tools business analysis professionals need
ROUTES

10. FEES – CORE CERTIFICATIONS
ECBA
CCBA
CBAP
$125
APPLICATION EXAM EXAM RESIT
ALL
$60
INDIVIDUAL
MEMBERS
NON
MEMBERS
CORPORATE
MEMBERS
INDIVIDUAL
MEMBERS
NON
MEMBERS
$325
$110
$450
$235
$289.25
$97.50
$250
$85
$375
$195
UK INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP COSTS $125 *ALL PRICES IN US DOLLARS
ROUTES

11. MEMBER BENEFITS
• BABOK ® Guide
• Agile Extension
• Competency Model
• Free Webinars
• Conference Discounts
• Certification Discounts
• BA Salary Survey
• BA Lens Magazine
• Online Library (9,000+ books), Tips, Articles, Whitepapers & Best Practice Guides
ROUTES

12. TIP #2 TIPS
Use membership benefits to your advantage
… and your membership with IIBA UK!

13. FEES – AAC & CBDA
EXAM EXAM RESIT
INDIVIDUAL
MEMBERS
NON
MEMBERS
CORPORATE
MEMBERS
INDIVIDUAL
MEMBERS
NON
MEMBERS
$250 $375 $225 $200 $325
AAC
CBDA
$450 $575 $400 $400 $525
UK INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP COSTS $125 *ALL PRICES IN US DOLLARS
ROUTES

14. FEES – CCA
UK INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP COSTS $125 *ALL PRICES IN US DOLLARS
BUNDLE EXAM RESIT
INDIVIDUAL
MEMBERS
NON
MEMBERS
CORPORATE
MEMBERS
INDIVIDUAL
MEMBERS
NON
MEMBERS
$495 $675 $440 $300 $425
$350 $475 $310 $300 $425CCA
EXAM & LEARNING
MATERIALS
EXAM ONLY
LEARNING
MATERIALS ONLY $195 $250 $175 N/A
ROUTES

15. ENTRY CRITERIA - CORE
*ALL APPLICANTS MUST AGREE TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT AND TERMS AND CONDITIONS
ECBA
CCBA
CBAP
3,750 HRS
IN LAST 7 YRS
(2-3 YRS)
7,500 HRS
IN LAST 10 YRS
(5+ YRS)
900 HRS IN 2
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
or
500 HRS IN 4
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
NO WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
900 HRS IN 4
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
35 HRS
IN LAST 4 YRS
21 HRS
IN LAST 4 YRS
2 CAREER
MANAGERS OR
CBAPs
NO REFEREES
REQUIRED
EXPERIENCE
(OVERALL)
EXPERIENCE
(KNOWLEDGE AREA)
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
REFEREES
CRITERIA

16. TIP #3 TIPS
Under-estimate your experience.

17. TIP #4 TIPS
Rationalise your knowledge area estimates.

18. TIP #5 TIPS
Get in touch with your referees.

19. ENTRY CRITERIA – CCBA/CBAP: WORK EXPERIENCE
STRATEGY ANALYSIS
REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS & DESIGN DEFINITION
SOLUTION EVALUATION
BUSINESS ANALYSIS PLANNING & MONITORING
REQUIREMENTS LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT
ELICITATION&COLLABORATION
STAKEHOLDERS
TECHNIQUESUNDERLYINGCOMPETENCIES
SUPPORTING
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
ANALYSIS
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
CRITERIA

20. ENTRY CRITERIA – CORE: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• PD Hours (NOT PD Units!)
• Must be aligned with BABOK v3.0
• Classroom/online courses
• Webinars
• Conference sessions, tutorials, keynotes & workshops
• IIBA Chapter events
• Self -directed learning
• Facilitated with measurable objective(s)
• NOT just presentation - interact and assessed
• Subject matter aligned with BABOK® Guide
• All EEP Program courses qualify
ECBA
CCBA
CBAP
CRITERIA

21. EXAM CONTENT – CORE
STRATEGY ANALYSIS
REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS & DESIGN DEFINITION
SOLUTION EVALUATION
BUSINESS ANALYSIS PLANNING & MONITORING
REQUIREMENTS LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT
ELICITATION&COLLABORATION
CORECONCEPTS
TECHNIQUESUNDERLYINGCOMPETENCIES
SUPPORTING
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
ANALYSIS
KNOWLEDGE AREAS
*PERSPECTIVES ARE NOT EXAMINED
COVERAGE

22. TIP #6 TIPS
Don’t ignore the other chapters.

23. CHANGES
SOLUTIONS
CONTEXTS
VALUE
STAKEHOLDERS
NEEDS
EXAM CONTENT – CORE: KEY CONCEPTS (CH 1-2)
BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS
STAKEHOLDER REQUIREMENTS
SOLUTION REQUIREMENTS
TRANSITION REQUIREMENTS
CUSTOMER
DOMAIN SME
END USER
IMPLEMENTATION
SME
OPERATIONAL
SUPPORT
PROJECT
MANAGER
REGULATOR
SUPPLIER
SPONSOR
TESTER
FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
NON FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS
COVERAGE

24. TIP #7 TIPS
CCBA & CBAP are not exams on the BABOK.
BABOK = “A GUIDE to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge”

25. EXAM CONTENT – CORE: KNOWLEDGE AREAS (CH 3-6)
6. STRATEGY
ANALYSIS
6.1 ANALYSE
CURRENT
STATE
6.2 DEFINE
FUTURE STATE
6.3 ASSESS
RISK
6.4 DEFINE
CHANGE
STRATEGY
7. REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS &
DESIGN DEFINITION
7.1 SPECIFY & MODEL
REQUIREMENTS
7.2 VERIFY REQUIREMENTS
7.3 VALIDATE REQUIREMENTS
7.4 DEFINE REQUIREMENTS
ARCGHITECTURE
7.5 DEFINE DESIGN OPTIONS
7.6 ANALYSE POTENTIAL
VALUE & RECOMMEND
SOLUTION
8. SOLUTION
EVALUATION
8.1 MEASURE SOLUTION
PERFORMANCE
8.2 ANALYSE
PERFORMANCE
MEASURES
8.3 ASSESS SOLUTION
LIMITATIONS
8.4 ASSESS ENTERPRISE
LIMITATIONS
8.5 RECOMMEND
ACTIONS TO INCREASE
SOLUTION VALUE
3. BUSINESS ANALYSIS
PLANNING &
MONITORING
3.1 PLAN BA APROACH
3.2 PLAN
STAKEHOLDER
ENGAGEMENT
3.3 PLAN BA
GOVERNANCE
3.4 PLAN BA INFO
MANAGAEMENT
3.5 IDENTIFY BA
PERFORMANCE
IMPROVEENTS
5. REQUIREMENTS
LIFE CYCLE
MANAGEMENT
5.1 TRACE
REQUIREMENTS
5.2 MAINTAIN
REQUIREMENTS
5.3 PRIORITISE
REQUIREMENTS
5.4 ASSSESS
REQUIREMENTS
CHANGES
5.5 APPROVE
RREQUIREMENTS
4. ELICITATION &
COLLABORATION
4.1 PREPARE FOR
ELEICITATION
4.2 CONDUCT
ELICITATION
4.3 COMPARE
ELICITATION
RESULTS
4.4
COMMUNICATE
BA INFORMATION
4.5 MANAGE
STAKEHOLDER
COLLABORATION
COVERAGE

26. EXAM CONTENT – CORE: TECHNIQUES (CH 10)
ACCEPTANCE &
EVALUATION
CRITERIA
BACKLOG
MANAGEMENT
BALANCED
SCORECARD
BENCHMARKING
& MARKET
ANALYSIS
BUSINESS
CAPABILITY
ANALYSIS
BUSINESS
CASES
BUSINESS
MODEL CANVAS
BUSINESS
RULES ANALYSIS
COLLABORATIVE
GAMES
CONCEPT
MODELLING
DATA
DICTIONARY
DATA FLOW
DIAGRAMS
DATA
MINING
DECISION
ANALYSIS
DECISION
MODELLING
DOCUMENT
ANALYSIS
ESTIMATION
FINANCIAL
ANALYSIS
FOCUS
GROUPS
FUNCTIONAL
DECOMPOSITION
GLOSSARY
INTERFACE
ANALYSIS
INTERVIEWS
ITEM
TRACKING
LESSONS
LEARNED
METRICS &
KPIs
MIND
MAPPING
NON-
FUNCTIONAL
REQUIREMENTS
ANALYSIS
OBSERVATION
ORGANISATIONAL
MODELLING
PRIORITISATION
PROCESS
ANALYSIS
PROCESS
MODELLING
PROTOTYPING
REVIEWS
RISK ANALYSIS &
MANAGEMENT
ROLES &
PERSMISSIONS
MATRIX
ROOT CAUSE
ANALYSIS
SCOPE
MODELLING
SEQUENCE
DIAGRAMS
STAKEHOLDER
LIST, MAP, OR
PERSONAS
STATE
MODELLING
SURVEY OR
QUESTIONNAIRE
SWOT
ANALYSIS
USE CASES &
SCENARIOS
USER
STORIES
VENDOR
ASSESSMENT
WORKSHOPS
DATA
MODELLING
BRAINSTORMING
COVERAGE

27. TIP #8 TIPS
Focus on the why AND the what.
• WHY is it valuable to do a task or use a technique?
• WHAT makes it suit any given context?

28. EXAM CONTENT – CORE: COMPETENCIES (CH 9)
9.1 ANALYTICAL
THINKING & PROBLEM
SOLVING
• CREATIVE THINKING
• DECISION MAKING
• LEARNING
• PROBLEM SOLVING
• SYSTEMS THINKING
• CONCEPTUAL
THINKING
• VISUAL THINKING
9.4
COMMUNICATION
SKILLS
• VERBAL
COMMUNICATION
• NON-VERBAL
COMMUNICATION
• WRITTEN
COMMUNICATION
• LISTENING
9.2 BEHAVIOURAL
CHARACTERISTICS
• ETHICS
• PERSONAL
ACCOUNTABILITY
• TRUSTWORTHINESS
• ORGANISATION &
TIME
MANAGEMENT
• ADAPTABILITY
9.3 BUSINESS
KNOWLEDGE
• BUSINESS
ACCUMEN
• INDUSTRY
KNOWLEDGE
• ORGANISATION
KNOWLEDGE
• SOLUTION
KNOWLEDGE
• METHODOLOG
Y KNOWLEDGE
9.5 INTERACTION
SKILLS
• FACILITATION
• LEADERSHIP &
INFLUENCING
• TEAMWORK
• NEGOTIATION &
CONFLICT
RESOLUTION
• TEACHING
9.6 TOOLS &
TECHNOLOGY
• OFFICE
PRODUCTIVITY
TOOLS &
TECHNOLOGY
• BUSINESS ANALYSIS
TOOLS &
TECHNOLOGY
• COMMUNICATION
TOOLS &
TECHNOLOGY
COVERAGE

29. EXAM CONTENT – CORE: QUESTION DISPERSION
ECBA CCBA CBAP
7. REQUIREMENTS ANALYSIS & DESIGN DEFINITION
8. SOLUTION EVLAUTION
3. BUSINESS ANALYSIS PLANNING & MONITORING
4. ELICITATION & COLLABORATION
5. REQUIREMENTS LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT
6 STRATEGY ANALYSIS
9. UNDERLYING COMPETENCIES
10. TECHNIQUES
1. BUSINESS ANALYSIS & THE BA PROFESSIONAL
2. BUSINESS ANALYSIS KEY CONCEPTS
2.5%
5%
5%
20%
20%
5%
24%
1%
5%
12.5%
12%
20%
18%
12%
32%
6%
14%
12%
15%
15%
30%
14%
COVERAGE

30. EXAM CONTENT – AAC
PRINCIPALS
SEE THE WHOLE
THINK AS A CUSTOMER
ANALYSE TO
DETERMINE WHAT IS
VALUABLE
GET REAL USING
EXAMPLES
UNDERSTAND WHAT IS
DOABLE
STIMULATE
COLLABORATION AND
CONTINUOUS
IMPROVEMENT
AVOID WASTE
TECHNIQUES
• BACKLOG REFINEMENT
• BEHAVIOUR DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT
• IMPACT MAPPING
• JOB STORIES
• KANO ANALYSIS
• MINIMAL VIABLE PRODUCT
• PERSONAS
• PLANNING WORKSHOPS
• PORTFOLIO KANBAN
• PRODUCT ROADMAP
• PURPOSE ALIGNMENT MODEL
• REAL OPTIONS
• RELATIVE ESTIMATION
• RETROSPECTIVES
• REVIEWS
• SPIKES
• STORYBOARDING
• STORY DECOMPOSITION
• STORY ELABORATION
• STORY MAPPING
• USER STORIES
• VALUE MODELLING
• VALUE STREAM MAPPING
• VISIONING
STRATEGY
FEEDBACK  LEARN  DECIDE
INITIATIVE
FEEDBACK  LEARN  DECIDE
DELIVERY
FEEDBACK  LEARN  DECIDE
AGILE PLANNING HORIZONS
COVERAGE

31. EXAM CONTENT – CBDA
1. IDENTIFY
RESEARCH
QUESTIONS
• DEFINE BUSINESS
PROBLEM OR
OPPORTUNITY
• FORMULATE
RESEARCH
QUESTIONS
• PLAN BDA
APPROACH
2. SOURCE DATA
• PLAN DATA
COLLECTION
• DETERMINE THE
DATA SETS
• COLLECT &
VALIDATE DATA
3. ANALYSE DATA
• DEVELOP
ANALYSIS PLAN
• PREPARE &
EXPLORE DATA
• PERFORM DATA
ANALYSIS
5. USE RESULTS TO
INFLUENCE
DECISION MAKING
• RECOMMEND
ACTION
• DEVELOP
IMPLEMENTATION
PLAN
• MANAGE CHANGE
4. INTERPRET &
REPORT DATA
• IDENTIFY &
UNDERSTAND
STAKEHOLDERS
• DERIVE INSIGHTS
FROM DATA
• COMMUNICATE
FINDINGS
20% 15% 16% 20% 20%
GUIDE COMPANY LEVEL STRATEGY (DOMAIN 6) = 9%
COVERAGE

32. EXAM CONTENT – CCA
14%
14%
12%
5%
15%
15%
13%
CYBERSECURITY OVERVIEW & BASIC CONCEPTS
ENTERPRISE RISK
CYBERSECURITY RISKS & CONTROLS
SECURING THE LAYERS
DATA SECURITY
USER ACCESS CONTROL
SOLUTION DELIVERY
OPERATIONS 12%
COVERAGE

33. THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS
PAY EXAM
FEE
RESCHEDULE
EXAM
COMPLETE
AUDIT
EMAIL
APPLICATION
CONTACTS
VERIFY
APPLICATION
DEATILS
PAY
APPLICATION
FEE
SUBMIT
APPLICATION
BOOK EXAM
APPLCIANTIIBAREFEREE,
PDCONTACT,OR
WORKCONTACT
AUDITED
NOT AUDITED
NO RESCHEDULE
REQUIRED
RESCHEUDLE
REQUIRED
COMPLETE
EXAM
PASS
FAIL
PAY EXAM
RESIT FEE
SELECT
CERTIFICATION
METHOD

34. TIP #9 TIPS
Book the exam. It will give you a target to reach.

35. THE EXAM – REMOTE ONLINE (ALL)
• PSI Online
• Check compatibility ahead – PC/laptop with webcam
• Location: well lit, no clutter, free from noise
• Log in on day via online portal
• Can log in 15 mins early
• Administrator will chat to check everything working properly
• Scan testing area (360 degree view) and inspection of other areas
• No food/beverages
• Present ID
• Software tutorial
• Administrator available to help if technical issues
• Administrator monitoring screens, webcam & microphone
• Pass/fail given
METHOD

36. TIP #10 TIPS
Take advantage of online examinations during the COVID-19
pandemic.

37. THE EXAM – TEST CENTRE (CCBA & CBAP)
• PSI Exam Centres 120+ countries worldwide
• Book via PSI site
• Arrive 30 mins early
• ID requirements & security requirements
• No food/beverages
• Empty pockets – check clothes
• Software tutorial
• Video surveillance and check
• Exit any time (clock running & additional security)
• Pass/fail given
METHOD

38. AFTER THE EXAM
CERTIFICATION REGISTER
• Validates
• Prospective employment
CERTIFICATION BADGES
• Display on email
• Digital URL
CONFIRMATION
• Breakdown higher/lower/comparable per knowledge area
METHOD

39. RE-CERTIFCATION
• Online Career Development Units (CDUs) evidence
• Must be submitted before certification expiry
• CCBA/CBAP = 60 CDUs in 3 years
• AAC = 20 CDUs in 1 year
• Formal Education
• Professional Development
• Professional Activities
• Self Directed Learning
• Volunteer
• Professional Experience
METHOD

40. OBJECTIVES
To give you the knowledge to:
- Recognise the different certifications with IIBA;
- Understand the pre-requisites and fees;
- Be aware of the coverage of certification exams; and
- Know how to apply, take the exam & re-certify.

41. TIPS
1. Prepare for the type of question you’ll get
2. Use membership benefits to your advantage
… and your membership with IIBA UK!
3. Under-estimate your experience.
4. Rationalise your knowledge area estimates.
5. Get in touch with your referees.
6. Don’t ignore the other chapters.
7. CCBA & CBAP are not exams on the BABOK.
8. Focus on the why AND the what.
9. Book the exam. It will give you a target to reach.
10. Take advantage of online examinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
TIPS

42. A FINAL THOUGHT…
“Never do tomorrow what you can do today.
Procrastination is the thief of time.”
CHARLES DICKENS

43. ALL ABOUT IIBA CERTIFICATIONS
A guide to the routes, criteria, coverage and methods for
obtaining IIBA certifications
Sam Merrick, CBAP®
Business Analysis Manager, Coventry Building Society &
Corporate Relationships Director, IIBA UK
12 May 2020

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