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Business analyst courses

Start or advance your career with our business analyst courses. Choose from various levels to enhance your analytical skills.

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BCS Business Analysis Courses

BCS Business Analysis Courses

BCS Business Analysis certification courses

BCS courses are the most popular for business analysts in the UK. That’s because BCS certification is renowned and respected by employers across the UK public and private sectors. Also, BCS provides a comprehensive business certification scheme for business analysts.

Click the button to see all business analyst courses from the BCS.

  • Accreditation: BCS
  • Prerequisites: None
  • Format: Instructor-led or self-paced

More about business analyst qualifications in the UK

There are several business analyst qualifications in the UK to help you develop your business analyst career. A business analyst role in the UK typically require you to have a business analysis certification recognised in the UK.

This article looks at the most popular business analyst certifications in the UK. So, if you haven’t already got yourself a business analyst qualification read on to find out which business analyst certification you should consider before choosing a business analyst course.

BCS certification

BCS business analyst qualifications

BCS (The Chartered Institute of IT) offers the most popular business analysis certifications in the UK. BCS business analysis certifications range from BCS Business Analysis Foundation to Expert. Each level is mapped according to the SFIA industry-standard framework.

A big advantage of the BCS business analysis certification scheme, is that once you get your first professional certification, you can gain more certifications all the way up to the Expert level. For a structured approach to career development there is none better than the BCS certificate scheme.

Foundation level

The BCS Business Analysis Foundation certificate is the most popular knowledge-based business analyst qualification in the UK for students wanting to understand the basics of business analysis. There are no prerequisites for this certification.

The 60-minute BCS Business Analysis Foundation exam contains 40 multiple choice questions and has a pass mark of 25/40 (65%).

Choose a BCS Foundation course if you want to gain a broad understanding of key concepts in business analysis and common techniques. Courses are held in London (UK) and are accredited by BCS.

Practitioner level

Practitioner-level BCS business analysis certifications are more specialised and detailed in nature than the BCS Foundation. There are 7 Practitioner-level certifications in total, including 2 core modules. Each is examined by a 1-hour multiple-choice exam.

The 2 cores modules are:

  1. BCS certificate in Business Analysis Practice
  2. BCS Requirements Engineering.

Other modules include:

  1. Benefits Management and Business Acceptance
  2. Systems Development Essential
  3. Systems Modelling Techniques
  4. Data Management Essentials
  5. BCS Modelling Business Processes.

Each certificate is available as part of their respective business analysis courses or as online training taken at your own pace. However, if you are considering gaining the International Diploma in business analysis then you should take the Diploma business analysis training course bundle or online training bundle which includes all four courses and exams in one bundle. Courses are held in London (UK) and are accredited by BCS.

International Diploma level

The BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis is for business analysts wanting to demonstrate they understand business analysis to a greater depth than certification in any single subject would show.

To earn the BCS Business Analysis Diploma qualification, you must sit an oral examination and pass 4 modules which are:

Professional level

After gaining the BCS Business Analysis International Diploma, you can progress to the professional level where you must demonstrate that you have analytical skills, business skills, and people skills.

Consultant level

This qualification level is for senior business analysis professionals and recognises business analysis skills, experience and expertise. To gain this qualification you must:

  • Have at least five years’ business analysis experience
  • Contribute to the business analysis community
  • Pass an oral exam
  • Complete four professional level modules.

Expert level

This qualification is the highest level in the BCS business analysis certification scheme. It recognises both your higher skills and expertise. It validates your ability to:

  • Conduct complex business analysis activities
  • Engage with senior stakeholders
  • Improve the organisation at a strategic level.[1]

To gain the Expert BA qualification, you must go through an interview, a formal assessment, and a project assignment.

APMG certifications

APMG agile business analysis qualifications

Since agile methods have become popular in executing projects nowadays, APMG International has developed a qualification that blends agile practices with business analysis – Agile Business Analysis (AgileBA).

AgileBA aims to develop a candidate’s skills to become an agile business analyst. The right candidate for this certification is someone currently working as a business analyst, change analyst, project manager, or agile developer.

Certifications are at two levels, Foundation and Practitioner.

Foundation level

The AgileBA Foundation certification shows your knowledge of agile processes, principles and practices, and the roles and responsibilities within an agile project.

The 40-minute exam contains 50 multiple choice questions. The pass mark is 25/50 (50%).

Certification courses are available with expert instructors. Currently, instructor-led courses run in London, United Kingdom. Courses are accredited by APMG.

Practitioner level

If you gain the Foundation certification, you will be eligible to apply for the Agile BA Practitioner certification. This is recommended if you really want to boost your CV as an agile business analyst.

You will study the DSDM Agile Project Framework, and you’ll learn how to put into practice some of the key agile methods, such as MoSCoW Prioritisation.

The 2.5-hour exam contains 4 complex multiple-choice questions worth 20 marks each. The pass mark is 40/80 (50%).

Certification training is available with expert instructors. Currently, instructor-led courses run in London, United Kingdom. Courses are accredited by APMG.

PMI certification

The PMI (Project Management Institute) is best known for its project management certifications. However, its Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® certification is one which has become popular in countries outside of the UK and Australia.

Although this is an entry-level business analysis qualification, prerequisites include:

  • Secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree)
  • 7,500 hours of business analysis experience
  • 35 contact hours of education in business analysis.

or

  • Bachelor’s degree or the global equivalent
  • 4,500 hours of business analysis experience
  • 35 contact hours of education in business analysis.

The (PMI-PBA)® exam is 4 hours and contains 200 multiple-choice questions. To maintain PMI-PBA® certification, a student must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) in business analysis topics every three years.

You can prepare to get your PMI-PBA® certification by choosing a self paced online course.

IIBA® certification

IIBA business analyst qualifications

Based in Canada, IIBA® (The International Institute of Business Analysis) has become one of the world leading associations for the business analysis profession. [2]

Like BCS, IIBA® has qualification levels from an entry level up to an advanced degree. IIBA® qualifications are based upon the BABOK® Guide.

There are 4 levels in the IIBA certification scheme.

Level 1: ECBA™ (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis™)

This qualification is for individuals who are entering business analysis for the first time. You need 21 hours of studying to have general awareness and practical knowledge of the six knowledge areas. Those areas are:

  • Business analysis planning and monitoring
  • Elicitation and collaboration
  • Requirements life cycle management
  • Strategy analysis
  • Requirements analysis and design definition
  • Solution evaluation.

The 1-hour exam contains 50 multiple-choice questions.

Level 2: CCBA® (Certification of Capability in Business Analysis™)

To earn this qualification, you need:

  • Two to three years of practical business analysis work experience
  • 21 study hours of the requirements for this qualification.

This level requires from you to be skilled in:

  • Recommending action
  • Applying the knowledge
  • Modifying the rules of the six knowledge areas by using key behaviours such as:
  1. Creative thinking
  2. Decision making
  3. Verbal & von-verbal communication.

The 3-hour exam contains 130 scenario-based multiple-choice questions.

Level 3: CBAP® (Certified Business Analysis Professional™)

To earn this qualification, you need:

  • Two to three years of practical business analysis work experience
  • 35 hours of study.

At this level, you will be able to:

  • Create the rules
  • Guide the practice
  • Excel in skills such as:
  1. Written communication
  2. Problem solving
  3. Conceptual & system thinking.

The 3.5-hour exam contains 120 case study-based multiple-choice questions.

Level 4: CBATL™ (Certified Business Analysis Thought Leader™)

This is a new qualification and is similar to the BCS Expert level. It recognises Business Analyst professionals with advanced skills who have over 10 years of experience.

Choosing the right business analyst course and certification

With so many options, it can be tricky to choose the right business analysis professional certification. Where you are based makes a big difference. In the UK or Australia, a BCS certificate is by far the most popular. If you are based in the US, it would be better to choose the PMI certification, and if you are in Canada, choose one from IIBA®.

Also, before getting certified, you must also map where your business analysis knowledge and skills currently are. If you are a total beginner and based in the UK, you should look for an entry-level qualification such as BCS Foundation certificate in business analysis. If you already have some business analysis experience then a popular choice in the UK is to aim for the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis.

If your chosen training course is approved by the BCS, then your can be assured that it it globally recognised training and certification.

In general, business analysts will benefit from studying for any of the business analysis certifications listed above. The key benefits of certifications are:

  • They enhance your career path and skills
  • They make your resume stand out in the crowd
  • They let you perform your business analyst role with confidence
  • They recognise your commitment to personal development and advancing in the business analysis profession
  • They boost your confidence in front of employers.

References

[1] Unknown. (Unknown). Expert BA Award. Available: https://www.bcs.org/get-qualified/certifications-for-professionals/business-analysis/expert-ba-award/. Last accessed 19/10/2021.

[2] Unknown. (2014). History of IIBA. Available: https://www.iiba.org/about-iiba/. Last accessed 19/10/2021.

FAQs about Business Analyst courses

What is a Business Analyst course?

A Business Analyst Course offers specialized training and certification in business analysis. These courses equip professionals with analysis skills needed for evaluating business needs, identifying solutions, and ensuring project requirements are met efficiently. By enrolling in a business analysis course, you gain comprehensive knowledge in methodologies, tools, and techniques used in the field.

Who should enrol in a Business Analyst course?

Business analyst courses are ideal for current business analysts, professionals looking to move into a business analysis role, and candidates seeking further education to boost their career prospects. Whether you are an experienced analyst or new to the field, obtaining certification through business analysis training can significantly improve your career opportunities and enhance your analytical skills.

What are the benefits of a Business Analyst certification?

Achieving a business analyst certification offers numerous benefits, including validation of your business analysis skills and improved career growth prospects. A certified business analysis credential demonstrates your commitment to the profession and can lead to better employability. Additionally, business analysis certification programmes provide updated industry knowledge and best practices, making you a valuable asset to any organisation.

What are the different types of Business Analyst courses?

Business analyst courses come in various formats, including certification courses and comprehensive training programmes. These courses cover topics such as business process modelling, requirements engineering, and data analysis. Understanding the available course variations and training modules will help you select the most suitable programme for your learning and career goals.

Should I take instructor-led training or self-paced learning?

When choosing a training format, you may opt for instructor-led training or self-paced learning. Instructor-led training provides real-time interaction with experienced trainers, offering a structured and engaging learning environment. Self-paced learning allows flexibility and the convenience of studying at your own pace, making it easier to balance work and personal commitments. Both formats have unique benefits, so consider your learning style and schedule when deciding.

What to expect from virtual classroom training?

Virtual classroom training combines the benefits of traditional classroom instruction with the flexibility of online learning. These interactive sessions are conducted by expert trainers and offer an engaging learning experience. Participants can expect real-time discussions, practical exercises, and immediate feedback, creating a dynamic and immersive online environment.

What are the pros and cons of online Business Analyst courses?

Online business analyst courses offer significant advantages, such as learning flexibility, access to diverse resources, and the ability to study from any location. However, they also come with challenges, including the need for self-discipline and limited face-to-face interaction. Weighing the pros and cons of online courses will help you determine if this mode of training aligns with your learning preferences and professional goals.

end of FAQs

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