Is it a good idea to enroll in a business analyst certificate program?

I will be graduating this upcoming semester with a BA in Psychology.

I don’t want to pursue a career in Psychology right away.

I was thinking of enrolling in a business analyst certificate program.

Is it a good idea to pursue this particular field?

Do I need a business analyst certification to become a business analyst?

The business analyst industry is a unique one that does not immediately demand certification to get a job, unlike other professions such as law, accounting or medicine.

The business analyst career requires hands-on experience or real-world business analysis skills.

So whilst a certification would look nice and fancy, years of experience will be more valuable and make you more marketable to hiring managers, for the following reasons:

1. Hiring managers know that some job seekers cheat or cram their way through certification exams.

2. Certifications are not a true representation of an applicant’s actual skill level, expertise and experience.

3. Business analysts without hands-on experience, practical skills and in-depth knowledge cannot perform on the job.

4. You develop practical skills by performing a task repetitively.
For example, you may read about software from a book or study and pass the software certification, but unless you have used your knowledge of the software to answer a business analysis problem, you really don’t have the skill.

5. The purpose of certification is to boost your career following years of hands-on experience and a mastery of the core business analyst knowledge areas.

Certification is a great addition to the resume of someone who has done this, but not before! Certification should not be sought for the sole purpose of getting a job.

6. Authentic certification providers now require a minimum number of verifiable hands-on experience and real-world practical skills before sitting for a certification exam.

For example the Certified Business Analyst Professional Exam (CBAP) requires 5 years real-world business analysis work skills and experience, whilst the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification requires 3 – 5 years verifiable hands-on project management experience.

7. Begin your business analyst career by first getting business analyst training, then gaining hands-on skill and experience, then using your skills and experience on a job and then finally, a certification will be worthwhile!

Recommended Reading:

1. Who should do a business analyst certificate program?
2. What do I need to do to become a business analyst?
3. What college major do I take to become an business analyst?