Business Analyst Certification

[oscarose]

This is what did it for me, I did the foundation exam which was interesting but not as useful as some of the later modules that I read up on but didn't do exams in. What also helped was Prince 2, Agile and ITIL. Also if you can look back on previous roles and pick out any times you performed BA tasks this will help in interviews. Done any requirements gathering/analysis? Or stakeholder management? I'm sure even the most die hard techies have had to at some point whether they like it or not.

If I can go from tape changer to BA anyone can

Good for you old boy

Requirements gathering/analysis - yes.
Stakeholder management - no.

I don't have any Prince2, Agile or ITIL qualifications

[Mich the Tester]

The real aim of certification for a contractor is to get your CV through the initial screening by agent and/or HR/purchasing numpties. Once you're through that and your CV is at the desk of the hiring manager the certificate probably doesn't count for much. So if it will get your CV through that first selection, do it. If you don't think it will, sod it; if you want to learn, pick up some books.

[oscarose]

I did the British Computer Society exams yonks ago. Nobody was interested in the BCS, but doing the courses did teach me stuff, and the fact that I'd done something, whatever it was, counted for me.

Wise words. I often lack the motivation to study.

[Doggy Styles]

Flippin' heck! Really?

On reflection, and to be fair, I've seen him as a TV pundit once or twice as well.

[Jog On]

I agree. I'm not expecting to get work based on a few qualifications but as you say it does increase your awareness of the range of techniques there are. I think my general experience will stand me in good stead and studying for these courses will demonstrate my commitment. I've seen a number of technical business analyst roles (asking for very strong SQL) advertised that probably are the best to target, together with slanting the CV towards all the analysis work I've done.

Thanks for the reply.

This is what did it for me, I did the foundation exam which was interesting but not as useful as some of the later modules that I read up on but didn't do exams in. What also helped was Prince 2, Agile and ITIL. Also if you can look back on previous roles and pick out any times you performed BA tasks this will help in interviews. Done any requirements gathering/analysis? Or stakeholder management? I'm sure even the most die hard techies have had to at some point whether they like it or not.

If I can go from tape changer to BA anyone can

[cojak]

It's true in many spheres. You've heard of Paul Ince. He made the mistake of ignoring coaching qualifications and look where he is now. Starting as an ambitious, thrusting young manager in the 4th division with a seven year plan to become manager of Inter Milan (really), five years later he's a third string radio pundit behind an idiot like Chris Waddle.

Flippin' heck! Really?

[Doggy Styles]

I agree. I'm not expecting to get work based on a few qualifications but as you say it does increase your awareness of the range of techniques there are.

I did the British Computer Society exams yonks ago. Nobody was interested in the BCS, but doing the courses did teach me stuff, and the fact that I'd done something, whatever it was, counted for me.

It's true in many spheres. You've heard of Paul Ince. He made the mistake of ignoring coaching qualifications and look where he is now. Starting as an ambitious, thrusting young manager in the 4th division with a seven year plan to become manager of Inter Milan (really), five years later he's a third string radio pundit behind an idiot like Chris Waddle.

[cojak]

I agree. I'm not expecting to get work based on a few qualifications but as you say it does increase your awareness of the range of techniques there are. I think my general experience will stand me in good stead and studying for these courses will demonstrate my commitment. I've seen a number of technical business analyst roles (asking for very strong SQL) advertised that probably are the best to target, together with slanting the CV towards all the analysis work I've done.

Thanks for the reply.

That sounds a good route to take.

[oscarose]

I have the Diploma. I don't think this ever got me any work, nobody ever asked about it. It is possible that there is more awareness of it now, there didn't used to be five years ago.

I do think that the practitioner courses are useful, in terms of increasing awareness of the range of techniques that there are and how to use them.

I'm not convinced that you would get any work on the basis of have them on their own without relevant experience though.

I agree. I'm not expecting to get work based on a few qualifications but as you say it does increase your awareness of the range of techniques there are. I think my general experience will stand me in good stead and studying for these courses will demonstrate my commitment. I've seen a number of technical business analyst roles (asking for very strong SQL) advertised that probably are the best to target, together with slanting the CV towards all the analysis work I've done.

Thanks for the reply.

[Gonzo]

I have the Diploma. I don't think this ever got me any work, nobody ever asked about it. It is possible that there is more awareness of it now, there didn't used to be five years ago.

I do think that the practitioner courses are useful, in terms of increasing awareness of the range of techniques that there are and how to use them.

I'm not convinced that you would get any work on the basis of have them on their own without relevant experience though.

[oscarose]

I've been on a few of the practitioner courses, all of them very useful.

As is the way of these things, the more experienced I've become, the less I'm interested in taking the Diploma. I might do it if it takes my fancy, I certainly don't need it for my work.

But doing the Foundation is a good place to start if you're new to business analysis.

It is only a start mind, you won't get much from that course alone.

Thanks for the benefit of your experience.

I know it's one of those 'chicken and egg' things when making the transition to a new role. I've got the study book and most of the concepts described I've had exposure to, so that gives me a good starting point.

[cojak]

I've been on a few of the practitioner courses, all of them very useful.

As is the way of these things, the more experienced I've become, the less I'm interested in taking the Diploma. I might do it if it takes my fancy, I certainly don't need it for my work.

But doing the Foundation is a good place to start if you're new to business analysis.

It is only a start mind, you won't get much from that course alone.

[oscarose]

Have any of my online friends taken the course below:-

Business Analysis | Business Analysis | Foundation | Business Analysis | Certifications | BCS Certifications

a) If so, was it useful (in general)?
b) Did you go onto take the more advanced courses?

I'm aiming to secure a permanent business analyst role in 6-12 months (20+ years experience of implementing database solutions and reports but no formal business qualifications; 7+ years contracting). Had various titles, e.g. Data Analyst, Information Analyst, Database Analyst, Senior Developer (from old perm days), Report Writer, SQL Analyst etc.

c) IYO, will this help with the above.

TIA for any input.