Agile Business Analysis (AgileBA®) training courses (London)

What is AgileBA?

AgileBA is a business analysis certification that proves you can perform business analysis in an agile environment. You can gain AgileBA certification by doing accredited AgileBA training. This course provides an overview of agile principles and techniques, plus you’ll learn how to write agile business cases. You’ll also learn agile business analysis methods such as resource auditing, the McKinsey 7S model, PESTLE and SWOT analysis. Modelling techniques, like impact and customer journey mapping, are also taught.

AgileBA is ideal for business analysts working in agile environments, or other members of agile teams who might need business analysis skills, such as developers, product owners, agile project/programme managers or team members. For business analysts working in non-agile environments, you might want to check out the BCS Business Analysis or International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) certifications.

What is agile business analysis?

Businesses have normally used methods like PRINCE2 to deliver projects. However, agile project management methods have rapidly grown in popularity in recent years. In an agile company, unique techniques are needed to perform business analysis, and analysis outcomes are normally very different.

Analysing business needs in an agile environment requires business analysts take incremental delivery, changing requirements and closely-knit teams into consideration.

When agile business analysis is performed successfully, you will find that change is delivered quicker and that the benefits are realised earlier. Business needs will also be delivered more reliably.

Is agile business analysis the career for you?

Business analysis is an important practice aiming to improve company profitability and efficiency. It involves analysing and defining business needs using specific techniques, before prescribing solutions. To put such solutions into practice, projects or programmes of change will normally be initiated.

Business analysts perform a vital role in helping organisations achieve business goals, increase profits and become more efficient. Though the work they do is valuable, it is a challenging and demanding role. You must be a great problem-solver with an analytical mind and strong communication skills. But once you have helped a company identify problems and solutions, the job satisfaction is immense. Business analyst salaries are also excellent – find out more here.

Working as an agile business analyst is no different. However, agile businesses usually operate within the tech and creative industries where there is often less bureaucracy and more collaboration. You’ll need to be a strong team player who isn’t afraid to get involved and share ideas.

What are the different levels of AgileBA certification?

AgileBA certification has two levels – AgileBA Foundation and AgileBA Practitioner. The Foundation level is a prerequisite for Practitioner. These exams are included as part of AgileBA training. The easiest way to complete the two exams is during the four-day AgileBA Foundation & Practitioner course.

• AgileBA Foundation – 40-minute exam, 50 multiple-choice questions. You must score 50% or more to pass. Suitable for anyone involved in analysing the requirements for agile projects.
• AgileBA Practitioner - 2.5-hour exam, 4 multiple-choice questions at 20 marks each. You must score 50% or more to pass. Suitable for current/aspiring agile business analysts.

Will AgileBA get me a job?

There’s no guarantee that gaining AgileBA certification will get you a job. But it’s a great place to start.

Organisations using agile will likely prefer a business analyst with knowledge of agile processes, terminology and tools. They will also want someone who knows how to perform agile business analysis. AgileBA certification provides proof of this knowledge. Having it on your CV will certainly give you a competitive advantage. It demonstrates you have the skills needed to work as a business analyst in an agile team.

If you want to be a business analyst, gaining AgileBA and putting it on your CV isn’t enough. You will also need business analysis experience. The role of business analyst is a natural career progression for software developers and people with business domain knowledge.

If you are currently unemployed, consider volunteering, work experience, apprenticeships or internships. Many business analysts also have degrees in business or computing subjects. You can also work as a software developer, project/programme professional or other member of an agile team first, before moving into business analysis.

Is AgileBA suitable for my organisation?

If your company uses agile (or wants to start using it) then the answer is yes! Providing AgileBA training for your business analyst, developers, product owner and project/programme team will ensure that business goals are achieved, and profits or efficiency are increased. They will gain the skills required to perform effective analysis and assess the requirements for agile projects.

As this is a practical course we recommend corporate in-house training. This can be tailored to your company’s needs. Enquire here for further information.