The IIBA has a fairly strict requirement around number of verifiable and direct hours of experience that you must have prior to gaining certification.
Larimar,
Yes I see your point but why does "The IIBA has a fairly strict requirement around number of verifiable and direct hours of experience" - what does that prove?
Hi Guy,
It proves that you have spent a certain amount of time applying the BABOK in practice, as you have to tie your hours to specific sections of the BABOK. It shows that you've worked in a BA capacity (if not in title then in practice) and have real-world experience to match the theoretical knowledge that the IIBA prescribes as important to the profession of a BA. Nothing more, nothing less.
For me it shows that the certification is about the application of knowledge more than being able to sit in a classroom for X days and then regurgitate the information on a test. Not saying it's a silver bullet, but it's a step in the right direction, if you believe the BABOK is a valuable document that is.
Guy,
Reading between the lines I suspect you live in the UK? I lived there in the 90's and noted that there were lots of people in IT who didn't have degrees. In Australia and the US, a degree is pretty much a requirement for an IT job. Its probably going the same way in the UK if it hasn't already. Basically you need a degree to get a job. It doesn't necessarily have to be an IT focused degree though. There are lots of things associated with getting a Uni degree that don't necessarily lead directly to a job that are extremely worthwhile but that's probably a topic for another thread.
To answer your question, I don't see any way around. Time will tell if certification is adopted by the industry or not. There seems to be several groups of people pushing hard for that to happen. Looks like modernanalyst may jump on the bandwagon if Craig's post bears fruit!
Until certification becomes a requirement in my market (Australia) to get a job as a BA, I won't be doing it. I work to hard for my cash to throw it away.
As to how a BA is demonstrably fit for purpose, I think a well thought out list of interview questions and an interview exercise is an effective technique. Its also important to look for potential in people who don't currently have all the skills.
Kimbo
I hope that I am not missing something, especially because this is my first post, but from what I read you are not really convinced on the use of having a certification. Neither am I to be honest. The old saying, "Those that can, do. Those that cant, teach" sometimes rings true, but not always. But reason for my confusion is obviously http://www.smart-ba.com. Which is your site.
I am honestly not trying to be funny or "catch you out", just trying to understand, because I was considering doing some formal education just to polish up and formalise what I do and how I do it.
Hi Larimar,
Fair enough - I understand the principle. Thank-you.
If certification is to be adopted then this seems a good route.
Guy
Hi Justin,
Not sure I understand your "confusion": my site is nearly all about mentoring analysts doing the work, and learning the fundamentals of business analysis on the job.
I have just launched a manual for those who want to just learn what they need to know to pass an ISEB certificate (there is overlap with what they need to learn to do the job but it is by no means a perfect fit) - and this is in response to all those enquiries I get along the lines of "what certification do I get from your programme" which is what set me thinking and prompted me to start this discussion: that BAs are asking for the certification and the employers aren't. The drivers for certification seem to be coming from BAs only!
Does that explain things? If not, please let me know...
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