5 Best Business Analyst Certifications

We’re reader-supported; we may earn a commission from links in this article.

If you’re looking to become a business analyst, then you’ll need one of the best business analyst certifications.

Having the right business analyst certifications can help prove your skills and knowledge to employers and clients.

In this article, I will discuss some of the best business analyst certifications. I will also list the key features for each certification, so you can make an informed decision!

So, whether you’re just starting out in business data analytics or you’re looking to take it to the next level, these business analyst certifications are a great place to start!

Read on for more!

What Are the Best Business Analyst Certifications?

Here are the best business analyst certification that you can take to become a business analyst:

1. SimpliLearn Business Analyst Masters Program

If you’re looking to become a certified business analyst, then the SimpliLearn Business Analyst Masters Program is a great place to start.

This certification is an IIBA Endorsed Education Provider, which will allow you to gain credits for your CCBA by IIBA.

To earn your CBA, you’ll need to pass an exam that covers topics like requirements gathering, business process modeling, and data analysis.

The program also includes courses that cover topics on necessary skills

such as Microsoft Excel, Tableau, Agile ScrumMaster, SQL, and Agile Scrum Foundation. These will assist you in developing your BA career and even if you want to take any of the exams by IIBA later on!

The course also expands into developing interactive dashboards and how to plan and monitor businesses along with how to work with SQL bases, all with the Agile Scrum methodology in mind.

If want to pursue this certification, you will need to have an undergraduate degree or high school diploma.

I’d recommend you enter this course with some experience, but don’t worry, it isn’t required for application!

Key Features:

• IIBA Endorsed Education Provider
• Aligned with the standards of IIBA® BABOK V3 which prepare you for ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP exams by IIBA (obtain up to 25 IIBA CDUs)
• Includes courses on necessary business analyst skills
• Learn how to use Universal Query Tool (UQT) and SQL command
• Gain deep understanding and application of Agile and Scrum into projects
• Learn statistical tools
• Learn how to develop interactive Tableau dashboards and how to derive insights from it
• Understand business analysis key concepts and business analysis core concept model (BACCM)
• Learn about requirements life cycle management
• Choose from hospitality, banking, or retail for the capstone project

Projects Covered:

• Project 1: Sales Performance Analysis
• Project 2: Customer Analysis
• Project 3: Product Analysis
• Project 4: Sales Dashboard

Bottom Line:

The SimpliLearn Business Analyst Masters Program is a great way to become certified and learn the necessary skills for a successful career in business analysis.

I’d recommend this Master’s Program if you’re completely new to the world of Business Analysis and want to prepare for the ECBA with more structure in your learning!

2. Business Analyst Certification (PMI-PBA) from PMI

The PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® credential from PMI is globally recognized and sets the standard for best practices in business analysis.

As it’s offered through the Project Management Institute, it will be well suited for you if you’re working on projects and programs most of the time.

After taking the PMI-PBA, you’ll be able to advance in your career as opportunities for business analysts are constantly on the rise.

What I personally like about the PMI-PBA is that it is not held online, making it really convenient if you don’t happen to live near an exam center in the past. Note that it will be online proctored!

Prerequisites:

• Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree 
• 60 months of business analysis experience
• 35 contact hours of education in business analysis

or

• Bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent
• 36 months of business analysis experience
• 35 contact hours of education in business analysis

To obtain this certification, you’ll need to:

1. Pass the online exam of 200 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) within a 4-hour time frame
2. Earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) in business analysis topics every 3 years

Key Features:

• Great for professionals working in project management
• Convenient online proctoring
• 200 MCQ exam
• Requires 60 professional development units (PDUs) in business analysis topics in 3 years
• Cheaper pricing for PMI members
• Requires renewal of certification every 3 years

Bottom Line:

The PMI-PBA is globally recognized and sets the standard for best practices in business analysis.

If you’re looking for a certification that will help you advance in your career, the PMI-PBA is a great option!

If you’re a business analyst working on projects and programs most of the time, this certification will be well suited for you. I also like that it’s cheaper for PMI members!

3. Entry Certificate in Business Analysis Certification (ECBA) from IIBA

This is the first of three core business analyst certifications from the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA).

The ECBA from IIBA is the perfect certification for those new to business analysis or looking to get started in the field. It will give you a strong foundation in best practices, concepts, and terminology.

Similar to the other IIBA certs, the ECBA draws from A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK). It’s a consensus of business analyst practices.

This is the best business analyst certification if you’re a beginner business analyst looking to just get into business analysis.

Prerequisites:

• 21 Professional Development (PD) hours within the last four years

Key Features:

• The ECBA exam has 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and must be completed in one hour.
• Doesn’t require renewal of business analyst certification

Bottom Line:

The ECBA from IIBA is the best business analyst certification if you’re a beginner looking to just get into business analysis.

It’s a great certification to get if you’re looking to build a strong foundation in best practices, concepts, and terminology. I also like that it doesn’t require renewal of business analyst certification!

4. Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA) from IIBA

The Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA) is the next level up from the ECBA offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA).

This business analyst certification is best suited for you if you already have an ECBA business analysis certification and want to ob obtain the next-level business analyst certification.

Taking this business analyst certification can help advance you in your career and give you a big boost in your credentials!

In fact, in a survey by IIBA, the average salary of the top 5 certification holders earned 11% more than non-certification holders on average.

Professions that will benefit the most from this business analyst certification are Product Managers, Non-BA consultants, Trainers

Hybrid Business Analysis professionals, Testers, QA professionals, Transformation Managers, and Designers.

Prerequisites:

• 3,750 hours of experience in a Business Analyst role within the last 7 years.
• In the 7 years, 900 hours must be completed in each of 2 of the 6 BABOK® Guide Knowledge Areas OR, a minimum of 500 hours must be completed in each of 4 of the 6 BABOK® Guide Knowledge Areas
• Obtain at least 21 hours of Professional Development in the past 4 years
• Provide references
• Agree to Code of Conduct
• Agree to Terms and Conditions
• Pass the exam

Key Features:

• 130 multiple-choice questions on the CCBA exam and you will have 3hours to complete it.
• No need for any renewal of this business analyst certification
• The CCBA exam can be done online via online proctoring or at a PSI test center
• Potential to earn more after achieving this certification

Bottom Line:

The CCBA from IIBA is best suited for those who want to obtain the next-level business analyst certification after getting their ECBA.

If you’re looking to advance your career and earn a higher salary, this business analyst certification is definitely for you!

I like that there’s no need for any renewal of this business analyst certification. The CCBA exam can also be done online which makes it very convenient!

5. Certified Business Analysis Professional Certification (CBAP) from IIBA

The Certified Business Analysis Professional Certification (CBAP) is the highest level of business analyst certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA).

This business analyst certification is best suited for those with extensive experience in the field of business analysis.

In order to sit for this exam, you must have a minimum of seven years of business analysis experience as a business analyst.

However, if you don’t have seven years of experience, don’t worry! You can still become eligible by completing a minimum of 35 hours of professional development in the field of business analysis.

Prerequisites:

• 7,500 hours of experience in a Business Analyst role within the last 10 years.
• In the 7 years, 900 hours must be completed in each of 4 of the 6 BABOK® Guide Knowledge Areas for at least 3,600 hours
• Obtain at least 35 hours of Professional Development in the past 4 years
• Provide 2 references
• Agree to Code of Conduct
• Agree to Terms and Conditions
• Pass the exam

Key Features:

• Highest business analyst certification by IIBA
• No renewal of Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification is required
• The CBAP exam can be done online via online proctoring or at a PSI test center
• Potential to earn more after achieving this certification

Bottom Line:

The CBAP from IIBA is best suited for those who want to obtain the highest level of business analyst certification.

Any business analyst who wants to advance their business analyst career and earn a higher salary should definitely take this certification as it demonstrates your technical expertise and years of experience in the field!

I like that there’s no need for any renewal of this business analyst certification. The CBAP exam can also be done online which makes it very convenient!

6. IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (AAC)

What is the International Requirements Engineering Board (IREB)?

The International Requirements Engineering Board (IREB) is an international non-profit organization that provides certifications to professionals in the field of requirements engineering.

It provides quality assurance and professional development services to project managers, business analysts, system architects, and other IT professionals who have a direct impact on the outcome of projects.

IREB’s mission is to ensure that project requirements are properly documented, understood, and managed throughout the entire project process.

IREB also is an organization that recognizes business analytics certification and offers a certificate in business analysis.

How to Choose the Best Business Analyst Certification?

It is important to consider several factors, such as your field of interest, experience level, and any specializations you may have.

It is also helpful to research the various certifications available and make sure they are relevant to your industry and career goals.

Additionally, it is beneficial to look for organizations that provide specific certifications for their members or those that have an established reputation in the industry.

Ultimately, when choosing a business analyst certification, it is important for you to consider what will be most beneficial for you and your career.

Final Thoughts

These are the five best business analyst certifications and courses that I would recommend to anyone looking to enter or advance in the field of business analysis.

The right business analyst certification for you will ultimately depend on your experience level, career goals, and budget.

However, all of these certifications are sure to give you the skills and knowledge you need to be successful in the field of business analysis!

I hope this article has helped you narrow down your options and helped you learn about the best business analyst certifications and courses online to become a certified professional!

Thanks for reading!