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Business Analysis Body of Knowledge

Last Updated July 16, 2019

A woman sitting at a cluttered desk full of paper while on her office phone looking at a sheet of paper.

The Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®, or BABOK®, is a collection of standard business analysis practices, which are compiled in a detailed guide published by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA®). The BABOK® Guide establishes a common framework that helps business analysts develop an in-depth understanding of core concepts and stay up to date on the latest developments in the field. Professionals who master the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® can apply for certification through IIBA® and earn the Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) designation.

What Is the IIBA®?

Since its creation in October 2003, the IIBA® has been dedicated to serving the international community of business analysts. With more than 12,000 members around the world, the IIBA® is an active and influential non-profit organization. It works to expand the opportunities for business analysts and provide them with the resources they need to do their jobs at the highest level.

The IIBA® and the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®

To help standardize the knowledge and best practices within the field of business analysis, the IIBA® compiled the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® to serve as a reference guide for professionals worldwide. Published in both print and PDF formats, information is regularly revised and updated to ensure that it’s an accurate reflection of the industry’s generally accepted practices. As such, the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® is an irreplaceable resource for business analysts working in every sector of the business world.

CBAP® Certification

The CBAP® credential offered by IIBA® is the industry-recognized gold standard in the field. Employers seeking to hire business analysts generally prefer candidates with CBAP® certification, along with relevant experience and education. Attainment of CBAP® certification represents that an individual has mastered the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® and understands how to apply its principles within any organization.

Of course, there’s a reason that IIBA® certification carries such prestige – and that’s because it’s not easy to attain. To fulfill the eligibility requirements for this designation, candidates must:

  • Hold a minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent)
  • Have at least 7,500 hours (approximately five years) of industry-specific work experience that follows the principles laid out in the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®
  • Complete 21 hours of continuing professional education, with course content that is in line with the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®
  • Demonstrate at least 900 hours (approximately six months) of practical experience with work tasks that tie into the specific knowledge areas outlined in the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®
  • Obtain two qualifying professional references that can attest to suitability for CBAP® certification; acceptable references include supervisors, clients or CBAP® recipients

Candidates who fulfill all of these requirements are eligible to apply for CBAP® certification and sit for the exam. The credential will only be awarded to business analysts who pass the exam.

Master the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® and Prepare for Certification 100% Online

Because the CBAP® certification process is so rigorous, formal business analysis training is essential to acquiring the necessary knowledge, skills and professional development credits. It’s important to choose your education partner wisely, as you want to make sure you will develop the necessary expertise within the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® and earn professional development hours for your coursework. To that end, the Certificate in Business Analysis program offered by Villanova University is an excellent option – and it’s available 100% online.

As one of the IIBA’s Endorsed Education Providers, Villanova offers certificate courses that are aligned with the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® and designed to thoroughly prepare you for the CBAP® certification exam. They will also contribute toward the professional education credits required for certification.

Villanova courses are led by acclaimed experts in the field of business analysis, and delivered via the university’s proven video-based e-learning platform. Lectures can be viewed 24/7 through streaming video and you can communicate with your fellow classmates and instructors anytime via online message boards, live chat, email, virtual whiteboards and two-way voice over IP (VOIP).

When you earn your Certificate in Business Analysis through Villanova, you’ll not only master the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® and prepare for CBAP® certification.

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