Top 10 Business Operations Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for a business operations analyst in the job market because they demonstrate knowledge and expertise in specific areas. A certification can show employers that a candidate has the necessary skills to perform their job duties effectively. It also serves as proof of dedication to professional development, which can be attractive to potential employers. Additionally, certifications may be required by certain companies or organizations in order for candidates to even be considered for certain positions. Lastly, certifications can help differentiate one candidate from another and give them an edge over other applicants when competing for the same position.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Business Operations Analysts and explain how they can help advance an analyst's career.

What are Business Operations Analyst Certifications?

Business operations analyst certification is a formal recognition that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and expertise in the field of business operations. The certification is offered by organizations such as the Institute of Business Operations Management (IBOM) and is designed to demonstrate a deep understanding of business operations principles and best practices.

The certification is beneficial for those looking to advance their careers or stand out amongst their peers. It provides an opportunity to gain additional skills, knowledge, and credentials in the field of business operations. With this type of certification, individuals can demonstrate their ability to analyze data, develop strategies for improving operational efficiency, and implement new processes that support organizational goals.

In addition to providing a valuable credential, the certification also helps candidates stay up-to-date on industry trends and technologies. By receiving ongoing training and education through IBOM courses and workshops, certified professionals can keep their skills current so they can better serve their employers or clients.

Overall, earning a business operations analyst certification can boost an individual’s career prospects significantly by showing employers that they have the necessary qualifications for success in the field. It also allows them to stay ahead of industry trends so they can continue to provide excellent service throughout their career.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a business operations analyst certification, make sure to research the various certifications and programs available. Compare their requirements and costs to ensure that you are selecting the best option for your experience level and career goals. Additionally, be sure to find out what types of employers or industries prefer certain certifications so that you can tailor your resume accordingly.

Related: What does a Business Operations Analyst do?

Top 10 Business Operations Analyst Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification issued by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is a globally recognized certification for business analysts who have demonstrated their knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of business analysis.

To obtain the CBAP certification, candidates must have a minimum of 7500 hours of experience in business analysis work within the last 10 years, as well as two references from a career manager, client or Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP). Candidates must also pass an exam that covers six knowledge areas: business analysis planning and monitoring; elicitation and collaboration; requirements life cycle management; strategy analysis; solution assessment and validation; and underlying competencies.

The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and takes up to three hours to complete. The cost for taking the exam is $325 USD for IIBA members and $450 USD for non-members.

2. Certified Process Design Engineer (CPDE)

Certified Process Design Engineer (CPDE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the expertise of process design engineers. The certification is offered by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

The CPDE certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in process engineering, including an understanding of industry standards, safety requirements, and design principles. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts when designing efficient and effective processes.

The CPDE exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, mass transfer, material science, process control, and instrumentation. The practical exam assesses the applicant’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

The CPDE certification typically takes about 12 months to complete. This includes time for studying for the exams as well as completing any additional requirements such as continuing education credits or professional development courses.

To get certified as a Process Design Engineer (CPDE), applicants must first submit an application with proof of their educational background and work experience in process engineering. Once approved by ASME, applicants can then register for the CPDE exams.

The cost for taking the CPDE exams varies depending on where you take them and what type of registration you choose. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for both parts of the exam.

3. Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB)

Certified Six Sigma Green Belt (CSSGB) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s proficiency in the application of Six Sigma principles and tools. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes by reducing waste, improving quality, and increasing customer satisfaction.

The CSSGB certification requires a minimum of three years of full-time work experience in a role related to process improvement or quality management. The certification exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes about three hours to complete.

To obtain the CSSGB certification, you must first pass the exam administered by one of several approved providers. After passing the exam, you will receive your certificate from the provider. The cost of the exam varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $400 to $600 USD.

Once certified, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in process improvement and quality management, which can help you advance your career and increase your earning potential.

4. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

The Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in quality improvement and assurance. The CQIA certification is based on the international standard ISO 9001:2015 and covers topics such as process improvement, customer satisfaction, quality management systems, and more.

It typically takes about three months to complete the requirements for the CQIA certification. This includes studying for and passing an exam administered by ASQ. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

To get certified, you must first register with ASQ and pay a fee of $399 USD. Once registered, you will receive access to study materials and practice exams that will help you prepare for the real exam. After completing the exam, you will receive your official CQIA certificate from ASQ.

The cost of the CQIA certification includes registration fees, study materials, practice exams, and the actual exam fee. All in all, it costs around $450 USD to become a Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA).

5. Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). CBAP is designed to recognize and validate the expertise of experienced business analysts. It is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates an individual’s ability to analyze, design, and implement solutions to complex business problems.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for and pass the CBAP exam. To obtain the CBAP designation, individuals must have a minimum of 7500 hours of documented business analysis experience in the last 10 years, as well as 21 hours of professional development in the last 4 years. Additionally, applicants must pass a rigorous 3-hour multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as business analysis planning & monitoring, enterprise analysis, requirements management & communication, solution assessment & validation, and underlying competencies.

The cost of obtaining the CBAP designation varies depending on your country or region. The IIBA charges an application fee of $125 USD and an exam fee ranging from $325-$450 USD depending on whether you are a member or non-member. In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with training courses or other materials needed for preparation for the exam.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized professional certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate a professional’s knowledge and experience in managing projects. The PMP certification requires applicants to have a minimum of 4,500 hours of project management experience, as well as 35 hours of project management education.

In order to obtain the PMP certification, applicants must first pass an exam that covers five areas of project management: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes four hours to complete.

The cost for the PMP exam varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For members, the fee is $405 USD while for non-members it is $555 USD. Additionally, there are other fees associated with submitting your application and maintaining your certification once you have obtained it.

It typically takes between three and six months to prepare for the PMP exam. During this time applicants should review materials related to the five domains tested on the exam as well as practice questions from past exams. Additionally, many people also choose to take an online course or attend a classroom seminar in order to better prepare for the test.

7. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB)

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB) is a professional certification program that provides training in the principles and practices of Lean Six Sigma. It is designed to help individuals become proficient in the use of Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques for process improvement.

The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification requires an in-depth understanding of the Lean Six Sigma methodology, including its tools and techniques. To become certified, individuals must attend a formal training program and pass an exam administered by an accredited organization. The duration of the training program varies depending on the provider, but typically takes between four to six weeks.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, you must first complete a formal training program from an accredited provider. This can be done either online or at a physical location. After completing the course, you must then pass the exam administered by an accredited organization such as ASQ or IASSC.

The cost of getting certified as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt will vary depending on the provider and type of training you choose. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $3,000-$8,000 USD for online courses and up to $20,000 USD for classroom-based courses.

8. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a globally recognized qualification that demonstrates an individual's understanding of the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). ITIL is a set of best practices for managing IT services and processes. It provides guidance on how to plan, design, deliver, operate, and improve IT services.

The certification process typically takes about two weeks to complete. The first step is to register for the exam with an accredited training provider or through the official website. After registering, you will need to study for the exam by reading the official ITIL Foundation book and taking practice tests. Once you feel prepared, you can take the exam at an authorized testing center.

The cost of the certification varies depending on which method you choose to take it. If you decide to take it through an accredited training provider, it may cost anywhere from $500-$2000 USD depending on the provider and location. If you decide to take it online through PeopleCert or AXELOS, it will cost around $250 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, your certificate will be sent directly to your email within 7-10 days after completion. The certificate is valid for 3 years and must be renewed before its expiration date in order to maintain your certification status.

9. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their understanding and application of Agile principles, practices, and tools. The ACP certification is based on the PMI Agile Practice Guide, which provides guidance for implementing Agile project management techniques in any organization.

The ACP exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have 2,000 hours of general project experience in the last five years, 1,500 hours of Agile project experience in the last three years, or 21 contact hours of formal Agile training.

To prepare for the exam, applicants should review the PMI Agile Practice Guide and take an accredited training course. There are many online courses available that cover all aspects of the ACP exam.

The cost of taking the ACP exam is $435 for PMI members and $495 for non-members.

10. Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA)

Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) is a certification program offered by the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI). It is designed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to become a successful financial analyst. The FMVA certification focuses on the fundamentals of financial modeling, valuation, and corporate finance.

The FMVA program consists of 10 courses that cover topics such as financial statement analysis, Excel modeling, corporate finance, business valuation, mergers & acquisitions, and more. Each course includes an online assessment that must be passed in order to receive the certification.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete all 10 courses depending on how much time you dedicate to studying each week.

In order to get the FMVA certification, you will need to purchase a membership package from CFI which costs $499 USD for one year or $799 USD for two years. This package includes access to all 10 courses and assessments needed for the certification as well as other resources such as webinars and ebooks.

Do You Really Need a Business Operations Analyst Certificate?

The short answer is no. A business operations analyst certificate is not required to become a successful business operations analyst, and many analysts have achieved success without one. However, depending on your individual career goals, a certification may be beneficial.

For those who are looking to start their career in the field of business operations analysis or who want to increase their knowledge and skills in the area, a certificate program can be an effective way to gain the necessary skills and qualifications. Certificate programs often provide courses that cover topics like project management, process improvement, analytics, data analysis, and more. By taking these courses, you can learn how to use the latest technologies and tools needed to improve business processes and develop strategies for organizational growth.

Additionally, if you're looking to advance your career within the field of business operations analysis or if you want to open up new opportunities for yourself within the industry, then obtaining a certification can be very beneficial. Having this credential can demonstrate your commitment to professional development and show potential employers that you have taken the steps necessary to become an expert in this field. It can also give you an edge when applying for jobs or promotions since it shows employers that you are knowledgeable about current trends in the industry and have dedicated yourself to mastering the necessary skillsets.

Overall, while having a business operations analyst certificate isn't required for success in this field it may be beneficial depending on your individual goals. Ultimately, it's important to assess your own needs and decide if obtaining certification would be worth it before making any decisions.

Related: Business Operations Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Business Operations Analyst Certifications

Q1. What is a Business Operations Analyst Certification?

A1. A Business Operations Analyst Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the principles and practices of business operations analysis. It signifies a mastery of the skills required to effectively analyze, assess, and optimize business operations.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Business Operations Analyst Certification?

A2. Obtaining a Business Operations Analyst Certification can provide professionals with increased credibility, recognition as an expert in their field, and improved job prospects. Additionally, having this certification may help employers identify qualified individuals who have the skills necessary to effectively analyze and optimize their organization’s operations.

Q3. Who should pursue a Business Operations Analyst Certification?

A3. Professionals who already possess some knowledge of business operations or are looking to enter the field may benefit from obtaining a Business Operations Analyst Certification. Additionally, professionals who are interested in pursuing advanced positions such as management roles may find that having this certification can be beneficial for career advancement opportunities.

Q4. What topics are covered in a Business Operations Analyst Certification?

A4. Topics covered in a Business Operations Analyst Certification typically include: data analysis techniques, project management principles, process improvement methods, financial modeling fundamentals, customer relationship management strategies, supply chain optimization strategies, and quality assurance best practices.

Q5. How long does it take to earn a Business Operations Analyst Certification?

A5: The amount of time required to earn a Business Operations Analyst Certification varies depending on the specific program chosen by the individual seeking certification; some programs can be completed in as little as six months while others may take up to two years or more to complete depending on the level of difficulty and complexity involved in the program requirements.