Demand for business analysis skills has increased as the pace of change has grown. Often this is driven by technology, the traditional BA role ‘bridges the gap’ between business experts and technical software teams. Apart from business analysts, project managers, business change managers, product owners and software developers benefit from BA training and qualifications.

Currently, there are two main bodies who can support professionals in achieving a business analysis qualification: BCS (The British Computer Society) and the IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis), both of which offer a number of BA qualifications tailored to your experience, career goals and personal preference.

Business Analysis Diploma Qualification

Developed and managed by BCS this remains the most sort-after business analysis qualification in the UK. As it is divided into individual modules,  it is easy for professionals to achieve the relevant certifications within their personal time constraints and according to their specific interests. If you are looking to gain important practical knowledge with hands-on training experience then this is the qualification you should choose.

How do you achieve the diploma?

The BCS diploma in business analysis consists of a foundation and three practitioner qualifications which are followed by an oral exam.

Each qualification stands alone and, in various combinations (IREB and IIBA qualifications also give partial exemptions), leads to the International BCS Diploma in Business Analysis. The delegates can take the four courses over as short a time as 8 continuous days or as several sessions spread over a year.

The courses can be taken at dates and in any order to suit you.

Core Practitioner (both mandatory):

• Business Analysis Practice
• Requirements Engineering

These courses can be taken together in a one-week fast track, see Fast Track Business Analysis Course.

Foundation (choose one of the below):

• BCS Foundation in Commercial Awareness
• BCS Foundation in Business Analysis
• BCS Foundation in Business Change

Practitioner (choose one of the below):

• Modelling Business Processes
• Systems Development Essentials

Oral exam preparation

The diploma is completed by a 50-minute oral exam with two examiners. A one-day training day gives excellent preparation for this exam

What do we offer?

Metadata Training offers a variety of cost-effective diploma bundles that can help you achieve the BCS Diploma in Business Analysis at a reduced cost. Click here to find out more.

CBAP/CCBA Qualifications

The CCBA & CBAP qualifications are developed and managed by IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis) and are very popular outside the UK. The qualification process is more complex and rigorous and unlike the BCS the exams are based on multiple choice questions.

The CCBA & CBAP qualifications offer a more systematic and comprehensive structure of the role of the business analyst and the way they should perform their work. The process, as well as the tools, are fully explained in the BABOK, the standard guide for these qualifications. These qualifications are heavy in theory and there is a lengthy application you need to go through in order to sit the exam.

IIBA has chapters in most countries who organise events for business analysts. They also have online resources for business analysts to use and continue their personal development.

What do we offer?

Metadata Training offers a course to support you achieve the CBAP or the CCBA qualifications. The qualification you choose depends on your current level of experience. Click here to find out more.

Which qualification should you choose?

The BCS Diploma with its modular approach makes it easier for a professional to break the training into smaller chunks and work towards achieving the highly regarded BCS Diploma in Business Analysis. In addition, a significant attraction to the BCS Diploma is the fact that it has no expiration date

Achieving one of the IIBA qualifications requires more commitment and dedication because it’s based on the BABOK guide which contains a high amount of theory and it involves a lengthy application process where you need to detail your experience and provide references. In achieving this you will be part of a selected group of professionals who are highly committed to a continual professional development as the qualifications need to be renewed every 5 years.

If you still need more advice on which qualifications to choose or where to start, you can download our business analysis guide or speak with a course advisor today on 020 7272 3726.