What is IIBA CCBA?
The IIBA CCBA or Capability in Business Analysis certificate is a certification program provided by IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis)
. The certificate is designed to recognise the ability of a business analyst to take part in more complex projects and take on more responsibility.
It’s the 2nd level (intermediate) of IIBA professional certification and indicates the holder’s high proficiency in business analysis and serves as proof of the analyst’s expertise and potential in the field. The focus of this certification program is on personal development, work experience, competency, and familiarity with the latest trends and business requirements in the industry.
IIBA’s CCBA certificate is probably the most sought-after credential for mid-level business analysts. It’s perfect for those who may still not meet the strict requirements associated with the CBAP and is viewed by IIBA as a stepping stone towards CBAP designation. As such, it expires after five years, as the holders of CCBA certification are expected to obtain CBAP in that time.
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What are the Benefits of Obtaining the IIBA CCBA Certification?
The potential candidates for IIBA CCBA can expect several important benefits from obtaining the certificate.
- IIBA CCBA certification provides business analysts with a significant competitive edge over other candidates during the employment process. IIBA certificates are the most valued in the industry and CCBA signifies to the employer that the analyst is capable of taking on more responsibility and has the knowledge and competency to take on larger and more complex projects.
- Holding an IIBA CCBA certificate opens up new career paths and provides more opportunities for business analysts. The certification program compliments analysts’ work experience and offers a chance to gain new industry-approved skill sets. It’s also the most reasonable way for switching from the technical to business and management field.
- Successful CCBA candidates can expect a more competitive salary as they become formally recognised as competent business analysts. Per the IIBA survey, certified analysts earn 16% more, while the expected salary increase is at 15-20%.
- CCBA certification allows business analysts to work on certain projects where the client insists that involved consultants are professionally certified to ensure high-quality delivery.
- CCBA certification is not just beneficial to individuals, but also organisations. Having CCBA certified professionals on the team shows to clients and customers that the organisation is committed to having highly qualified staff working on projects and is determined to deliver the best possible results.
CCBA Certification Salary
The IIBA’s 2021 Global State of Business Analysis Report reports that the average business analyst who has a CCBA certification earns on average $99,136. The report also states that business analysis professionals who hold CCBA certification earn 8% more vs non-certified professionals.
Who is Eligible for CCBA Certification?
As an intermediate level of certification, CCBA is intended for junior business analysts. However, IIBA prescribes some steep requirements to determine who’s eligible for the IIBA CCBA certification program. At the time of application, a candidate must fulfil the following criteria:
- Have a minimum of 3,750 business analysis work experience over the last 7 years.
- These hours must include at least 900 hours of work completed in each of 2 of the 6 BABOK (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge) Guide knowledge areas or 500 hours in each of 4 of the 6 knowledge areas.
- Must have completed 21 hours of Professional Development (PD hours) within the last 4 years. The hours must be completed with one of the IIBA endorsed education providers.
- Minimum high school or equivalent education.
- Provide a minimum of two references. These references should be from a career manager, a client, or a CBAP certified professional.
- Agree to IIBA Code of Conduct.
- Agree to IIBA Terms and Conditions.
How Much Does CCBA Cost ?
In order to take the exam, CCBA certification candidates must pay the non-refundable and non-transferable application fee and the exam fee.
The CCBA cost of the exam fee depends on the membership status of the candidate, while the application fee is the same for everyone. As IIBA often offers various discounts for their services, make sure to regularly check out their site for the latest offers. Below are the current IIBA CCBA application and exam prices.
- Application Fee – $145
- Corporate Member Exam Fee – $205
- Member Exam Fee – $250
- Non-Member Exam Fee – $405
How Do I Pass the CCBA Certification?
Per Adaptive US, one of the leading IIBA-endorsed training organisations in the world, the preparation for the IIBA CCBA exam and taking the exam itself should take about 10 weeks. The process itself consists of 7 steps, described below.
- Attend IIBA certified CCBA training (Week 1-4) – Find the course that suits you and your needs and level of knowledge. Make sure that the institution you’re taking the training with has the necessary credentials and employs certified trainers. Check out the course deliverables – whether the CCBA study guide, CCBA question bank, and CCBA exam simulators are included in the program.
- Read BABOK thoroughly and update study guide (Week 5) – Go through all of BABOK once and make note of the areas you’re having trouble with. Try to clarify those aspects and reach out to a certified trainer to help you out if needed. Pay particulate attention to BABOK knowledge areas covered by the IIBA CCBA exam
- Fill out and submit the IIBA CCBA exam application (Week 6) – Carefully go through the application process and submit the application to IIBA. You should know whether you’ve been approved or rejected within a few hours. If you’re having any issues, you can use one of the application simulators available online. Once the application is approved, you’ll be asked to pay the application fee and receive the booking ID.
- Book the exam date (Week 7) – Book the exam using the booking ID obtained during the application process. On the IIBA site, choose the exam name, date, and location.
- Go through CCBA exam questions and blueprint (Week 8-9) – IIBA offers exam sample questions and insight into the exam blueprint on their site. You can also use the sample questions provided by one of the certified training organisations. Add any new information to your CCBA Study Guide.
- Review study guide (Week 9) – As a final preparation, revise and go through the updated Study Guide once more.
- Take the exam (Week 10) – The final step is the exam itself. It’s recommended that you schedule the exam on Monday, as you’ll likely be well-rested and relaxed after the weekend. It’s a rather long exam so make sure to bring something to eat and drink, especially if you’re taking it at the test centre. You will need to have 2 government-issued ID documents with you.
CCBA Mock Questions
To help with your success of passing the CCBA exam it is good to choose a good CCBA question bank or CCBA mock exam questions to help your preparations. When deciding which resources to use it is worth checking reviews and look for a question bank that has sufficient number of questions.
CCBA Exam Information
IIBA CCBA exam is computer-based and can be taken online under the supervision of a proctor or at the PSI test centre. If you’re taking the exam online, make sure that you have internet access, that your location supports VoIP protocol, and that you have a working computer, webcam, and microphone.
The duration of the CCBA exam is 3 hours. It consists of 130 scenario-based, multiple-choice questions which are formulated on the basis of the BABOK Guide. The questions are competency-based and will require a bit of analysis to reach the answer. The IIBA CCBA exam syllabus is weighted across the 6 BABOK knowledge areas:
Best CCBA Online Training
Business Analyst Mentor recommends Adaptive US, Business Analysis Excellence, Agora Insights and Business Analysis Doctor as CCBA training course resources (including CCBA online training, CCBA prep courses) for your CCBA certification.
Use a training partner to compliment your business analysis work experience and gain the confidence to pass the CCBA exam by using the training partner to prepare using the BABOK resources and answering CCBA mock questions. A training partner will also guide you on how to prepare for CCBA exam.