What is IIBA CCA Certification?
The IIBA CCA certification or Certificate in Cybersecurity Analysis is a comprehensive program developed for business analysts who wish to gain an understanding of core cybersecurity tools and concepts.
The certificate, designed by IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis) in partnership with IEEE Computer Society, recognises the ability of business analysis professionals to understand the requirements and value of cybersecurity concepts and apply them in the business context.
The certificate in cybersecurity analysis concentrates on information security from the perspective of a business analyst with the most of the focus on application and data security. Successful candidates receive a joint certification by two of the most respectable institutions in the field proving that they’re equipped to face the cybersecurity challenges in the business analyst profession.
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What are the Benefits of Obtaining IIBA CCA Certification?
IIBA CCA certification provides several important benefits to those who obtain it.
- Approved by the two of the most trusted organisations in the fields of business analysis and computer science, IIBA CCA certification is widely recognised in the industry as a validation of skills, knowledge, and competencies in the most important cybersecurity concepts and tools.
- With the number of cyberattacks increasing every day, the demand for skilled and knowledgeable professionals in this sector is constantly growing, This creates numerous job opportunities with high salary potential. According to LinkedIn, there are currently more than 70,000 cybersecurity jobs available in the US alone.
- Obtaining IIBA CCA certification enables you to choose an exciting career path filled with constant stimulating challenges.
- Completion of the certificate program will also open up numerous other avenues for moving on to different professional fields and further upgrading yourself.
CCA Certification Salary
The IIBA’s 2021 Global State of Business Analysis Report reports 
that the average business analyst who has a CCA certification earns on average $95,538. The report also states that business analysis professionals who hold a certificate in CCA earn 16% more vs non-certified professionals.
Who is IIBA CCA Certification For?
IIBA CCA certification is recommended for professionals working in the business analysis profession who wish to expand their expertise and learn about core cybersecurity tools and concepts. Among those who can benefit from acquiring a IIBA CCA certificate are:
- Professional currently working in business analysis.
- Professionals currently working in business system analysis.
- Professionals currently working as project managers.
- Professionals looking to become cybersecurity business analyst.
- Business analyst professionals looking to become strategic business analysts
. - Professionals working in organisations that have IIBA CCA certifications as part of the competency framework.
How Much does IIBA CCA Cost ?
Similar to other certifications offered by IIBA, you can choose between different packages should you decide to become IIBA CCA certified. IIBA offers three options: IIBA CCA exam only, IIBA CCA online module resources, and a bundle including both the cost of the exam and online materials. Below are the current prices for each package.
- Cybersecurity Analysis Exam Fee: $250 for IIBA members, $400 for non-members, and $225 for corporate members.
- Cybersecurity Analysis Learning Resources Fee: $195 for IIBA members, $250 for non-members, and $150 for corporate members. This fee includes the cost of CCA certification learning materials, both online modules and in PDF format.
- Cybersecurity Analysis Online Materials & Exam Bundle Fee: $395 for IIBA members, $550 for non-members, and $295 for corporate members. Purchasing this bundle provides the best value for money as the price covers the exam fee, as well as digital access to learning resources and all materials in PDF format.
IIBA often offers various discounts for each of these packages, so make sure to regularly check the IIBA website for the latest offers.
How do I Pass the IIBA CCA Certification?
To properly prepare for the IIBA CCA certification and take the exam itself, you’ll need to go through several steps.
- Purchase IIBA and IEEE computer society’s learning and training resources. Make sure to study the materials in detail.
- Complete the training module. You can choose between a number of IIBA approved training courses. The experienced trainers will help you understand and learn the key concepts of cybersecurity in the business analysis context.
- Review the exam resources competencies, go through the sample questions and the exam blueprint. This will help you become familiar with the exam structure and understand what you can expect at the exam. The complete preparation takes 80-100 hours of work, depending on the candidate.
- Register and schedule the exam. If you’re not already an IIBA member, create an account and purchase the exam. As soon as you’ve paid the fee, you’ll receive a link where you can schedule the exam. Make sure to thoroughly check the exam page to get information on minimum system requirements, exam regulations, and rules on scheduling and rescheduling.
- Launch the exam. You can start the exam up to 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time but not after it.
IIBA CCA Exam Information
IIBA CCA certification exam in an online proctored, foundational-level, and competency-based exam for business analyst professionals who wish to expand their expertise to cybersecurity knowledge and work in the cybersecurity space. The test involves 75 knowledge-based, multiple-choice questions, and candidates have 90 minutes available to finish the exam.
Candidates take the online exam live and are required to have access to the internet, desktop or laptop computer, and a working webcam and microphone. On the day of the exam, you’ll be assigned a proctor who will help you with the process, guide you through the exam, and check you in at the scheduled time. The exam questions are spread across eight knowledge domains:
- Cybersecurity Overview and Basic Concepts 14%
- Enterprise Risk 14%
- Cybersecurity Risks and Controls 12%
- Securing the Layers 5%
- Data Security 15%
- User Access Control 15%
- Solution Delivery 13%
- Operations 12%
CCA Mock Questions
To help with your success of passing the CCA exam it is good to choose a good CCA question bank or CCA 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.
IIBA CCA Certificate Learning Materials and Resources
IIBA and IEEE Computer Society support the candidates by providing most of the learning resources and materials you’ll need to prepare for the certification and pass the exam. All materials are based on and approved by ISO cybersecurity standards. When you purchase materials, you’ll receive digital online access to learning materials as well as those same materials in PDF format.
IIBA’s comprehensive cybersecurity learning resources include the basics of cybersecurity concepts needed to assist in the overall sector solutions within the organisation, as well as leverage the cooperation of business analysts, technology experts, and system architects. The learning modules correspond with the eight knowledge exams that are covered at the exam.
Best CCA Online Training
Business Analyst Mentor recommends Adaptive US, and Agora Insights as CCA training course resources (including CCA online training, CCA prep courses) for your CCA certification.
Use a training partner to compliment your business analysis work experience and gain the confidence to pass the CCA exam by using the training partner to prepare using the BABOK resources and answering CCA mock questions. A training partner will also guide you on how to prepare for CCA exam.