What is IIBA AAC Certification?
The IIBA AAC certificate or Agile Analysis Certification recognises the ability to successfully perform business analysis tasks within the Agile framework. It demonstrates that an analyst has the competencies and skillset necessary to be an effective part of the agile project team. The competencies IIBA AAC certificate recognises are in alignment with agile extension to the BABOK guide
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The IIBA AAC is the first agile certificate offered by IIBA and, unlike most of the other agile certification programs, its focus on agile from a perspective of a business analyst. This way, the certificate testifies to the ability to apply the agile mindset to the knowledge, techniques, and competencies from the domain of business analysis. The program was created to answer the growing demand for necessary collaboration between professionals from business analysis and agility sectors during the work on projects.
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What are the Benefits of Obtaining the IIBA AAC Certification?
There are several reasons why potential candidates may consider obtaining the IIBA AAC certificate. Below are the main benefits successful candidates may expect.
- IIBA AAC is among the most sought-after certifications for Business Analysts.
- Per IIBA’s survey, Agile approaches are within the scope of work for 71% of BA’s. Furthermore, Business Analysts holding the IIBA AAC certificate earn up to 16% higher salaries.
- The program improves business analysts ability to manage changing priorities.
- Competency within the agile framework helps business analysts recognise and rapidly react to changing market demands.
- Certified analysts add to the team productivity and provide faster delivery speed.
IIBA AAC Certification Salary
The IIBA’s 2021 Global State of Business Analysis Report reports that the average business analyst who has a AAC certification earns on average $108,017. The report also states that business analysis professionals who hold an AAC certification earn 26% more vs non-certified professionals.
Who is eligible for IIBA AAC Certification?
The IIBA AAC certification program has no particular eligibility requirements, which means that anyone can try to get certified. This includes business analysts, consultants, project managers, testers, trainers, developers, and those who currently hold CBAP and CCBA certificates. Also, there is no professional development (PD) hours requirements. However, IIBA recommends that potential candidates should have at least 2-3 years of experience working in an Agile environment.
The program is designed to be the most useful to the following groups of potential candidates:
- Business analysts who already work in an agile environment.
- Business analyst professionals looking to expand their expertise and skillset.
- Professionals who wish to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the industry.
- Business analysts with two or more years of agile experience.
- Agile practitioners with two or more years of experience.
How Much does IIBA AAC Cost ?
The price of the IIBA AAC exam varies depending on the membership status of the applicant.
- Corporate member exam fee – $225
- Member exam fee – $250
- Non-member exam fee – $400
Obviously, becoming an IIBA member is the way to save money when applying for the IIBA AAC certificate. Besides, cost-saving, membership also provides numerous other benefits. In addition, make sure to regularly follow the IIBA website as they often offer discounts on the exam fees.
How do I Pass the IIBA AAC Certification?
Passing the IIBA AAC certification program includes the registration process, preparation for the exam, and taking the exam itself. Below, you’ll find the whole process laid out in five steps.
- Step 1 – Registration: The first thing you need to do is register. On the IIBA website, you’ll find the Exam Registration Form that you’ll need to fill out.
- Step 2 – Purchase the exam: Once you’ve registered, move on to the certification menu on the IIBA website and select My Certifications. This will take you to the page where you can select the AAC certification and pay the exam fee. Upon payment, you’ll receive an e-mail notification confirming your purchase. The e-mail will also include the link that will take you to the page where you can complete your attestations.
- Step 3 – Schedule the exam: The next step is scheduling the AAC certification exam. You don’t have to do this right away. The exam can be scheduled whenever you feel ready. Before scheduling, carefully review the Exam Information page. It includes all the necessary information such as ID requirements, room setup minimum system requirements, exam regulations, and rules concerning scheduling, cancellation, and rescheduling. Once you feel ready and properly informed, you can schedule the exam following the link you received in the payment confirmation e-mail. Here, you can select the time and date of the exam and schedule it with the assigned proctor.
- Step 4 – Preparation for the exam: After you scheduled the exam, you can begin the preparation. This should include thoroughly reading a copy of Agile Extension to the BABOK Guide, taking the AAC preparation course, and taking the IIBA AAC simulation exams.
- Step 5 – Take the exam: finally, all that’s left to do is take the exam. The assigned proctor will guide you through the process and monitor you while taking the exam. If you diligently went through all the previous steps, you should be well prepared to pass the test and become AAC certified.
IIBA AAC Exam Information
The IIBA AAC certification exam is an online, remotely proctored exam. Taking the exam requires a computer, internet connection, and a working microphone and camera. Also, your location must support VoIP (Voice Over Internet) Protocol. It’s best that you use a personal device as VPNs and corporate firewalls may restrict access.
The IIBA AAC exam is scenario-based and consists of 85 multiple-choice questions. The 4 choices are mutually exclusive, so no “all of the above” or “none of the above” answers. The questions are weighted across four knowledge domains:
- Agile Mindset – 30% – 25 questions
- Strategy Horizon – 10% – 9 questions
- Initiative Horizon – 25% – 21 questions
- Delivery Horizon – 35% – 30 questions
IIBA AAC Certificate Materials and Resources
The IIBA AAC certification program is aligned with agile extension to the BABOK guide, so it will be your main resource while preparing for the exam. Compared to the whole BABOK guide it’s a relatively short document and rather easy to read and learn from.
However, to successfully pass the exam, you’ll need to get very familiar with the content, especially the four knowledge areas that are included in the exam. It’s also very helpful to check out and go through the IIBA AAC exam blueprint, sample questions, and self-assessment provided on the IIBA website.
