Top 10 Program Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for program analysts in the job market because they provide evidence of a candidate’s qualifications and expertise. Certifications demonstrate to employers that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their role. They also show that the individual is dedicated to staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. In addition, certifications may give employers assurance that the applicant is capable of working with their specific software or programming language, which can be a deciding factor when selecting a candidate for a position.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Program Analysts and explain how they can enhance a program analyst's career.

What are Program Analyst Certifications?

Program analyst certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the fields of data analysis, system design, and project management. It is aimed at professionals who are involved in the development and implementation of software programs and applications, as well as those responsible for maintaining them.

Program analyst certification provides recognition to professionals who have achieved a level of knowledge and experience in their chosen field. It also serves as a signal to employers that an individual has the skills necessary to analyze complex problems and develop solutions. This certification can help individuals advance their careers by demonstrating their knowledge, skills, and abilities to employers. Additionally, it can be used to open doors to new job opportunities or promotions within the organization.

Having program analyst certification may also provide access to specialized training courses or workshops that can further enhance a person's knowledge and understanding of software development and maintenance processes. In some cases, this certification may even qualify someone for certain positions that require a higher level of expertise than what is normally expected from applicants without such credentials. Finally, having program analyst certification may demonstrate an individual’s commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth which could be attractive qualities for hiring managers looking for new employees.

Pro Tip: When considering a program analyst certification, make sure to research the requirements and curriculum thoroughly. Many certifications require specific courses or exams to be completed before obtaining the certification. Additionally, consider joining professional organizations that specialize in program analysis to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Related: What does a Program Analyst do?

Top 10 Program Analyst Certifications

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

1. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a professional certification for business analysts, offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have attained a high level of proficiency in the principles and practices of business analysis. The CBAP designation is awarded to those who demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the areas of business analysis, project management, requirements management, process improvement, and more.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CBAP exam. To be eligible to take the exam, you must have at least 7500 hours of documented work experience in business analysis over the past 10 years. You must also have 35 hours of formal training in business analysis topics.

To get your CBAP certification, you must first register with IIBA and pay an application fee. After registering, you will need to complete the online application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as proof of education and work experience. Once your application has been approved by IIBA, you can then register for the exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions which must be completed within 4 hours.

The cost for taking the CBAP exam varies depending on where you are located; however, it typically costs around $400-$500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

2. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification issued by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to successfully manage projects. The CAPM certification is a valuable asset for professionals looking to advance their career in project management, as it demonstrates an understanding of project management principles and practices.

It typically takes about three months of study and preparation to pass the CAPM exam. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) and at least 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education completed by the time they sit for the exam.

To obtain the CAPM certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by PMI. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member; members pay $225 while non-members pay $300. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with scheduling an appointment at a testing center.

3. Certified Scrum Master (CSM)

Certified Scrum Master (CSM) is a professional certification offered by the Scrum Alliance to individuals who have successfully completed a two-day Certified Scrum Master training course. The CSM certification is designed to help professionals learn the basics of Scrum and its associated practices, roles, events, and artifacts.

It typically takes two days to complete the Certified Scrum Master training course. During this time, participants will learn how to apply Scrum principles and practices in their work environment. They will also gain an understanding of the various roles involved in a successful Scrum project and how those roles interact with each other. After completing the course, participants will be able to take the online CSM exam which consists of 50 multiple choice questions.

In order to become a Certified Scrum Master, you must attend an official Certified Scrum Master training course offered by a Registered Education Provider (REP). The cost of these courses varies depending on the provider but typically range from $1,000-$2,500 USD. Once you have successfully completed the course and passed the exam, you will receive your CSM certification from the Scrum Alliance.

The cost of becoming a Certified Scrum Master includes both the cost of attending an official training course as well as any applicable fees for taking and passing the exam.

4. PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP)

PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and experience in agile project management. The PMI-ACP certification demonstrates a professional’s expertise in using agile principles, practices, tools, and techniques to successfully deliver projects. It also validates an individual’s ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders, manage team dynamics, and lead successful agile projects.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the PMI-ACP exam. Preparation includes completing 21 contact hours of training in agile topics such as Scrum, Kanban, Lean, Extreme Programming (XP), Test Driven Development (TDD), and Agile Estimating & Planning. Additionally, individuals must have at least 1,500 hours of general project experience within the last five years and 750 hours of agile project experience within the same time frame.

To get the PMI-ACP certification you must first apply for it through the PMI website. Once your application is approved you can then take the exam which consists of 120 multiple choice questions and has a three hour time limit. After passing the exam you will receive your PMI-ACP certification which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

The cost of obtaining the PMI-ACP certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members it costs $435 while members pay $395. There may also be additional costs associated with training courses needed to meet eligibility requirements for taking the exam as well as other materials needed during preparation such as books or practice tests.

5. ITIL Foundation Certification

ITIL Foundation Certification is a certification program that provides an introduction to the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) framework. It is designed to help individuals understand the core concepts of IT service management and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios. The certification covers topics such as service strategy, service design, service transition, service operation, continual service improvement, and more.

The ITIL Foundation Certification exam typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete and consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. To obtain the certification, you must achieve a minimum score of 65%.

To get certified, you must first register for the exam with an accredited provider. The cost of the exam varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $200 - $400 USD.

Once you have passed the exam and obtained your certificate, it is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

6. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. The program is offered by organizations such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC).

The certification process typically involves completing a course or series of courses to gain an understanding of the Six Sigma methodology, followed by passing an exam to demonstrate mastery of the material. The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's experience and level of commitment, but typically it can take anywhere from two weeks to six months.

To get certified, individuals must first complete a course or series of courses that cover topics such as project management, data analysis, problem-solving techniques, and process improvement. After completing these courses, individuals must then pass an exam administered by either ASQ or IASSC. The cost of certification varies depending on which organization you choose and what type of coursework you take; however, most programs are relatively affordable and range from $500-$2,000 USD.

In addition to the cost of certification, there may also be additional costs associated with attending training sessions or seminars related to Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. Additionally, some organizations may require recertification every few years in order to maintain their credentials.

7. Certified Data Analyst Professional (CDAP)

Certified Data Analyst Professional (CDAP) is a professional certification program designed to validate an individual’s expertise in data analysis, data visualization, and data science. The CDAP program is administered by the International Institute for Analytics (IIA), which is a professional organization dedicated to advancing the field of analytics.

The CDAP exam consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical project. The written exam covers topics such as data mining, machine learning, statistics, predictive modeling, data visualization, and more. The practical project requires the candidate to complete an analytics project using real-world data sets.

The CDAP certification takes approximately 6-9 months to complete depending on how quickly you are able to study and prepare for the exam. To get started with the CDAP program, you must first register with IIA and pay the registration fee of $495 USD. After registering, you will receive access to online course materials and practice exams that will help you prepare for the written portion of the exam. You will also need to complete a practical project before taking the final exam.

Once you have passed both portions of the exam, you will be awarded your Certified Data Analyst Professional (CDAP) certificate from IIA. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed upon completion of continuing education requirements.

8. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) is a certification program offered by the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the skills and knowledge necessary to practice analytics at an advanced level. The CAP certification is intended to provide assurance that an individual has demonstrated proficiency in the areas of analytics, data management, and business intelligence.

The CAP exam consists of three parts: a written exam, a practical application project, and an oral defense. The written exam covers topics such as data mining, predictive modeling, optimization techniques, and business intelligence. The practical application project requires applicants to create a solution to a real-world problem using analytics methods. Finally, applicants must defend their project before a panel of experts during an oral defense.

The entire process takes approximately six months from start to finish. Applicants must first register for the exam online through INFORMS’ website. Once registered, applicants must complete all three parts of the exam within 12 months or they will be required to re-register and pay additional fees.

The cost of taking the CAP exam varies depending on whether you are an INFORMS member or not. For non-members, the cost is $1,500 USD; for members it is $1,000 USD. Additionally, there are other costs associated with preparing for the exam such as books or training courses which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on your budget and needs.

9. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Intelligence

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Business Intelligence is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in designing, building, and deploying business intelligence solutions using Microsoft technologies. It validates an individual's ability to create and maintain comprehensive BI solutions that use SQL Server Analysis Services, Reporting Services, and SharePoint Server.

It takes approximately 6-8 months to complete the training necessary to become certified. There are several courses available online or in person that can help you prepare for the MCSE: Business Intelligence certification exam. Additionally, there are practice tests and study guides available to help you prepare for the exam.

To get certified as a MCSE: Business Intelligence, you must pass two exams: Exam 70-467: Designing Business Intelligence Solutions with Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014 and Exam 70-468: Implementing Data Models and Reports with Microsoft SQL Server 2012/2014. The cost of each exam is $150 USD per exam.

Overall, becoming certified as a MCSE: Business Intelligence requires dedication and hard work but it can be well worth it for those who wish to demonstrate their expertise in this field.

10. Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Implementation Specialist

Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Implementation Specialist is an Oracle certification that enables professionals to demonstrate their expertise in the implementation and configuration of the Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g. This certification is designed for those who have experience in designing, developing, and deploying business intelligence solutions.

How long does it take to get it?

The time required to obtain this certification varies depending on the individual's experience level and the amount of preparation they put into studying for the exam. Generally speaking, it may take anywhere from three months to a year or more to prepare for and pass this exam.

How to get it?

To become an Oracle Business Intelligence Foundation Suite 11g Implementation Specialist, you must first pass a series of exams offered by Oracle. These exams are available online through Pearson VUE or at designated testing centers around the world. You can find more information about these exams on Oracle’s website.

How much does it cost?

The cost of taking the exams varies depending on your location and which exam you choose to take. The cost of each exam ranges from $150 USD up to $400 USD per exam.

Do You Really Need a Program Analyst Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a program analyst certificate to become a program analyst. However, having a certificate in program analysis can be beneficial to your career.

Program analysts play an important role in organizations by providing the necessary data and information that helps managers make informed decisions about their programs. They must be well-versed in data collection and analysis techniques, as well as project management concepts. Having a certificate in program analysis demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills required to perform these tasks effectively. It also shows potential employers that you are committed to continuing your education and professional development.

Having a certificate in program analysis can also help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. It shows employers that you understand the complexities of program analytics and have the necessary skills needed for the job. Additionally, having a certification may make you more attractive to hiring managers who are looking for someone with specialized knowledge in the field of program analysis.

In conclusion, although it is not necessary to have a certificate in order to become a program analyst, it can be beneficial for those who want to demonstrate their commitment to their professional development and increase their chances of getting hired or promoted.

Related: Program Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Program Analyst Certifications

Q1: What is a Program Analyst Certification?

A1: A Program Analyst Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in the field of program analysis. It typically involves completing an accredited program and passing an exam to demonstrate proficiency in the core principles and best practices of program analysis.

Q2: How long does it take to become certified?

A2: The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the type of certification you are pursuing and the institution offering it. Generally, most certifications require completion of an accredited program or course as well as passing an exam or series of exams. This can typically take anywhere from several months to over a year.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming a Program Analyst?

A3: Becoming a Program Analyst provides numerous benefits, including increased job security, higher pay, improved job prospects, and greater credibility in the workplace. Additionally, being certified demonstrates commitment to excellence and dedication to continued learning within your profession.

Q4: What topics do I need to know for the exam?

A4: The topics covered on the exam will vary depending on which certification you are pursuing; however, they typically cover topics such as project management, software development lifecycle (SDLC), systems engineering and analysis, data analytics and modeling, business process improvement techniques, and organizational change management.

Q5: Where can I find more information about Program Analyst Certifications?

A5: You can find more information about Program Analyst Certifications by researching online or contacting organizations that offer certifications in this field. Additionally, many universities offer programs specifically designed to prepare students for these certifications.