Top 10 Business Continuity Analyst Certifications

Certifications for a business continuity analyst are important for many reasons. First, certifications demonstrate that the analyst is knowledgeable in the field and has the necessary skills to perform the job. This can give employers an added level of confidence in hiring someone with these qualifications. Additionally, certifications show that the analyst has made a commitment to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Finally, certifications may give an analyst a competitive edge in the job market as they can be used to demonstrate expertise over other applicants who may not have them.

This article reviews the top certifications for Business Continuity Analysts and explains how they can help to advance a career in business continuity analysis.

What are Business Continuity Analyst Certifications?

Business continuity analyst certification is a professional credential that recognizes the skills and knowledge necessary to develop, maintain and execute effective business continuity plans. This certification demonstrates an individual’s understanding of business continuity principles and practices, as well as their ability to identify risks and vulnerabilities that could lead to potential disruptions in the workplace.

Having a business continuity analyst certification can help organizations ensure they are prepared for any eventuality by providing an understanding of how to best respond in a crisis or disaster situation. It can also provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge required to create, implement, test and maintain effective business continuity plans. Additionally, it helps employers recognize qualified candidates who have the expertise needed to handle this important role within their organization.

Business continuity analyst certifications demonstrate that individuals have met specific standards set by industry experts regarding risk assessment, planning, implementation and maintenance of business continuity plans. By having this certification, professionals can show potential employers that they possess the necessary qualifications to handle all aspects of risk management for their organization. Furthermore, having this certificate may result in higher job placements and better opportunities for career advancement.

Pro Tip: When considering a business continuity analyst certification, it's important to make sure the program is accredited by a recognized organization and provides an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of business continuity. Additionally, look for certifications that focus on topics such as risk assessment, crisis management, incident response, and recovery planning.

Related: What does a Business Continuity Analyst do?

Top 10 Business Continuity Analyst Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP)

Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) is a certification offered by the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated expertise in business continuity and disaster recovery planning. The CBCP designation is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and understanding of business continuity principles, processes, and best practices.

The CBCP certification process consists of two parts: an online application and a proctored exam. The online application requires applicants to demonstrate their experience in the field of business continuity planning and provide references from employers or colleagues. The proctored exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of business continuity principles, processes, and best practices.

The entire process typically takes 3-4 months to complete. Applicants must first submit their online application before they can register for the proctored exam. Once approved, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate within 4-6 weeks.

The cost of the CBCP certification process varies depending on a variety of factors such as geographic location, membership status, etc., but typically ranges between $1,000 - $2,000 USD.

2. Certified Business Continuity Manager (CBCM)

Certified Business Continuity Manager (CBCM) is a professional certification designed to demonstrate an individual’s expertise in the field of business continuity management. It is awarded by the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII).

The CBCM certification requires applicants to have a minimum of two years of experience in the field, and to pass an exam that covers topics such as risk assessment, business impact analysis, disaster recovery planning, crisis management and communications, and testing and exercising. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

In order to apply for the CBCM certification, applicants must first become members of DRII. Membership costs $195 USD per year and includes access to resources such as webinars, online courses, discounts on conferences and other benefits. Once membership has been obtained, applicants can register for the CBCM exam which costs $595 USD.

The CBCM certification is valid for three years after which it will need to be renewed by retaking the exam or completing approved continuing education credits.

3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an information security certification granted by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, also known as (ISC)². It is an independent, non-profit organization that provides a globally recognized standard of achievement for information security professionals.

The CISSP certification is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and experience in the field of information security. It covers eight different domains of information security: Access Control, Telecommunications and Network Security, Software Development Security, Cryptography, Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Recovery Planning, Legal Regulations and Compliance, Physical Security, and Operations Security.

In order to obtain the CISSP certification, individuals must pass a rigorous exam that tests their knowledge in each of these eight domains. The exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately six hours to complete. Candidates must also have five years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the eight domains before they can take the exam.

The cost for taking the CISSP exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $699 - $1,199 USD. Additionally, there are several prep courses available online or through professional organizations such as ISACA or ISC2 that can help prepare candidates for the exam at an additional cost.

4. Certified Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Certified Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) is a professional certification program developed by ISACA, an international non-profit association that focuses on IT governance. It is designed to help professionals identify, assess, and manage IT risks within their organization. The CRISC certification is intended for professionals who are responsible for managing risk in the areas of information security, business continuity, IT governance, application development, and operations.

To become certified as a CRISC professional, individuals must pass a four-hour exam administered by ISACA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as risk identification and assessment; risk response; control design and implementation; monitoring and reporting; and IT governance. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in at least two of the five CRISC domains.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it. In the United States, the cost is $575 for members of ISACA or $760 for non-members. The cost may also vary depending on your country or region.

It typically takes about six weeks to receive your results after taking the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CRISC certification from ISACA within eight weeks.

5. Certified Disaster Recovery Engineer (CDRE)

A Certified Disaster Recovery Engineer (CDRE) is a highly specialized professional who has the knowledge and skills to develop, implement, and maintain disaster recovery plans. The CDRE certification is offered by the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII). This certification is designed for those who are responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining disaster recovery plans. It requires a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of disaster recovery planning and implementation.

The CDRE certification program consists of four courses: Introduction to Disaster Recovery Planning; Business Continuity Planning; Risk Assessment & Mitigation; and Disaster Recovery Implementation & Testing. To obtain the CDRE certification, you must complete all four courses within two years. You will also need to pass a proctored exam at the end of each course in order to be certified.

The cost of the CDRE certification program varies depending on where you take the courses. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD for all four courses.

In addition to taking the courses and passing the exams, you will also need to meet certain experience requirements in order to be eligible for the CDRE certification. Specifically, you must have at least five years of experience in managing or directing disaster recovery operations or projects in order to qualify for this certification.

6. Business Impact Analysis Professional (BIAP)

Business Impact Analysis Professional (BIAP) is a comprehensive methodology used to assess the potential impact of an event on an organization’s operations, finances, and reputation. A BIAP evaluates the potential risks associated with an event and identifies strategies to mitigate those risks. It also provides guidance on how to respond effectively in the event of a disruption or disaster.

A BIAP typically takes between two and four weeks to complete, depending on the complexity of the organization and its operations. The process begins with a review of existing documents such as business continuity plans, risk assessments, and other related materials. Next, interviews are conducted with key personnel to identify critical functions and processes that would be affected by an event. Finally, data is collected from multiple sources such as financial records, customer surveys, employee surveys, etc., in order to assess the potential impacts of the event.

In order to get a BIAP completed for your organization, you will need to hire a qualified consultant or firm who specializes in this type of work. The cost for this service can vary widely depending on the scope and size of your project. Generally speaking though, you should expect to pay anywhere from $5,000-$20,000 for a full BIAP assessment.

Overall, Business Impact Analysis Professional (BIAP) is a powerful tool that can help organizations prepare for unexpected events by providing insights into their risks and vulnerabilities. By understanding these risks ahead of time, organizations can take proactive steps towards mitigating them before they cause any significant damage or disruption.

7. ISO 22301 Lead Auditor/Implementer

ISO 22301 Lead Auditor/Implementer is a certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and experience in auditing and implementing ISO 22301, the international standard for business continuity management.

The certification requires the individual to demonstrate their understanding of the principles and processes of auditing, as well as their ability to assess an organization’s compliance with the requirements of ISO 22301. It also requires them to be able to identify areas for improvement and provide guidance on how to implement effective business continuity plans.

It typically takes around two weeks to complete the training required for this certification. The training consists of both classroom-based instruction and self-study. Upon completion of the training, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In general, it costs between $1,000 - $2,000 USD to become certified as an ISO 22301 Lead Auditor/Implementer. This cost includes the cost of course materials, registration fees, and exam fees.

Overall, having this certification can be beneficial for professionals who are looking to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in business continuity management. It can also help organizations ensure that they have qualified personnel who can audit and implement effective business continuity plans.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is an entry-level certification that provides an understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. It is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of IT service management best practices and processes.

The ITIL Foundation certification requires a minimum of 21 hours of instruction, including classroom or online training, self-study, and/or e-learning. The exam consists of 40 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 60 minutes. The exam fee is approximately $300 USD depending on the provider.

To obtain the certification, you must pass the ITIL Foundation exam with a minimum score of 65%. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate from PeopleCert or EXIN. You will also receive a digital badge that can be displayed on your LinkedIn profile or other websites to show employers that you have achieved this certification.

The cost for the ITIL Foundation certification can vary depending on how you choose to take it. If you take it in person at an accredited training center, it could cost anywhere from $500 to $1000 USD for the course and exam fees combined. If you choose to take an online course and self-study, then the cost could be much lower depending on which provider you use.

9. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in project management. The PMP certification provides a standardized, globally-recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field of project management.

It typically takes 6-12 months to prepare for and obtain the PMP certification. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have either a four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience or a secondary degree with at least five years of project management experience. Additionally, applicants must also complete 35 hours of formal project management education prior to taking the exam.

The cost for the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, it costs $405 USD; for non-members, it costs $555 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam such as application fees and proctoring fees which vary depending on location.

Once you have completed all the necessary steps and passed the exam, you will receive your official PMP certification from PMI which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

10. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a certain level of expertise in the Six Sigma methodology. The Six Sigma methodology is an approach to process improvement that uses data-driven decision making and statistical analysis to identify and eliminate sources of waste, variation, and errors in processes.

It typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete the training required for the Green Belt Certification, depending on the provider. The training includes classroom instruction, online modules, and hands-on project work. Upon completion of the program, participants must pass an exam to become certified.

The cost of the Green Belt Certification varies depending on the provider and can range from $500-$2,000 USD.

In order to get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, applicants must first complete an approved training program that covers topics such as Define Measure Analyze Improve Control (DMAIC), Lean Principles and Tools, Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), Statistics for Process Improvement, Project Management Fundamentals, and Quality Systems & Tools. Once they have completed their training program they must then pass a certification exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC.

Do You Really Need a Business Continuity Analyst Certificate?

When deciding whether to pursue a business continuity analyst certificate, it is important to consider your professional goals and the potential benefits of such a credential. A business continuity analyst certificate can be beneficial if you are looking to advance in the field of IT or emergency management. It can also be beneficial for those who want to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in this area.

However, it is important to note that a business continuity analyst certificate is not required in order to work as a business continuity analyst. Many employers will hire individuals with relevant experience and qualifications without requiring them to have a specific certification. Furthermore, some employers may prefer applicants with more generalized IT or emergency management skills over those with a specialized business continuity certificate.

Ultimately, the decision whether or not to pursue a business continuity analyst certificate should depend on your individual career goals and the requirements of the positions you are interested in. If you are looking for an entry-level position in an organization that does not require such credentials, then you may not need one. However, if you are looking for an advanced position or a job that requires specialized knowledge and experience, then obtaining a business continuity analyst certificate could give you an edge over other applicants.

Related: Business Continuity Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Continuity Analyst Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Business Continuity Analysts?

A: There are a variety of certifications available to Business Continuity Analysts, including the Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) and the Disaster Recovery Institute's Certified Business Continuity Planner (CBCP).

2. How long does certification typically take?

A: This can vary depending on the type of certification chosen, but most require a minimum of 6 months to complete all necessary coursework and exams.

3. What is the cost of certification?

A: The cost of certification can range from $400-$1000 depending on the type of certification chosen and any related fees associated with it.

4. What type of career opportunities does certification provide?

A: Certification provides an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and experience in business continuity planning and management, which can lead to new job opportunities or advancement within current positions.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking a certification exam?

A: Yes, some certifications may require completion of specific courses or years of experience in order to be eligible for taking an exam. It is important to research each certification’s requirements prior to registering for an exam.