- Strengthen your profile for business analyst, product, change, and consultancy roles with recognised BCS Business Analysis qualifications., use cases)
- Gap analysis and feasibility studies:Compare BCS Business Analysis courses Assessing current and desired future states to highlight improvements and evaluate solution viability Choose between the BCS Business Analysis Foundation, specialist practitioner-level modules, or the International Diploma, depending on your experience and how far you want to progress.
- Stakeholder engagement: Communicating with diverse stakeholders to ensure requirements are validated and aligned
- Process mapping and Best forbusiness process modellingPrerequisites:Duration Visualising workflows for process improvement opportunitiesDelivery options
- Solution assessment and validation:Exam included Reviewing proposals to ensure solutions address documented Exam formatrequirementsQualification gained and deliver valueView courses
- Change management : Supporting the transition of solutions into the business and managing effects on people and processes
Main business analysis processesBusiness Analysis Foundation
| ProcessSee course | Description |
|---|---|
| Requirements elicitation | Gathering information from stakeholders using interviews, workshops, observation, and document analysis |
| Requirements documentationPeople new to business analysis or change who need a broad introduction to core concepts, techniques, and terminology. | Capturing business and technical requirements in written formats, such as user storiesNone, use cases, or requirement specifications |
| Requirements validation3 days or 30 hours | Ensuring requirements are accurate, feasible, and aligned with business goals |
| Stakeholder engagementInstructor-led, self-paced | Building relationships with all parties affected by the change to ensure their needs are met |
| Process improvementBCS BA Foundation exam | Analysing existing workflows and recommending enhancements for efficiency |
| Solution assessment60 minutes, multiple choice | Evaluating potential solutions against requirements |
| Change managementBCS Foundation certificate | Supporting successful adoption of new processes or systems |
Common business analysis techniquesFoundation
- SWOT analysis :Business Analysis Practice Identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to a business area or solutionSee course
- Gap analysis: Comparing current and target states to identify improvement areas
- Use case modelling: Mapping user interactions with systems to define requirementsBusiness analysts and change professionals who want to improve how they investigate business situations and recommend effective, evidence-based improvements.
- Business process modelling: Creating diagrams (such as BPMN) to visualise business processesNone
- Stakeholder analysis: Identifying stakeholder interests, influence, and engagement needs3 days or 10 hours
- User stories :Instructor-led, self-paced Documenting concise functional requirements, typically in Agile projects
- Feasibility study:BCS BA Practice exam Analysing proposed solutions for practicality and viability
- Data analysis:60 minutes, multiple choice Using quantitative and qualitative data to inform decision-making
Business analysis tools and methodologiesBCS Practitioner certificate
Key tools
- Requirements management software (for example, Jira, Confluence, or Azure PracticeDevOps )Modelling Business Processes
- Process mapping tools (such as Visio, Lucidchart)See course
- Mind mapping and collaboration software
- Data analysis tools (for example, Excel, Power BI)
Methodologies
- BABOK (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge):Professionals who need to understand, document, and improve business processes using structured modelling techniques. The leading global standard published by IIBANone, outlining best practices and techniques for business analysis
- Agile3 days or 13 hours: An iterative methodology focusing on flexibility, frequent delivery, and collaboration (often using user stories)Instructor-led, self-paced
- Waterfall methodology :BCS MBP exam A linear, phased project approach suitable for well-defined requirements
Choosing the right methodology depends on project size, risk, stakeholder needs, and desired adaptability.60 minutes, multiple choice
Essential skills and competencies for business analysts
- Analytical and critical thinkingBCS Practitioner certificate
- Effective communication and stakeholder engagement
- Attention to detail in requirements documentationModelling Business Processes
- Problem-solving and solution assessment
- Knowledge of business and technical requirementsRequirements Engineering
- Proficiency in process improvement and data analysisSee course
Certification and career progression
BCS offers globally recognised certifications, such as Those responsible for eliciting, analysing, documenting, and validating business requirements in projects and change initiatives.Business Analysis Foundation , NoneInternational Diploma in Business Analysis , Practitioner certificates in 3 days or 16 hoursRequirements Engineering , Instructor-led, self-pacedModelling Business Processes , and BCS RE examBusiness Analysis Practices .60 minutes, multiple choice
The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA)BCS Practitioner certificate offers globally recognised certifications, such as ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP, based on the BABOK GuideRequirements Engineering. CertificationsInternational Diploma demonstrate expertise in requirements elicitation, stakeholder management, and business analysis best practices. Aspiring business analysts may also pursue See courseproject management or change management qualifications to support broader career progression.Practising business analysts who want a comprehensive, recognised qualification demonstrating broad capability across analysis, processes, requirements, and professional practice.
FAQs
What is business analysis?All 4 exams
Business analysis is the systematic investigation and evaluation of business needs to recommend solutions that achieve organisational objectives. It includes requirements gathering, stakeholder engagement, and process optimisation.
What does a business analyst do?60 minutes, multiple choice
A business analyst identifies business problems, elicits requirements, engages stakeholders, and ensures that proposed solutions align with business goals. They act as a bridge between business and IT functions.
What are the key techniques in business analysis?BCS Practitioner certificates
Common business analysis techniquesInternational Diploma include Still not sure which course is right for you?SWOT analysisSee our quick guide, gap analysis, requirements elicitation, process mapping, use case modelling, and stakeholder analysis. or
What are the main types of requirements in business analysis?chat with an advisor
Business analysts work with Choose how you learnbusiness requirements Our BCS Business Analysis courses are available as live online instructor-led training or self-paced e-learning, and can also be delivered in-house for teams and organisations. (organisational goals), Instructor-ledstakeholder requirements , and Live online classestechnical requirementsStructured timetable (system or IT needs).Ask questions in real time
What is the BABOK?
BABOK refers to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge, a globally-accepted standard containing best practices, techniques, and competencies for business analysis, maintained by IIBA.
What qualifications or certification should a business analyst have?View course dates
Common certifications Self-paced online include BCS’s Business Analysis Foundation certificate, International Diploma in Business AnalysisLearn in your own time, and Practitioner certificates in Business Analysis Practices, Requirements Engineering, and Modelling Business Processes.Access on multiple devices
In addition, there are IIBA’s ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP, which validate knowledge of BABOK and proficiency in requirements elicitation, stakeholder engagement, and process improvement.Pause and revisit topics
How does business analysis differ from project management?
Business analysis focuses on defining requirements and recommending solutions, while project managementView enrol options is concerned with planning, executing, and delivering projects Corporate / team training within scope, time, and budget constraints.