Why Professional Certification Needs to be on Your Radar
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The covid-19 pandemic has caused many organizations to shift or pivot their priorities. As a result, this has caused professionals to reflect on their professional goals and invest in professional certifications, such as the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis™ (ECBA™), Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®), Agile Analysis Certification, and other business analysis certifications.
What are Certifications?
The Institute for Credentialing Excellence says “A certification program is designed to test the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform a particular job, and, upon successfully passing a certification exam, to represent a declaration of a particular individual’s professional competence. In some professions, certification is a requirement for employment or practice.”
Professional certification shows commitment to professionalism, maintaining industry standards, and continued learning. Now more than ever, it's important to be recognized for your knowledge, skills, and proficiency in your area of expertise.
Why Get Certified?
Professional certifications provide opportunities to improve your value in the job market and achieve your financial goals. In the field of business analysis, the need for certified professionals is growing. It’s estimated that the need for business analysis professionals will grow by 14% by 2028. In addition, pandemic-related events have shifted the market and accelerated the demand for strong business analysis skills. From cybersecurity to business data analytics, business analysis has become increasingly important to help organizations navigate this transformation. Certification helps showcase your expertise and credibility.The Hiring Landscape is Evolving
The 2021 Open Source Jobs Report states “As we continue to crawl our way out of COVID-19- induced economic lockdowns, the world has its sights firmly set on a post-pandemic world. However, the pandemic will have left its mark, including how we attract, hire, organize, and retain our teams.”
Training and certification are key factors employers are looking for in candidates. Consider these statistics below from the 2021 Open Source Jobs Report:
Employers are looking for certification:
Employers are prioritizing certification:
How to Get Started?
You decided it’s time to earn a business analysis certification, but wondering where to get started?
- Choose Your Certification: IIBA's certification program consists of knowledge and competency-based levels, as well as certifications in evolving areas of business analysis. Determine which level or area matches your career goals.
- Learn About Your Certification Exam: Before you start preparing for your business analysis certification, ensure you understand the basics of what’s on your exam.
- Begin Preparing for Your Exam: Review the standards or bodies of knowledge that align with your certification or find an endorsed training provider to prepare you for your exam.
- Register and Take Your Exam: When you have acquired the skills and knowledge required for your desired certification, it’s time to take the exam!
Certify Your Future
IIBA certifications prepare and equip business analysis professionals with expertise and key competencies.
Find out which of IIBA's certifications is right for you and your career goals.
About The Author:
Isabel Feher-Watters is the Certification Programs Manager at IIBA® and has 20+ years' experience building talent and leadership in the workplace through learning, certification, and credentialing programs and practices. She holds a professional certification as a Certified Association Executive (CAE®), Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP)™, and a Change Management Registered Practitioner (CMRP®). Isabel is passionate about learning and professional development in the Business Analysis community.