The CCBA certification is aimed at intermediate business analysts and requires 2.5 years of experience and passing an exam. It covers the same six knowledge areas as the more advanced CBAP certification. To apply for the CCBA, candidates must meet minimum experience requirements in two or four of the knowledge areas, complete 21 hours of professional development, and obtain two references. The CCBA exam is similar in structure and length to the CBAP exam, with 150 multiple choice questions to be completed within 3.5 hours. While the CCBA is a new certification, candidates are advised to use the BABOK as a study guide. The presentation also reviewed the CBAP recertification process which requires maintaining 60 continuing development units over three years

1. Certification of Competency in Business Analysis(CCBA)Presented by:Jason A. Oliver

2. IIBA endorses the CCBA and CBAP as such: CCBA: geared towards business analysis practitionersCBAP: geared towards senior business analystsA bit of history…Approximately 4 years ago, the CBAP designation came into effect, which was modeled off of the PMP concept.It became apparent since, that a more intermediate designation was needed for those in the profession. Introduction to CCBA Designation

3. Requirements to apply for CCBAThe key difference of the CCBA is that only 3750 hours (2.5 years) of experience in the past 7 years, will qualify to write the exam. Breaking it down further:Min. 900 hours in two of the six knowledge areas, ORMin. 500 hours in four of the six knowledge areasProf Development: 21 hours in past 4 yearsReferences: 2, from either a career manager, client, or CBAP recipient. Signed Code of Conduct. Once the application is accepted, you may write the CCBA exam within 1 year.

4. Exam costs as follows: $125 U.S. registration fee (+GST), non-refundable$325 U.S. writing fee, once your application is approved. Non-members: the $325 writing fee is $450. Cancellation fee is $50 U.S.Fee Structure

5. The testing still covers the same 6 KA’s as the CBAP exam. The percentage distribution of questions by KA also remains the same, notably: Planning & Monitoring, 20%Requirements Analysis, 20%So, you would still refer to the same content in the BABOK (v2) as you would for the CBAP. Knowledge Area (KA) Coverage on Exam

6. Same as the CBAP:3.5 hours, or 210 minutes150 multiple-choice questions, A-D, single answerThat makes an average of 1 minute, 24 seconds per question. You are allowed to go back and forth between questions, but make sure you budget your time accordingly!Exam Structure

7. Q: Do I get a “break” on the CBAP exam if I pass the CCBA?A: No, unfortunately. You must still go through the application process from A-Z, and pay the full fees. Q: Are the questions on the CCBA easier than the CBAP?A: Don’t know – but the testimonials in the year to come should reveal that! Q: What study sources should I use? A: At this juncture, it’s primarily the BABOK, since the certification is still in its infancy. However, you could try joining a study group or class. Q: How long can I expect to wait to find out my exam application status once I submit it? A: It takes approximately 1 month, give or take a week. A few questions:

8. The Exam uses psychometric testing, which means that a “dynamic bar” is raised for each time testing is administered. IIBA does not release their formula. In essence, the formula is designed to gradually make the exam more challenging, the more people take it.This has the effect of making the certification more valuable. Psychometric Testing

9. Any questions? And that wraps it up…

10. Part II CBAP Recertification

11. Recertification RequirementsMandatory every 3 years

12. Maintain “Active” status <=> 60 CDUs/cycle

13. Download reporting form & track CDUs

14. Maximum values apply in any single category; 6 CDU categories in all to choose from