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Best business & finance analyst certifications
Business & finance analyst certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an business & finance analyst to employers. However, not all business & finance analyst certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a business & finance analyst are Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Below is a list of the best business & finance analyst certifications. Obtaining an business & finance analyst certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for business & finance analysts
| Rank | Business & finance analyst certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 2 | Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) | IIBA |
| 3 | Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) | CFA |
| 4 | Certified Resume Specialist: Accounting and Finance (CRS+AF) | CDI |
| 5 | Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) | Association o... |
| 6 | Professional Business Analyst Certificate | Global Knowle... |
6 best business & finance analyst certifications
1. 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)
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. 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?
4. Certified Resume Specialist: Accounting and Finance (CRS+AF)
The CDI Certified Industry Resume Specialist allows you to gain certification in your chosen industry.
- 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)
5. Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA)
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a global body for professional accountants with 219,000 members and 517,000 students in 179 countries. It was granted a Royal Charter in 1974 which commits it to acting in and upholding the public interest. ACCA works through a network of 110 offices and centres and 7,571 Approved Employers worldwide, and 328 approved learning providers who provide high standards of learning and development. In addition to IFAC membership, ACCA is represented on key regional forums including the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA), the Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA), Accountancy Europe, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC), the Pan African Federation of Accountants (PAFA), and is a member of CCAB in the UK and Ireland. It undertakes wide-ranging capacity building work globally and has an extensive network of partnerships with other professional accountancy organizations.
- 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)
6. 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
What is the best certification for a business & finance analyst?
The best business & finance analyst certification is Certified Management Accountant (CMA). The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is awarded by the The Association of Accountants and Financial Professionals in Business. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this business & finance analyst certification:
- To become a certified Certified Management Accountant (CMA), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 1 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for business & finance analysts?
The most in-demand business & finance analyst certification is Certified Management Accountant based on all active job postings. Having this business & finance analyst certification will give you access to more business & finance analyst jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a business & finance analyst career and salary?
The Certified Management Accountant certification will help you to secure a senior finance analyst position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A senior finance analyst's average salary is $86,793 whereas business & finance analysts make an average salary of $70,514.
The most common combination of business & finance analyst certifications include: Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Online courses for business & finance analysts to earn certifications
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10. The Complete Business Analysis Fundamentals Course + CERT
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16. Microsoft Excel Crash Course for Business Analysts
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17. Business Analysis: Working with Use Cases
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18. Business Analysis Fundamentals - ECBA, CCBA, CBAP endorsed
Set yourself up for success and learn the key business analysis concepts to thrive in your Business Analyst career!...
19. Financial Modeling for Business Analysts and Consultants
Learn Financial Modeling in Excel that will allow you to participate in due diligence, strategy or turn around projects...
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