CARY, NC- Kris Ashton, Gina Schwalm and Stace Williams are the first members of the ASPE Technology team (and among the first-ever) to achieve the International Institute of Business Analysis’ Certified Business Analyst Professional status.
The IIBA’s vision is to be the leading worldwide professional association that develops and maintains standards for the practice of business analysis and for the certification of practitioners. The Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is the first certification to be offered by the IIBA.
According to the IIBA, a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a proven expert in identifying the business needs of an organization and determining solutions for those needs. Their extensive knowledge of the standards and best practices outlined by the IIBA Business Analyst Body of Knowledge (BABOK) allows them to efficiently and consistently produce reliable, high-quality results for their organization. When asked why someone should become CBAP certified, Stace Williams says, “It may not seem this way now, but I am convinced in the next 5 years the CBAP will distinguish and differentiate BAs from those who informally do the role. With the cost of IT projects and the success rates we see today, I believe in 1-3 years there will be requirements to have certified BAs on projects just as you see with the PMP today.”
The certification consists of an extensive application process and a 3.5-hour, 150 multiple-choice question exam. However, the exam itself is just the final requirement for attaining the CBAP certification. The application process, which many applicants say is actually harder than the test, requires that you prove five years (7,500 hours) of business analysis work experience within the last 10 years, and demonstrate experience in 4 out of the 6 knowledge areas of the BABOK. You must need 21 hours of professional development in the last 4 years, possess a minimum high school education, and supply 2 professional references.
As if the application were not hard enough, the exam is no stroll in the park. The exam requires a strong knowledge of the BABOK, but also asks questions that mimic real-world situations. Kris, Gina, and Stace feel that significant work experience as a business analyst is the best resource for this knowledge.
When asked why she took the CBAP exam, Stace Williams responds, “I have been doing this kind of work for a long time, but until the IIBA and CBAP this type of work has not been viewed with as much credibility or recognition as say accounting or PM. I am very excited about the benefits that the creation of the IIBA and the CBAP can bring not only to individuals but also to the BA profession as a whole. It is rare that you get the opportunity to be in on the ground floor for the creation of a new profession. One individual can make a difference in helping the BA profession gain the credibility and recognition it deserves.”
Kris, Gina, and Stace are all ASPE instructors who specialize in the Business Analysis and Requirements Gathering Curriculum. Since the news of their certification, these three have worked hard to develop a Detailed Q&A document, available on the ASPE Technology website, to help answer questions for others interested in applying for the CBAP certification. The Detailed Q&A discusses the certification, its benefits, the necessary qualifications, it explains the application process, and gives study/preparation tips. They have also been instrumental in developing the ASPE Technology CBAP Exam Boot Camp that will debut in the fall of 2007.
Training providers all across the country are creating and offering CBAP prep courses and training materials. Few, if any, will have been developed by 3 CBAPs. The ASPE Technology CBAP Exam Boot Camp is sure to be one of the best prep courses available.
Williams concludes, “As with all the ASPE Technology training courses, you will receive the total package. You will receive training from highly qualified instructors who are fun to work with. Not only will you enjoy your time in the classroom, but you will also be well prepared for the exam. Our course will help you be sure that your application is accepted the first time around, and that it is bulletproof so there is no worrying if your application gets audited. We will make sure you have a strong understanding of the BABOK, and that you have significant hands-on practice. We will also be offering giveaway tools, including one that helps you track/map your work experience.”
For more information on ASPE Technology visit www.aspetech.com or call 877.800.5221. If you are interested in learning more about the IIBA or the CBAP exam visit www.theiiba.org.
