Top 10 Requirements Analyst Certifications

Certifications for a requirements analyst are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the analyst has a comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary to fulfill the role. Certifications show employers that analysts have met certain standards of excellence, giving them assurance that they are choosing a qualified candidate. Furthermore, certifications can give an analyst the competitive edge needed to stand out in a crowded job market. Holding certifications also allows analysts to stay up-to-date with industry trends and new technologies, which is essential for success in this field.

This article reviews some of the best certifications for Requirements Analysts, and explains how they can bolster a requirements analyst's career.

What are Requirements Analyst Certifications?

Requirements analyst certification is a type of professional certification that validates a person's competency in the field of requirements analysis. Requirements analysts are responsible for gathering, analyzing, and documenting the needs of an organization or project stakeholders. They must be able to understand the goals and objectives of each stakeholder, define their needs, and then determine how those needs can best be met.

Requirements analyst certification demonstrates to employers that an individual has the skills necessary to effectively carry out requirements analysis tasks. This can help them stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in this field. With this certification, they will also have a better understanding of how to work with stakeholders and create detailed documentation on their needs. Additionally, they will have a better understanding of how to identify potential risks associated with the project and develop strategies to mitigate them. Finally, having a certified requirements analyst on staff can improve overall project success rate by ensuring that all stakeholders’ needs are properly identified and addressed within the scope of the project.

Pro Tip: When considering a requirements analyst certification, make sure to research the credentials and accreditations of the certifying institution. Ensure that their program is recognized by industry professionals, and that it offers comprehensive training in the areas of requirements gathering, analysis, management, and documentation.

Related: What does a Requirements Analyst do?

Top 10 Requirements Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Requirements 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 demonstrate expertise in the practice of business analysis. The CBAP certification recognizes professionals who have a strong understanding of business analysis principles, practices, and techniques.

It typically takes between six months to two years to prepare for the CBAP exam. To get certified, you must meet certain prerequisites and pass an exam that covers topics such as requirements management and communication, enterprise analysis, solution assessment and validation, and more.

To become certified, you must first meet the eligibility criteria set out by IIBA. This includes having at least seven thousand hours of experience in business analysis within the past ten years or five thousand hours with a post-secondary degree in a related field. You must also be able to provide references from employers or clients confirming your experience.

The cost for taking the CBAP exam varies depending on your location but generally ranges from $325 USD to $400 USD.

2. Certified Requirements Engineer (CRE)

Certified Requirements Engineer (CRE) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and understanding of the requirements engineering process. The CRE certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in gathering, analyzing, documenting, validating and managing requirements.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CRE exam. Preparation for the exam includes studying course material, attending workshops or courses, participating in study groups, and taking practice exams.

To get certified as a Certified Requirements Engineer (CRE), you must first meet the eligibility criteria set by IIBA. This includes having at least three years of experience in business analysis or requirements engineering work and passing an exam administered by IIBA.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Requirements Engineer (CRE) certification varies depending on how you decide to prepare for the exam. The fee for taking the exam itself is $325 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with attending workshops or courses or purchasing study materials.

3. Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

A Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the Scrum framework for product development. The CSPO certification is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing the use of Scrum.

The CSPO certification requires individuals to attend a two-day course on Scrum fundamentals and pass an online exam. The course covers topics such as agile principles, product backlogs, sprint planning, release planning, and more. After completing the course and passing the exam, individuals are awarded their CSPO certificate.

The cost of the CSPO certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 USD. It can take anywhere from one to three months to complete the training and receive your certification.

4. International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) Certification

The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) is a professional association dedicated to the field of business analysis. It provides certifications and other resources to help professionals in the business analysis industry stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.

The IIBA offers two main certification options: the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) and the Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA). The CBAP is designed for experienced business analysts, while the CCBA is intended for those who are just beginning their career in business analysis.

To become certified, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having a minimum number of years of experience in a related field or having completed specific courses from an accredited institution. Candidates then need to pass a written exam that covers topics such as project management, requirements gathering, process mapping, and more.

The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on how much time you have available to study for the exam and how quickly you can complete the necessary coursework. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to become certified.

In order to get certified, applicants must first register with IIBA and pay an application fee. This fee varies depending on whether you are applying for the CBAP or CCBA certification. After registering, applicants will be required to submit proof of their eligibility criteria as well as any relevant coursework they have completed. Once approved, candidates must then schedule and take their exam at an authorized testing center.

The cost of getting certified through IIBA includes both the application fee and the cost of taking the exam itself. The application fee ranges from $125 - $250 USD depending on which certification you are applying for; while the cost of taking the exam ranges from $325 - $450 USD depending on where you take it.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), and it is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and experience in project management. It is one of the most sought after certifications in the industry, as it provides an edge over non-certified professionals.

The PMP Certification requires applicants to have at least three years of professional experience in project management, as well as 4500 hours of leading and directing projects. Additionally, applicants must have 35 hours of formal education in project management.

The process to obtain the PMP Certification can take anywhere from four weeks to several months depending on the individual’s background and experience level. The first step is to apply for the exam through PMI’s website. After submitting your application, you will be required to complete a series of tasks such as providing references, submitting proof of education, and taking an online assessment. Once these steps are completed, you will be eligible to take the PMP Exam.

The cost for obtaining the PMP Certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of PMI. For non-members, it costs $555 USD for the exam fee alone. For members, it costs $405 USD for the exam fee alone. This does not include any additional fees such as registration or study materials which may also be required depending on your situation.

Overall, obtaining the PMP Certification is a lengthy process but can provide great benefits in terms of career advancement and increased earning potential.

6. Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)

Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP) is a professional certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of competency in applying agile principles and practices to their projects. The ACP certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to apply agile principles and practices in a real-world environment.

The ACP certification requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as Agile Principles and Practices, Agile Methodologies, Agile Estimation Techniques, Agile Planning and Tracking, Agile Quality Assurance, Agile Risk Management, and Agile Change Management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to become an ACP certified practitioner, you must first meet the prerequisites for taking the exam. These include having at least two years of experience working on agile projects or teams within the past five years; completing 21 contact hours of agile training; and having a current PMI membership. Once you meet these requirements, you can register for the exam through PMI's website.

The cost of the ACP exam varies depending on your country/region, but typically ranges from $400 - $500 USD.

7. Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of project management principles and processes. The CAPM is an entry-level certification that is ideal for those who are new to project management or those who want to demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

It typically takes about 150 hours of study and preparation to get the CAPM certification, depending on your experience level. To be eligible for the exam, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and either 1,500 hours of professional project experience or 23 hours of formal project management education.

To get the CAPM certification, you must pass an exam administered by PMI. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering all aspects of project management, including initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing projects.

The cost of the CAPM exam varies depending on whether you are a PMI member or non-member. For PMI members, it costs $225 USD; for non-members it costs $300 USD. You can also purchase additional materials such as study guides and practice exams from PMI for an additional fee.

8. Certified Systems and Software Requirements Engineering Professional (CSSREP)

CSSREP is a certification offered by the International Institute of Software Testing (IIST). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in software requirements engineering. This certification demonstrates that an individual has the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully develop and maintain software requirements.

To obtain the CSSREP certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as software requirements engineering principles, techniques, and tools; requirements elicitation; requirement analysis; requirement validation; and risk management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a minimum score of 70% to pass.

The IIST offers two versions of the exam: online or in-person. The online version can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection, while the in-person version is administered at designated testing centers around the world.

The cost for taking the CSSREP exam varies depending on which version you choose. The online version costs $299 USD, while the in-person version costs $399 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain eligibility criteria in order to qualify for the CSSREP certification. These include having at least three years of professional experience working with software requirements engineering, as well as having attended approved training courses or workshops related to software requirements engineering.

Once all eligibility criteria have been met and the exam has been passed, applicants will receive their official CSSREP certification within four weeks.

9. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program for individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help professionals improve their problem-solving and process improvement skills in order to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification program typically takes between three and six months to complete, depending on the individual's prior experience with Six Sigma. The program consists of both classroom instruction and hands-on practice, with an emphasis on practical application of the tools and techniques learned in class.

In order to obtain a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, individuals must first complete a series of courses that cover topics such as statistics, project management, quality control, customer service, data analysis, and more. After completing these courses, individuals must then pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of the material covered in class. Upon passing this exam, they will receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,500 to $4,000 or more for all course materials and exams needed to obtain certification.

10. Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL)

Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) is an internationally recognized certification for software testers. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of software testing principles and practices, as well as the ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

The CTFL certification is offered by the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB), and it typically takes between one and two years to complete the full certification process. The process involves passing an exam, completing a course of study, and gaining practical experience in software testing.

To get certified, you must first register with ISTQB and pay a fee to take the exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location, but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive a certificate that proves your qualifications as a Certified Tester Foundation Level professional.

In addition to passing the exam, candidates must also complete a course of study in order to become fully certified. This can include attending classes or taking online courses related to software testing topics such as requirements analysis, test planning and design, execution and evaluation of tests, defect management and reporting, etc.

Finally, it is important for candidates to gain practical experience in software testing before they can become fully certified. This can be done through internships or working on projects related to software testing under the guidance of experienced professionals.

Do You Really Need a Requirements Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. A Requirements Analyst Certificate can be a great way for someone to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become a successful requirements analyst. It is also an excellent way to demonstrate one's expertise in this field, which can be beneficial in finding employment opportunities.

However, a Requirements Analyst Certificate is not required for all positions or career paths. Many companies may accept applicants with sufficient experience and knowledge of the requirements analyst role without requiring them to have taken a certification course. Furthermore, there are other ways that an individual can gain the skills needed for this position, such as through self-study or on-the-job training.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide if they need a Requirements Analyst Certificate or not. If they are looking for employment within this field and want to make sure they have the most competitive qualifications possible, then it may be worth pursuing a certification program. However, if they already have relevant experience and knowledge or plan on gaining those skills through other means, then a certificate may not be necessary.

Related: Requirements Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Requirements Analyst Certifications

Q1: What is a Requirements Analyst Certification?

A1: A Requirements Analyst Certification is a credential that demonstrates your proficiency in the field of requirements analysis and management. It indicates that you understand the process of eliciting, analyzing, documenting, validating and managing software requirements.

Q2: What are the benefits of a Requirements Analyst Certification?

A2: The benefits of having a Requirements Analyst Certification include enhanced job opportunities and higher pay, better credibility with employers, increased knowledge in the field, improved problem-solving skills, and recognition as an expert in the field.

Q3: How do I become certified as a Requirements Analyst?

A3: To become certified as a Requirements Analyst, you must first successfully complete an accredited training program or course. After completing the program or course, you will then need to pass an exam to earn your certification.

Q4: How difficult is it to obtain a Requirements Analyst Certification?

A4: The difficulty level of obtaining a Requirements Analyst Certification depends on your level of experience in the field. Generally speaking, those with more experience may find it easier to pass their certification exam than those who are just starting out.

Q5: Is there an expiration date for my Requirements Analyst Certification?

A5: Yes, most certifications have expiration dates that range from 1-3 years from the date they were issued. You will need to renew your certification by taking continuing education credits or re-taking the exam before this expiration date in order to maintain your credential.