CBAP Certification, or Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), is the most reputed certification for business analysts. This program is ideal for professionals who have completed a minimum of 7,500 hours of Business Analysis work experience in the last 10 years. In this blog, let us explore the latest CBAP Certification Requirements and other criteria. For instance, the CBAP is considered the gold standard among Business Analysis certifications and plays a crucial role in establishing your credentials as a business analyst practitioner.
As a result, Based on the Business Analysis Body Of Knowledge (BABOK), this certification demands a thorough understanding of business analysis practice, activities, and principles. It also tests your ability to apply the knowledge and skill in real-life scenarios.
From the year 2020, IIBA has made the examination completely online. Earlier, you needed to go to the Prometric test center to take the exam.
Useful Link – CBAP Certification Training
What are the benefits of CBAP Certification?
- As per the International Institute of Business Analysis™ (IIBA®) 2020 Global Business Analysis Salary Survey Report, business analysts who hold an IIBA CBAP® certification earn 26% more vs. non-certified ones.
- Global Recognition of Competence, Knowledge, and Experience
- Higher recognition and greater possibility of career advancement within the organization as well as the overall market.
- Increased likelihood of selection for critical and complex business initiatives.
- Greater confidence in applying the learnings also gained through the certification exam preparation into practical day-to-day BA activities.
- A member of Elite BA Professional Community providing invaluable networking opportunities in order to interact with knowledgeable peers.
This is the level 3 certification awarded by the International Institute of business analysis (IIBA)
CBAP Certification Requirements
Following are the top requirements for CBAP Certification Exam:-
1. Check Your Eligibility Criteria
CBAP Certification is a professional certification for individuals with significant experience in the field of business analysis. The CBAP certification is ideal for professionals who are senior members of the Business Analysis community with more than five years of practical business analysis experience. Understanding the CBAP Certification Requirements is essential for those looking to attain this prestigious certification, as it demonstrates expertise and commitment to the field of business analysis.
Useful links – Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA) | Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA)
- Complete a minimum of 7,500 hours of Business Analysis Work Experience in the last 10 years. (You can consider this in order to be approximately 5 years of business analysis experience)
- Within this experience, a minimum of 900 hours were completed in 4 of the 6 BABOK® Guide Version 3 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 from a Career Manager, Client, or Certified Business Analysis Professional.
- Agree to Code of Conduct.
- Agree to Terms and Conditions.
2. Check the CBAP Certification Cost
The CBAP Certification cost comprises 3 components – membership fees, application, and exam fees. The membership fees depend on your country of residence. The application fee is USD 125, which is non-refundable, whereas the examination fee is USD 325 for members and USD 450 for non-members.
The Certification Fee Details Are Provided in The Table Below:
| Region I | Region II | Region III | |
| Membership fees | $125 | $85 | $55 |
| Application Fees | $125 | $125 | $125 |
| Exam Fees (Members) | $325 | $325 | $325 |
| Exam Fees (Non-members) | $450 | $450 | $450 |
- Region I Countries: United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates& more…
- Region II Countries: Singapore, Taiwan, South Africa & more…
- Region III Countries: India, Argentina, Pakistan & More…
3. Check How fees are calculated for your Country/Region
- Total CBAP Certification Cost in the United States of America is: Membership fees are USD 125, Application fees are USD 125, and the exam fees are USD 325 resulting in a total fee of USD 575
- Total CBAP Certification Cost in India is: Membership fees are USD 55, Application fees are USD 125, and the exam fees are USD 325 resulting in a total fee of USD 505.
4. Update Yourself with CBAP Certification Exam Syllabus
The certification exam is based on the Business analysis body of knowledge (BABOK) guide v3. so, The BABOK guide is structured into knowledge areas, Techniques, perspectives, and competencies.
The exam is completely based on BABOK v3. The weightage of the knowledge areas is provided below:
| Weightage | |
| Business Analysis Planning & Monitoring | 14% |
| Elicitation & Collaboration | 12% |
| Requirements Life Cycle Management | 15% |
| Strategy Analysis | 15% |
| Requirements Analysis and Design Definition | 30% |
| Solution Evaluation | 14% |
5. Know the Updated CBAP Exam Pattern
The CBAP Certification exam is a multiple-choice question-based exam. so, The questions are designed to test your ability to apply the BABOK concepts and framework. There is a mix of scenario and case-study-based questions. The empirical data suggests that the case study-based questions could be anywhere between 20%-35%. The case studies are large (one or two pages) and multiple questions are based on the case studies.
- There are 120 MCQs
- The duration of the exam is 210 minutes (3.5 hours)
- Each question will have four options
- Every question will have one correct answer
- There is no negative marking
CBAP Questions are based on the application of BABOK concepts. You can try CBAP Exam questions for Free.
Steps to Submit a CBAP Application Process
CBAP applicants need to submit an application in an attempt to demonstrate that they fulfill the eligibility criteria. Below are the steps that need to be carried out to submit a CBAP application to IIBA –
Step-1: Log in to the IIBA site with your credentials or create an account.
Step-2: Select CBAP certification and pay the application fee.
(Note: The application fee is also non-refundable and non-transferable)
Step-3: Thirdly Log Your Hours (Professional Development Hours + Work History Hours in the BA Development Log)
- Professional Development: Must have a minimum of 35 hours within the last 4 years. The course content must directly align with BABOK® Guide v3.0, and be formal in structure, and not simply a presentation.
- Work History: Requires a minimum of 7,500 hours of business analysis work experience within the last 10 years that align with the BABOK® Guide. This includes a minimum of 900 hours each in each of the 4 Knowledge Areas, for a total of at least 3,600 of the required total.
Step-4: Provide two references, who can either be a CBAP® recipient, a Career Manager, or a Client (internal or external).
Step-5: Agree to the “Terms and Conditions” and “Code of Conduct” and submit the application.
You can also view our official blog page on Techcanvass’s website to learn more about Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP).
How to Schedule the CBAP Exam?
- One year from the date or approval of the application, pay the exam fee before the application lapses.
- Schedule the exam on your preferred date and time. You can take the exam up to 3 times within your 1-year application period at any time (after paying the exam re-write fee for the 2nd and 3rd attempts).
How To Prepare for CBAP Exam?
Essential Preparation Methods for CBAP Certification Exam Include –
- Study BABOK (v3) Guide – BABOK (v3) is the core study material for the CBAP exam. so, One needs to understand and master (not cram) all concepts and knowledge areas in BABOK to pass the exam.
- Read concise Study Guides & other Study Materials – In addition to BABOK, there are other study guides and materials that explain BABOK concepts in a concise manner and can be useful resources for exam preparation.
- Attend CBAP Preparatory Training – CBAP preparatory training through IIBA’s endorsed education providers will not just fulfill the Professional Development Hours eligibility criterion but also make you understand the concepts and prepare you for the exam in a structured manner.
- Attempt as many practice tests as possible – Since the Majority of questions in the CBAP exam are scenario and case-study based. Practice as many sample questions and attempt as many simulation tests as you can in order to gain confidence and understand how prepared you are to sit for the exam.
CBAP certification exam is tough and it requires a systematic preparation approach in order to crack it. You can read the CBAP preparation approach: Step by Step. You can also go through Mrinalika’s successful CBAP v3 journey or the CBAP preparation approach of Manoj Kulkarni.
Key Tips for CBAP Exam Preparation
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Set a target date for the CBAP exam and make it a practice to read the BABOK and other relevant guides daily without fail. This consistent study routine will help you meet the CBAP Certification Requirements. Additionally, try to spend more time on weekends for focused preparation, ensuring you cover all necessary topics and strengthen your knowledge before the exam.
- Read the BABOK guide multiple times but to understand concepts and not cram the content. Use a concise study guide first or along with BABOK in case you are getting overwhelmed with BABOK content.
- Practice sample tests in a phase-wise manner. Try with Chapter-wise tests first to get a hold of all chapters, then scenario-based and case study tests, and finally complete simulation exams.
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Keep monitoring your performance in simulation exams as part of your preparation for the CBAP exam. Continuously aim to score 80-85% on these practice exams. Until you consistently achieve this level, focus on reading more and practicing regularly to meet the CBAP Certification Requirements and ensure you’re fully prepared for the actual exam.
- As a result, Try and identify study groups on professional platforms. Join these groups in order to gain value from each other’s knowledge and experience.
- Find out a CBAP recipient who can act as your mentor so, take out time to guide you in your CBAP exam preparation journey.
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Since the CBAP exam is not a straightforward one, make sure to calm your nerves and relax for a few hours or even a day before the exam date to keep yourself fresh. While relaxation is key, you can still do a light revision to reinforce key concepts. This approach will help you stay confident and focused, ensuring you meet the CBAP Certification Requirements and perform your best on exam day.
What To Expect in The Exam?
- Since Questions will be scenario-based and case-study (1-1.5 pages long) based in nature. There will also be multiple questions in each case study.
- Hence, a few questions will need mathematical calculations and a calculator will be provided for them.
- It may seem that there are also multiple correct answers to a question which is not the case. Hence, it is important to pay attention to minute details.
What Not To Expect in The Exam?
- The exam is simple and straightforward.
- There is the abundant time at hand in order to solve 120 questions.
- There are direct questions from BABOK on the various tasks and techniques.
- Extensive experience as a business analyst is enough in order to answer all questions and pass the exam.
Conclusion
For instance, there is little doubt that a widely accepted certification like CBAP will help a business analysis practitioner stand out in the crowd by showcasing evidence that he/she possesses the required knowledge and experience in the business analysis field. This will, in turn, lead to better growth opportunities and career advancement. Having said that, the CBAP Certification Requirements indicate that CBAP certification is not a straightforward one. It requires, but is not limited to, well-planned effort and commitment to studying BABOK/other guides, guidance from training providers and mentors, and practicing through sample tests to prepare for and pass the exam on the first attempt.
