Top 11 Applications Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for an applications analyst in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Certifications also provide employers with assurance that an applicant possesses the necessary skills to perform the duties of the job. Certifications can also help applicants stand out from other candidates as they show a commitment to professional development and an understanding of industry trends.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Applications Analysts and explains how they can help to advance an applications analyst's career.

What are Applications Analyst Certifications?

Applications Analyst Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s ability to analyze and evaluate complex applications in order to determine how they can be used to meet the needs of an organization. This certification is most often sought by IT professionals who are looking to advance their career in the application development and maintenance field.

Having Applications Analyst Certification can provide numerous benefits for those looking to advance their career. It shows employers that the individual has the skills necessary to identify opportunities for improvement within applications, as well as develop action plans for making those improvements. It also provides a tangible way of demonstrating knowledge and experience with specific software and hardware platforms, as well as various programming languages. In addition, this certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants, increasing their chances of getting hired or promoted. Finally, having this certification can help increase earning potential due to its recognition as a valuable skill set among employers.

Pro Tip: Make sure you research the different types of applications analyst certifications available and select one that best meets your needs and aligns with the job requirements. Additionally, be sure to stay up to date on the latest industry trends and technologies as they are constantly changing and evolving.

Related: What does an Applications Analyst do?

Top 11 Applications Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Applications Analysts today.

1. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the field of business analysis. The CBAP designation is the highest level of certification offered by IIBA and requires a significant amount of experience, knowledge, and skill in order to be awarded.

To be eligible for the CBAP certification, an individual must meet certain criteria including having 7500 hours of documented business analysis experience over the past 10 years and have completed 21 hours of professional development activities within the last 4 years. Additionally, applicants must pass a 3-hour online exam which consists of 150 multiple choice questions.

The process to become certified typically takes 6-12 months depending on how quickly an individual can prepare for and pass the exam. To help prepare for the exam, IIBA offers several resources such as study guides, practice exams, and webinars.

The cost to take the CBAP exam varies based on geographical location but typically ranges from $325-$450 USD.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed for professionals who are new to project management, or those with limited experience. The CAPM demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of project management.

The CAPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education.

To get the CAPM certification, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 61%. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants are awarded a certificate and can use the designation “Certified Associate in Project Management” after their name.

The cost to take the CAPM exam varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or not. For non-members, it costs $300 USD; for members, it costs $225 USD.

3. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification program designed to teach the fundamentals of Scrum, an Agile project management framework. The CSM certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a non-profit organization that provides training and resources for those interested in learning about and practicing Scrum.

The CSM certification requires a two-day course, which covers topics such as the history of Scrum, the roles within the framework, and how to use the tools and techniques of Scrum. After completing the course, participants must pass an online exam to receive their certification.

To get your Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification, you must first attend a two-day CSM course from an approved provider. The cost of the course varies depending on where you take it and who is providing it. After attending the course, you must then pass an online exam in order to receive your official CSM certificate.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it and who is providing it; however, most exams range from $150-$300 USD. Once you have passed your exam, you will be officially certified as a Certified Scrum Master (CSM).

4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an information security certification developed by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2). It is a globally recognized standard of achievement that confirms an individual's knowledge in the field of information security.

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 6 hours to complete. The exam covers 8 domains of information security: Access Control, Telecommunications and Network Security, Software Development Security, Cryptography, Physical (Environmental) Security, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, Legal Regulations and Compliance, and Operations Security.

To be eligible for the CISSP exam, you must have at least five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the 8 domains covered in the exam. Alternatively, if you have a four-year degree or equivalent credential from an accredited college or university along with three years of related work experience in two or more domains then you may also be eligible to take the CISSP exam.

The cost to take the CISSP exam is $699 USD for ISC2 members and $999 USD for non-members. After passing the exam, there is an annual maintenance fee of $125 USD which must be paid each year to maintain your certification status.

5. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) is a certification program that validates the technical skills and knowledge of IT professionals in designing, implementing, configuring, and managing Microsoft solutions. It is designed for professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in Microsoft technologies such as Windows Server, Exchange Server, SQL Server, SharePoint Server, System Center, and Azure.

It typically takes about 12-18 months to complete the MCSE certification. To get certified, you must pass several exams that cover topics such as networking infrastructure, server administration, identity management, messaging systems, cloud platforms and data management. The cost of the exams varies depending on which ones you take; however they generally range from $100-$200 per exam.

6. Oracle Database Administrator Certification (OCA/OCP)

Oracle Database Administrator Certification (OCA/OCP) is a professional certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of Oracle Database Administrators. The OCA/OCP certification is offered through Oracle University, an online training and education provider.

The OCA/OCP certification consists of two levels: Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) and Oracle Certified Professional (OCP). The OCA level is designed for entry-level database administrators who are just starting out in the field. The OCP level is designed for experienced database administrators who have been working with Oracle databases for at least two years.

To become certified, candidates must pass a series of exams that cover topics such as installation, configuration, performance tuning, security, backup and recovery, and more. Candidates can choose to take either the OCA or OCP exams separately or both together as part of the complete certification program.

It typically takes about 6 months to prepare for the exams and receive your certification. To get started on your journey to becoming certified, you will need to register with Oracle University and purchase a course package that includes access to study material and practice tests. The cost of these packages varies depending on which courses you choose but typically range from $500 - $1,000 USD.

7. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is a certification program designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in computer hardware, software, networking, and security. The certification is offered by CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association), an international non-profit trade organization that sets standards for the IT industry.

The CompTIA A+ certification is made up of two separate exams: 220-1001 and 220-1002. The first exam covers topics such as hardware, networking, mobile devices, and troubleshooting; while the second exam focuses on operating systems, virtualization, cloud computing, security, and operational procedures. To obtain the certification, you must pass both exams.

It typically takes between 6 months to a year to study for and pass both exams. However, this can vary depending on your experience level and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the tests. It is recommended that you use a combination of self-study materials such as books or online courses along with hands-on practice in order to prepare for the exams.

In order to take the CompTIA A+ exams you must register with Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of each exam varies by country but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with training courses or other materials needed to prepare for the exams.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides a comprehensive understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. The ITIL framework is a set of best practices for managing IT services, and the ITIL Foundation Certification is designed to provide individuals with an understanding of the core concepts and terminology used in the ITIL service lifecycle.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam typically takes about two hours to complete and covers topics such as service management principles, processes, functions, roles and activities. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and is offered at various testing centers around the world.

To get certified, you must first register with an accredited training provider or take an online course. Once you have completed your training program, you will be eligible to take the ITIL Foundation Certification exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $200 - $400 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official certificate from AXELOS Global Best Practice within two weeks of passing the exam.

9. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology and its tools. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to apply the principles of Six Sigma to solve business problems and improve processes.

The certification typically takes around 8-12 weeks to complete, depending on the training provider and the individual’s prior knowledge. The course covers topics such as process improvement, data analysis, problem solving, project management, and quality control. It also includes an exam at the end of the course which must be passed in order to receive certification.

In order to get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must attend an accredited training program or pass an online exam from an approved provider. Training programs vary in cost but typically range from $1,500-$3,000 USD for full courses. Online exams are usually cheaper and can range from $500-$1,000 USD depending on the provider.

Once certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals will have access to job opportunities that require this type of certification including positions such as quality assurance managers, process improvement analysts, and operations managers.

10. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most sought-after and respected credential in project management. The PMP demonstrates that you have the knowledge, experience, and skills to successfully lead and direct projects.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions covering five major areas of project management: Initiating, Planning, Executing, Monitoring & Controlling, and Closing. The exam takes four hours to complete.

To become a PMP certified professional, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Have a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent)
• Have at least 4500 hours of leading and directing projects
• Have 35 hours of project management education
• Pass the PMP exam

The cost for taking the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members, it costs $555 USD while members pay only $405 USD. Additionally, there are other fees associated with maintaining your certification such as annual membership dues and recertification fees every three years.

11. Certified Data Analyst Professional (CDAP)

Certified Data Analyst Professional (CDAP) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a professional data analyst. It is administered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) and provides an industry-recognized credential that validates an individual’s ability to analyze, interpret, and manage data.

The CDAP certification requires individuals to complete a comprehensive course of study that covers topics such as data analysis techniques, data visualization, machine learning algorithms, predictive analytics, and more. The program also includes hands-on training in tools such as Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, and Python. Upon successful completion of the coursework and exams, individuals will receive their CDAP certification.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CDAP certification program. This includes completing the online coursework as well as taking the required exams. The cost of the CDAP certification varies depending on where you take it from but typically ranges from $2,500 - $3,500 USD for the entire program.

Do You Really Need a Applications Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and what their career aspirations are. For some, a certificate in applications analyst may be beneficial and could help them get ahead in their chosen field. For others, it may not be necessary depending on their current qualifications and experience level.

If you are interested in becoming an applications analyst, then having a certificate would likely be beneficial. It can show potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills required for the job. Having a certificate can also make you stand out from other applicants who do not possess one. Additionally, having a certificate can help you stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in the field of applications analysis, which can give you an edge over competition in your job search.

On the other hand, if you already have experience working as an applications analyst or have extensive knowledge of the subject matter, then obtaining a certificate may not be necessary. Your experience or existing qualifications may be enough to demonstrate your abilities to potential employers.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an applications analyst certificate depends on your goals and current situation. If it is something that interests you and will help achieve your career goals then it is worth considering pursuing one.

Related: Applications Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Applications Analyst Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming an Applications Analyst?

Answer: Becoming an Applications Analyst typically requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field. Additionally, certifications such as the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) or Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) may be beneficial.

2. What type of skills do I need to become an Applications Analyst?

Answer: To become an Applications Analyst, you must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, experience with databases and programming languages, knowledge of computer networks and security protocols, and the ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.

3. Are there any certifications available specifically for Applications Analysts?

Answer: Yes! The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) offers several certifications that can help you hone your skills as an Applications Analyst. These include the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA), Agile Analysis Certification (AAC), and Certified Professional Facilitator (CPF).

4. How much does it cost to get certified as an Applications Analyst?

Answer: The cost of certification varies depending on the certification program chosen. For example, the IIBA CBAP certification has a fee structure ranging from US$375-$495 depending on membership status. Other certifications may have different costs associated with them.

5. How long does it take to become certified as an Applications Analyst?

Answer: The amount of time needed to become certified depends on the specific certification chosen and the individual's knowledge level prior to taking the exam. Generally speaking, it is estimated that it takes between four to six months of studying for most people to successfully pass their certification exams.