How to Become a Business Process Analyst

culled from:wikihow.com

Business process analysts review and examine business processes and systems, model data, organize activities and develop business strategies. Additional job functions include analyzing business requirements and providing solution assessment and validation. Working as a business process analyst requires extensive training. Obtaining a college degree in preparation for entering the field is a general requirement and will enhance your job prospects. Becoming certified within the field will provide you with opportunities to advance to an executive senior level position. Here are some helpful tips and suggestions on how to become a business process analyst.

Steps

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Assess your current skill and educational level in determining your readiness to become a business process analyst. You must have strong analytical and communication skills to understand and resolve business problems. Additional required aptitudes include organizational ability and skills in negotiation.

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   Evaluate your curriculum if you are currently a high school student interested in becoming a business process analyst. Meet with your high school guidance counselor to discuss taking the proper coursework in preparation for admission to a college degree program. Business and economics courses should be part of your studies.
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   Complete a bachelor's degree program in preparation for becoming a business process analyst. Coursework should include business administration, economics, marketing and statistics. Additional classes should focus on strategic brand management in addition to operations and financial management.
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   Enroll in a business process analyst training program if you already have a Bachelor's Degree and are seeking professional development within the field. Many programs are designed to be completed in about 1 year and consist of taking several courses.
   • Business process analyst programs are generally certificate programs that focus on a variety of subjects including project planning and development, business techniques and management, information technology and testing, verification and validation for quality assurance.
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   Consider getting a Master's Degree if you are seeking a higher level position and are currently already working in the field as a business process analyst. Getting a more advanced education may enhance your eligibility for a higher-paying position with more responsibilities.
   • Graduate level coursework in a Master's Degree program may include quantitative methods and information systems, leadership, entrepreneurship and marketing strategy. Additional studies may include case studies, surveys, planning methods and assessment.
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   Study for and pass the examination issued by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) to become certified and advance in your career. The official designation is known as a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP). To be eligible to sit for the examination, you must have several years of experience working within the field in addition to having completed professional development courses.
   • The certification examination issued by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) consists of 150 questions and takes several hours to complete. The examination consists of multiple choice questions that focus on comprehension and situational analysis.
   • The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) provides information and resources in preparation for taking the examination. Available materials include a booklet called the BABOK Guide all of which is available on their website.