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Best business analyst certifications
The best certifications for a business analyst are Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), and Professional Business Analyst Certificate.
Business analyst certifications demonstrate your competency as a business analyst to employers. However, not all business analyst certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best business analyst certifications. Obtaining a business analyst certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for business analysts
20 best business analyst certifications
1. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)
A Certified ScrumMaster helps project teams properly use Scrum, increasing the likelihood of the project's overall success. CSMs understand Scrum values, practices, and applications and provide a level of knowledge and expertise above and beyond that of typical project managers. CSMs act as "servant leaders," helping the rest of the Scrum team work together and learn the Scrum framework.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
2. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
The Certified Business Analysis ProfessionalTM (CBAP) designation is a professional certification for individuals with extensive business analysis experience. With at least 7500 hours of hands-on BA experience, CBAP® recipients are the elite, senior members of the BA community.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
3. Professional Business Analyst Certificate
Solidify, verify, and claim your business analysis expertise with our Professional Business Analyst Certificate. Through our four-course business analysis training curriculum, you can propel your skills as a business analyst.In this business analysis training program, you will examine the role and responsibilities of the business analyst. Through hands-on exercises and case studies, you will learn techniques for ensuring project success every step of the way - from identifying and analyzing potential projects to making sure that the final project product meets the requirements you identified.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
4. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)
Certified Scrum Product Owner professionals have been taught the Scrum terminology, practices, and principles that enable them to fulfill the role of Product Owner on a Scrum team. CSPOs are typically the individuals who are closest to the "business side" of the project. They are charged by the organization to "get the product out" and are expected to do the best possible job of satisfying all the stakeholders. CSPOs maintain the product backlog and ensure that everyone knows the priorities.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
The CFA charter is recognized as the definitive standard by which to measure the competence, integrity, and dedication of serious investment professionals.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
6. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
7. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
As project management grows in scope, importance and recognition, so do the related career and credential options available to you. The CAPM is designed for project team members and entry-level project managers, as well as qualified undergraduate and graduate students who want a credential to recognize their value to project team performance. A CAPM Credential can benefit professionals from all disciplines by demonstrating clear direction to their work and by gaining knowledge of project management processes and terminology.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
8. Software Engineering Master Certification (SEMC)
This professional competency certification requires successful completion of Certificates of Proficiency in twelve key knowledge areas: Software Engineering Requirements, Software Engineering Design, Software Engineering Construction, Software Engineering Testing, Software Engineering Maintenance, Software Engineering Configuration Management, Software Engineering Quality, Software Engineering Processes, Software Engineering Models & Methods, Software Engineering Management, Software Engineering Project Management, Software Engineering Economics and the successful completion of two advanced applied modules.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
9. International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)
ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess both the theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy an experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed: three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. Related work experience includes verifiable experience in accounting, financial services, or other field requiring a practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject matter covered on the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for the International Accredited Business Accountant. Those who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may market themselves as having passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
10. Program Management Professional (PgMP)
Project Management Institute's newest credential is specifically developed to acknowledge the qualifications of the professional who leads the coordinated management of multiple projects and ensures the ultimate success of a program. You will benefit from the many advantages of this new designation. Candidates earning this credential will be internationally recognized as professionals with the knowledge and experience to make and implement the important decisions and accomplish the strategic objectives that enhance business results.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
11. Change Management Certified Professional
Today's organizations face frequent changes to workplace structures and processes. Business process reengineering provides a powerful framework for implementing change projects. To effectively implement change, an organization must develop and administer a successful change strategy that integrates the contributions of both people and process. Successful collaboration with others and the power to influence people at all levels are key factors in implementing a change project and accomplishing your business objectives.Certified graduates of this program have the knowledge to guide the people in their workplace through the process of change. After acquiring the tools to implement business process reengineering (BPR), they have an understanding of how to model adaptable behaviors and create new goals for employees.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
12. Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP)
The Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP) credential is the business intelligence and data warehousing industry's most meaningful and credible certification program. Your achievement of the CBIP credential tells the world-including current and prospective employers-that you are serious about business intelligence. Let your résumé show that your in-depth knowledge has been certified. You'll gain competitive advantage and open up opportunities down the road. As the industry's only independent professional certification program, the Certified Business Intelligence Professional combines core knowledge with your ability to apply that knowledge in a test-based certification program. The certification is offered in four key specialty areas: Leadership and Management, Business Analytics, Data Analysis and Design, and Data Integration. The CBIP program is designed for experienced information systems and technology professionals in the business intelligence and data warehousing industries.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
13. Certification in Business Data Analytics (CBDA)
The new Certification in Business Data Analytics (IIBA- CBDA) recognizes your ability to effectively execute analysis related work in support of business analytics initiatives.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
14. ISTQB Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)
The Foundation Level qualification is aimed at anyone linvolved in software testing. The Foundation level qualification is also appropriated for anyone who wants a basic understanding of software testing, such as project managers, quality managers, software development managers, business analysts, IT directors and management consultants.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
15. Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
The Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM®) certification program is developed specifically for experienced information security managers and those who have information security management responsibilities. The CISM certification is for the individual who manages, designs, oversees and/or assesses an enterprise's information security (IS). The CISM certification promotes international practices and provides executive management with assurance that those earning the designation have the required experience and knowledge to provide effective security management and consulting services. Individuals earning the CISM certification become part of an elite peer network, attaining a one-of-a-kind credential. The CISM job practice also defines a global job description for the information security manager and a method to measure existing staff or compare prospective new hires.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
16. Certified Data Management Professional - Data Management (CDP-DM)
The data professions continue to grow and expand into many specializations. ICCP's thought leaders and advisors have addressed the evolving certification needs of business, data and computing professions by creating this broader data certification program.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
17. Certificate in Data Analytics (CertDA)
The ACCA Certificate in Data Analytics (CertDA) is aimed at business professionals who wish to develop their understanding of data, and the skills and techniques available for data analytics. Using real practical business examples, learners are able to develop an understanding of how data analytics and data modelling can be used to garner business insights. Learners will learn about big data, the various sources of data, types of analytics, and become familiar with the range of tools and techniques required to extract, manipulate, interpret and present data. They’ll also learn about the need to be both sceptical and ethical when working in the data analytics field. Many of the data tools introduced in the certificate are widely and freely available, such as spreadsheet or database software. Learners will also be introduced to popular statistical and programming tools such as SQL, R and Python, as well as an introduction to artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
18. Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)
The Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence is a professional who leads and champions process-improvement initiatives' everywhere from small businesses to multinational corporations' that can have regional or global focus in a variety of service and industrial settings. A Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence facilitates and leads team efforts to establish and monitor customer/supplier relations, supports strategic planning and deployment initiatives, and helps develop measurement systems to determine organizational improvement. The Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence should be able to motivate and evaluate staff, manage projects and human resources, analyze financial situations, determine and evaluate risk and employ knowledge management tools and techniques in resolving organizational challenges.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
19. Certification of Competency in Business Analysis Level 2 (CCBA)
The Certification of Competency in Business AnalysisTM (CCBA®) designation is a professional certification for business analysis practitioners who want to be recognized for their expertise and skills by earning formal recognition. With at least 3750 hours of hands-on business analysis experience, they have developed essential BA skills.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
20. CompTIA Project+
CompTIA IT Project+ Certification The CompTIA IT Project+ certification validates your knowledge and abilities as an IT project manager.IT Project+ certification is a vendor-neutral credential recognized worldwide. Having an IT Project+ certification is proof that you have the critical knowledge of business practices, interpersonal skills and project management processes, in addition to the ability to effectively plan, implement and complete IT projects on time and within your budget.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
What is the best certification for a business analyst?
The best business analyst certification is Certified Scrum Master (CSM). The Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is awarded by the Scrum Alliance. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this business analyst certification:
- To become a certified Certified Scrum Master (CSM), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for business analysts?
The most in-demand business analyst certification is Certified Scrum Master based on all active job postings. Having this business analyst certification will give you access to more business analyst jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a business analyst career and salary?
The Certified Scrum Master certification will help you to secure a senior business analyst position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A senior business analyst's average salary is $91,279 whereas business analysts make an average salary of $74,431.
The most common combination of business analyst certifications include: Certified Scrum Master (CSM), Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), and Professional Business Analyst Certificate.
Online courses for business analysts to earn certifications
1. Business Intelligence Analytics
Build confidence combining different data types and sources to create sophisticated data models for enterprises across all industries...
2. Data Visualization
Discover how data visualization can communicate insights far more effectively than text or tables. In this course, you’ll learn how to build data visualizations programmatically using Python, and how you can use visualization to both discover and convey trends in your data...
3. Business Process Modelling
Learn to capture and optimize business processes using specialized diagrams. Convert insights from stakeholder interviews and document analysis into concise and precise models. Understand various notations and select the best one for your needs. This comprehensive course covers process identification, capturing, documenting, and adapting models for different audiences. Ideal for process analysts, business analysts, solution architects, service & UX designers, and anyone interested in business...
4. Business Analysis Process
The Business Analysis Process course will give you a foundational understanding of the process of business analysis and will introduce you to a framework that can be used within a variety of industries and organizations. You’ll see how an analyst assesses a business problem, prepares business requirements, and implements a solution. You will learn how to identify stakeholders, to analyze them, and to define their role in a business analysis project. You’ll also learn how to gather requirements...
5. Business Process Modelling with UML Activity Diagrams & BPMN
Become an expert in Modelling Business Processes with Business Analysis Techniques and UML Activity Diagrams & BPMN...
6. Business Analyst: Project Management Techniques and Tools
Learn project management techniques to increase your project success rate as a Business Analyst!...
7. Introduction to Data Analytics for Business
Learn to apply data & statistics specifically for business! In this course, you’ll go from data novice to spreadsheet wizard, calculating and forecasting key financial metrics, even making detailed projections off real-life financial data from the New York Stock Exchange...
8. BPMN Process Analysis using Microsoft Visio Professional
Business Analyst Guide to Business Process Modelling with BPMN and Microsoft Visio Professional...
9. Business Analyst: Software Testing Processes & Techniques
Reduce project bugs with repeatable testing processes. Learn to create test cases, scenarios, track defects, & more!...
10. Business Analysis A to Z Masterclass
We don't teach. We job Train!...
11. Plan the Project as a Business Analyst - IIBA Endorsed
Increase your value as a Business Analyst by learning how to plan projects successfully without a Project Manager...
12. Business Analysis - Data Modelling
How to analyse and model business data requirements...
13. BPMN 2.0 Business Process Modelling for Business Analysts
Become a BPMN 2.0 Expert in 1 day. With this practical hands-on course you will learn proper Business Process Modelling...
14. Become A Business Analyst
Foundation course in Business Analysis core concepts, tools and key modelling techniques essential in the work place...
15. The Complete Salesforce Certified Business Analyst Course
Salesforce Business Analyst Certification Exam - Earn Salesforce's Newest Certification and Learn Business Analysis...
16. Fundamentals of Business Analysis
Get the foundation in business analysis you need to solve your organization's biggest problems...
17. Retail for Business Analysts and Management Consultants
A practical guide with cases studies how to analyze and improve a retail business during management consulting projects...
18. Introduction to Business Process Modeling
Learn how to analyze, model, and improve your organization's business processes...
19. BPMN for business analysts
Learn the best practices of process modeling and analysis with Business Process Model and Notation (BPMN 2.0) standard...
20. IQBBA Certified Foundation Level Business Analyst (CFLBA)
Be an IQBBA certified business analyst and Learn the basics of Software Business Analysis and Requirements Engineering...