The role of a business analyst has become increasingly important in today’s ever-changing working environment.
Business analysts are agents of change. They apply their knowledge and skills to define business needs and propose solutions to meet those needs, as well as manage stakeholder requirements and ensure the successful implementation of projects.
With the growing complexity of business challenges, the demand for skilled business analysts is rising. Professional and recognised certifications such as those awarded by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, show employers that the individual has the skills and knowledge to perform well in their job role.
Why professional certifications matter
Gaining a professional certification can be a way to verify the competency and legitimacy of business analysts, and the knowledge and expertise they possess. Many employing organisations recognise them worldwide as a mark of quality - showing that the certified individual has met rigorous standards.
This assures potential employers that the business analyst applying for a role has an understanding of concepts, practices, and approaches used in their field.
Earning a professional certification offers numerous benefits, including:
- Higher confidence at work - a certification boosts confidence, reassuring professionals that they have tested their skills and meet industry standards - demonstrating their ability to take on challenging tasks and projects.
- A competitive advantage - certifications make a candidate stand out, signalling to employers that the individual is dedicated to their field.
- Increased credibility - holding a certification demonstrates a business analyst’s commitment to their career and professional development, showing employers, colleagues, and clients that they are willing to maintain high standards at work.
- Career advancement - certifications lead to better opportunities for promotion, and certified professionals are more likely to be considered for leadership roles as their skills are recognised as current and relevant in the workplace.
- Salary - certified professionals may command a higher salary, as their credentials reflect a higher or a highly sought-after, level of expertise.
“Business analysis is just one of many careers in tech that don’t require coding skills. There is a wide range of tech roles that require communication, collaboration, and creativity. Pursuing professional certifications offered by BCS can help you succeed in these roles.”
Getting certified with BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT
British Computer Society (BCS)
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, is a professional body and award organisation that represents individuals in the fields of computer science, software engineering, IT, and computing. They play a crucial role in advancing the study and use of computing and communications technologies, as well as the understanding of ICT education for the benefit of the general public and professional practitioners.
BCS certifications for business analysts
For those seeking a career as a business analyst, BCS offers a certification pathway with qualifications from entry-level to expert. The following pathway, provided by the BCS, highlights the many certifications that can help business analysts upskill and progress.
Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis
The professional qualifications start from the foundation level. This level helps individuals starting in business analysis and enables them to develop a broad understanding of business analysis principles and approaches. The Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis is a great starting point, as it provides an overview of the main concepts, techniques, tools, and models used in business analysis.
Practitioner Certificate in Business Analysis Practice
Moving on to the Practitioner Certificate in Business Analysis Practice, the individual can demonstrate specialist practical skills and can apply the business analysis concepts and techniques they have learnt. These certifications focus on specific areas of business analysis, such as requirements engineering and process modelling.
International Diploma in Business Analysis
A combination of the foundation and practitioner certificates leads to the BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis. This internationally recognised certification is available upon completion of four modules (one foundation and three practitioner certificates) and an oral examination. It is for those who want to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of business analysis best practices.
Advanced International Diploma in Business Analysis
For business analysts wanting to continue their career development, BCS offers certificates at a professional level. Individuals can show specialist analytical, business, and personal skills. These, in combination with proven work experience, make the BCS Advanced International Diploma in Business Analysis.
BCS Membership
In addition to being qualified, anyone who completes their first BCS Professional Certification can enjoy free professional membership for one year. By joining BCS, a business analyst can access resources that will help them meet their career goals, be recognised as a competent and skilled professional, and connect with a network of other professionals.
Why we value additional certifications at Kaplan
In an increasingly competitive business environment, professional certifications are essential for professionals who wish to validate their skills and knowledge. BCS certifications not only demonstrate a commitment to professional development but also provide a mark of credibility and expertise recognised by employers worldwide.
At Kaplan, we want our learners to have the best opportunities to progress in their careers and gain skills for life. Our apprenticeship programmes support this by equipping professionals with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to succeed. However, we also have several optional add-on certifications for specific apprenticeship programmes to ensure that our learners have that extra boost.
Upskill your workforce
If you’re an employer and are looking to enhance your team’s business analysis capabilities, our Business Analyst (Level 4) apprenticeship programme offers a comprehensive pathway to develop skilled professionals equipped with the latest industry knowledge and practical experience.
While your workforce will be upskilling with the apprenticeship training, we also offer the option to study towards the well-regarded BCS International Diploma in Business Analysis.
Alternatively, our Digital Product Manager (Level 4) apprenticeship also comes with the option to study towards the BCS Practitioner Certificate in Digital Product Management.
Get in touch with our team to ensure your business analysts are not only certified but are trained to meet your business needs.
If you are a professional who is interested in starting an apprenticeship with Kaplan, browse our current vacancies or read more about how you can talk to your current employer about starting an apprenticeship.