Watermark Learning Article

Seven Steps to Passing the CBAP®

or CCBA® Exam: A Foolproof Plan
The CBAP® (Certified Business Analysis Professional)
certification was begun in late 2006 to screen, test, and
certify qualified and senior BAs. The CCBA® (Certified
by:
Competency in Business Analysis) was added in 2011 for Richard Larson, PMP, CBAP, PMI-PBA, and
intermediate-level BAs. As of this writing, we number Elizabeth Larson, PMP, CBAP, PMI-PBA
about 5900 CBAPs and over 800 CCBAs around the world, Co-Principals, Watermark Learning, Inc.
with more being added every week. For those who value
business analysis as a profession the CBAP and CCBA
have become the gold sta da ds of ou p ofessio ,
much like the PMP® and CAPM® are for project
management.

What are the CBAP and CCBA and

Why Become Certified?

The CBAP and CCBA were created by the IIBA®

(International Institute of Business Analysis). For those of
ou ho do ’t k o of it, the IIBA is a non-profit
organization created to promote the growth and
p ofessio alis of usi ess a al sis. A la ge pa t of IIBA’s
mission is to document and maintain standards for
business analysis, and to recognize and certify
practitioners. Visit www.IIBA.org for more information,
i ludi g ualifi atio s ou’ll eed to appl fo the e a .

We estimate there are probably thousands of eligible

people thinking about or wanting to become certified,

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Seven Steps to Passing the CBAP® or CCBA® Exam: A Foolproof Plan (cont.)

but who ha e ’t started yet. There is no doubt that both the CBAP and CCBA applications and the exams are difficult.
Yet, people do make it through the process! This article briefly summarizes the CBAP and CCBA programs, and how
eligible business analysts can create a foolproof plan to obtain their certification. Bear in mind that any certification
plan is only foolproof if you personalize it, commit to it, and follow it. The majority of the article covers the crucial steps
for your plan and several tips to help you execute it to become certified.

Preparation Plan

Step 1: Obtain and Skim the BABOK®

One of the main creations of the IIBA has been its Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (called the
BABOK® Guide for short). The BABOK Guide compiles the generally accepted knowledge and practices in the BA
profession. There are currently two versions in effect, 2.0 and 3.0. Many of the details in this article pertain to version
2, the version the CBAP and CCBA exams at present are based on. The overall plan steps are valid for both versions.

The other significant creation of the IIBA has been the CBAP and CCBA credentials. The authors are proud to be among
the o ld’s fi st CBAPs (numbers 16 and 21). The CBAP and CCBA exams are based almost exclusively on the BABOK, so
the guide is essential to have and to read. You can download it for free from the IIBA if you are a member, and if not,
you can purchase a PDF copy from IIBA, or a paper copy through Amazon.com. Endorsed Education Providers (EEPs)
like Watermark Learning will give you a free hard-cover copy of the BABOK® Guide when you attend a CBAP prep class.
The BABOK Guide is a solid framework, and worth the cost. Not only will it help you prepare for the CBAP or CCBA
exams, but it can be a valuable reference of the commonly accepted practices for business analysis.

The original and updated certification exams came from BA task analysis studies. From those, committees of experts
have developed questions for the exam to test the business analysis knowledge of BAs. The questions are based on the
BABOK, so knowledge of the information in this guide is essential for passing the exam. We encourage CBAP/CCBA
candidates to read the entire guide at least once. Step 1, though, should be to skim the guide and familiarize yourself
with the BABOK tasks, which will help you complete your application.

Step 2: Apply for the Exam

Before scheduling an exam, you must apply for it and be accepted by IIBA to sit for the exam. The application
requirements are rigorous, and designed for intermediate- to senior-level business analysts. The sidebar lists the
requirements for the exam, which you must meet before you apply. If possible, complete your application and get it
approved before doing any serious self-study or taking a prep class.

a. Visit the IIBA Certification page on IIBA.Org as ou ho e fo appl i g fo the CBAP/CCBA. You will be
asked to register first. It has links to the online application and other useful information. Download the
applicable Certification Handbook to read an overview of each process.

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Seven Steps to Passing the CBAP® or CCBA® Exam: A Foolproof Plan (cont.)

b. Start your online application. We suggest you complete the CBAP Certification Requirements:
Candidate Reference section first. How do you stack up?
 7,500 hours of business analysis
o You need to add two references who can attest to your BA
work in the last 10 years
knowledge and skills. They can be managers, peers, clients, or  Demonstrated experience with 900+
hours in at least 4 out of 6 BABOK®
other CBAPs or CCBAs.
Knowledge Areas
o Your references will receive an email form to be completed and  21 hours BA professional
returned electronically to the IIBA. You appli atio a ’t e development in last 4 years
 Minimum high school
completed until your references return their forms, which is why education
we advise starting with this step.  Two work references

c. Complete the Personal Information and Education sections. These

are both simple and self-explanatory. You need a high school or higher CCBA Certification Requirements:
How do you stack up?

education, and be prepared to produce a transcript to prove it. You
3,750 hours of business analysis
may be audited as Rich was, and you will then need the transcript. work in the last 7 years
 Demonstrated experience with 900+
d. The Work Experience section is extensive and the most difficult. hours in at least 2 or 500+ hours in 4
out of 6 BABOK® Knowledge Areas

Before you start, create an electronic record of your projects so you
21 hours BA professional
can copy and paste into the online application. Your session may time development in last 4 years
out if you are interrupted, and you may lose what you entered. Check  Minimum high school
education
our CBAP-CCBA resources page for a time-saving and frustration-  Two work references
reducing template to use.

e. Your application requires a $125 USD fee for applying and it is non-refundable. There is also an exam fee of
$325 USD (for members and $450 USD for non-members of IIBA). The IIBA will collect the application fee online
when you apply. You will need to send them a check later for the exam once your application has been
accepted.
f. You will need to agree to the IIBA Code of Conduct during the application process.
g. Submit your application, pay your fee, and then wait for approval. The IIBA promises a 21-day or better
response on all applications. Some students tell us their applications have been questioned, so you may be
asked to provide more information.

Step 3: Read the Entire BABOK

One your application is submitted, you should begin your preparation in earnest. We recommend that both CBAP and
CCBA a didates ead the e ti e BABOK efo e doi g a othe p epa atio . You o ’t a t to t this i o e sitti g,
but plan to read it over time and take notes as you do.

Choose any Knowledge Area (KA) you feel comfortable with to start, since business analysis is iterative and non-linear.
Start by listing out the Knowledge Areas and their tasks. There are seven Knowledge Areas, and 32 tasks among them
as the following chart shows. Note that the Underlying Competencies Knowledge Area has no tasks and is not listed.

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Seven Steps to Passing the CBAP® or CCBA® Exam: A Foolproof Plan (cont.)

Some candidates find it helpful to read a chapter at a time from a study guide, such as the one we wrote, in conjunction
with each KA from the BABOK Guide.

Most people e ou te a te i olog e e ope e he eadi g th ough the BABOK. What we mean by this is that
so e o e e a of the te s i the BABOK do ’t ag ee ith ou a tual p a ti e of usi ess a al sis. The tasks a d
techniques that are brand new to you are one thing, and you will have some learning to do. We consider this to be
positive for BA practitioners, since the exam leads us to discover and learn new things.

The trouble you will more likely have is dealing with different terms for the same thing. For instance, we have worked
with software packages since 1980 and are quite familiar with them. Although commonly used in some organizations,
Rich’s first reaction to the te COT“ i the BABOK as hat a e the talki g a out? Afte dis o e i g COT“ as
just a a o fo Commercial-Off-The-“helf soft a e pa kages, he adjusted his own terminology to match the
BABOK. You ill u dou tedl ha e ou o o e ts of te i olog te sio as ou adjust to the IIBA terms.
Re e e to use a d stud the BABOK te s, e e if the a e o g (we mean that tongue in cheek).

Step 4: Absorb the BABOK

Some people may be able to read the BABOK and then pass the exam. Most of us, though, need something more, and a
foolproof plan should include additional study to help absorb the key concepts of the BABOK. The three main methods
are the following:
 Study Groups
 Classes
 Individual Study

Study groups are effective ways for many people to study. Being part of a group that meets regularly can be motivating
for participants to keep up with studying. Participants report that they learn from each other, they learn by teaching

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 Seven Steps to Passing the CBAP® or CCBA® Exam: A Foolproof Plan (cont.)

each other, and by letting people thi k out loud. These are all helpful learning aids.
RESEARCH FINDINGS
You can also benefit in a study group from using prepared or self-made flashcards of
We have done two
key terms and concepts and working with a partner to coach and encourage each
informal research studies
other. Visit our CBAP-CCBA resources page for a free template to create your own of CBAP and CCBA
flash cards. recipients, and the median
study time in our survey
has been 100 hours of
Prep class. Another beneficial study method is to attend a CBAP/CCBA preparation study time (80 hours after
class, whether in-person or virtually. A class is a way to get your study off to a quick taking a CBAP preparation
start or as a review and to give you confidence right before taking the exam. It also class). Some have reported
as many as 200+ hours, but
helps you to compress your study time. You get the benefit of learning from the that is at the high end. Our
instructor and other students, some of whom you might be able to keep in touch with research also reveals that
after class, and form your own informal study group. the ideal time to take the
exam is anywhere from 6-8
weeks after taking a prep
Individual study. If group learning is not ou p efe ed a , o ou do ’t have access class up to 3 months.
to study groups or classes, you need to try the individual approach. Even if you take a
class or participate in a study group, you will likely need to do some individual studying. You can create your own study
outlines and flashcards as you read the BABOK, and practice using them on your own.

Study by Style. Research from Insights Corporation shows that individuals study according to a few preferred styles.
Table 2 summarizes the four basic learning styles and offers some ideas for how to orient your approach to preparation
according to your preferred style.

BLUE RED
• Give me the details • Action-oriented
• Thorough processing • Get to the point
• Research • Practical action
• Data/facts • Immediate and fast
Study Tips: Study Tips:
• Re-Read BABOK • Take practice exams
• Take Notes • Re-Read Study Guides
• Complete practice exams • Use Mnemonics
• Study your notes
GREEN YELLOW
• Reflective • Experiential
• Give me time to • Get me involved
process and review • Interactive
• Structured activities • Spontaneous
Study Tips: Study Tips:
• Practice Exams • Flash a ds ith a udd
• Training Class • Training Class
• Flashcards • Take practice exams
• Notes review • Audio Flashcards

Table 2: Learning Styles by Color. © 2000 Andrew Lothian, Insights Learning.

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Seven Steps to Passing the CBAP® or CCBA® Exam: A Foolproof Plan (cont.)

Step 5: Take Practice Exam Questions

In addition to the above methods, practice exams are a great way to prepare. Based on our own exam preparation
experience a suggested approach is to use a study guide that also contain practice questions in them. Use online exam
simulators for practice answering questions via computer. Take numerous practice exams and keep track of your
progress. For the Knowledge Areas you are not scoring well on, do additional reading and studying. Practice exams are
the best feedback in your preparation because they let you know how well you are absorbing the BABOK. There are a
few online exam simulators available on the web. Visit our CBAP/CCBA products page for a link to our own study exam
and exam simulator.

Step 6: Do Final Preparation

Whatever your methods or style of studying, you will want to spend your final preparation by focusing on areas you
have had trouble with. If you kept track of your practice exam results, focus your final preparation time on the
Knowledge Areas, tasks, or techniques that were the most challenging. If you can, practice taking exam questions on
those subjects. Make sure to re-read the BABOK in the areas you are struggling with. Rich did this before his exam and
it helped.

To help internalize important BABOK terminology a d o epts that a e diffe e t f o eal life, many people find
practicing with flashcards beneficial in the final preparation stages. Start with a broad cross-section of terms and
concepts, and narrow them down to the ones you have trouble with. Some people like the tactile feel of paper or
cardboard flashcards, while othe s p efe i tual flash a ds o a o pute . There are also audio flashcards available
to use while you are driving, walking, or exercising.

Your final preparation step should be to get plenty of rest the night before the exam.
REST WELL = TEST WELL
You will be better served by having a relaxed and rested mind before the exam than
You will be better served
by staying up late and cramming. We know of one person who booked a room at a
by having a relaxed and
hotel the night before her exam to ensure she would be relaxed and refreshed for the rested mind before your
exam. Not everyone needs to or is able to go to that extreme, but it demonstrates a exam than by staying up
late and cramming.
great commitment to preparing for the exam.

Step 7: Do a “Brain Dump,” then Pass the Exam

On e a da , ake su e ou eat a ou ishi g eakfast o lu h to gi e ou e e g du i g the e a . D i k e ough

water, but not too much. You are able to visit the restroom during the exam, but it uses up some of your allotted time
for finishing the exam.

You o ’t e a le to i g a thi g i to the e a that ould help ou a s e uestio s. You ill eed to pla e the
into a locker or other storage when you check in for the exam. You should be able to obtain a white board and markers
or note paper and a pencil at the exam site, and we encourage you to use them during the exam. We advise for both

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 Seven Steps to Passing the CBAP® or CCBA® Exam: A Foolproof Plan (cont.)

the CBAP/CCBA a d PMP e a s that ou do a ai du p at the sta t of the e a . W ite do ke te s,

mnemonics, formulae, lists, and sequences. This will help to clear your brain, relieve some test anxiety, and serve as a
reference for you during the exam.

The exam is comprised of 150 multiple-choice questions, some of them very difficult, some fairly easy, and most are
challenging. Intensive exams like the CBAP or CCBA will typically challenge you by giving you difficult questions at the
egi i g. Do ’t get i ti ated this! “kip a diffi ult uestio s u til ou fi d o e ou a e o fide t of, even if that
means skipping the first five or ten. One stressed but successful candidate said she spent 20 minutes on the first
question, which was quite difficult. Better to skip the hard ones at first than devote 20 minutes to one. You have 3.5
hours for all the questions, so you will have plenty of time to go back and review any questions you skipped. You can
e ie a of the uestio s th oughout the e a , a d add a s e s to the uestio s ou skipped afte ou’ e uilt
some confidence and momentum.

Summary

If ou a e like ost BA p ofessio als, ou ha e ’t take a ajo e a like this i a lo g ti e, if e e . With the ost of
the exam, the amount of time needed to study, and the pressure to pass, you want to make sure you succeed. This
article laid out a foolproof plan for passing the CBAP or CCBA exam in seven steps:
Step 1: Obtain and Skim the BABOK
Step 2: Apply for the Exam
Step 3: Read the Entire BABOK
Step 4: Absorb the BABOK
Step 5: Take Practice Exam Questions
Step 6: Do Final Preparation
Step 7: Do a B ai Du p, the Pass the Exam

If you follow these 7 steps and devote the 80-100+ hours of study time needed, you will greatly increase your odds of
passing. Above all, try to enjoy the experience. Obtaining a professional certification is an enriching experience, and
o e to e sa o ed. Well, o that ou ha e ou pla , it’s ti e to get started and become CBAP or CCBA certified!

About Watermark Learning

Since 1992 Watermark Learning has provided training and coaching in business analysis, project 7301 Ohms Lane, Suite 360
management, agile, business process management, and influencing skills that turns the Minneapolis, MN 55439
complexity of industry standards into practical application. Our courses are laser-focused to (+1) 952-921-0900
enhance performance that lead to enduring results in organizations. With multiple learning www.WatermarkLearning.com
modes and interactive classes, students are engaged to learn and motivated to perform. Our
coaching, consulting, and certification preparation services provide focused guidance for success.

IIBA®, the IIBA® logo, A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®, BABOK®, and the CBAP® and CCBA®
logos are registered trademarks owned by the International Institute of Business Analysis. PMP® and CAPM® are
registered trademarks of the Project Management Institute.

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