CBAP Posts

Scenarios and Use Cases – Useful Techniques

Posted: July 9th, 2010 by RichLarson. Comments »

In continuing to cover all 49 BABOK® techniques, this entry is about scenarios/use cases.

UC Diagram-Training Example

UC Diagram-Training Example

Since most people refer to these as use cases, that’s the name I’ll use. They are a great way to elicit, analyze, and model interaction requirements. Plus, they help generate related requirements for interfaces, data, process, and business rules.

I gave a use case training class last week, so it’s fresh in my mind. It also influenced me to put this explanation in question and answer form.

Q. What is a use case?

State Diagrams: They Don’t Just State the Obvious

Posted: June 6th, 2010 by RichLarson. Comments »

In my continuing coverage of BABOK® techniques, I plan to comment on all of the general and task-specific techniques. This week’s entry is about state diagrams, a fairly specific technique you may not be familiar with, but could be a source of CBAP® exam questions. It’s also a practical tool. Hopefully my word puzzle on the right makes sense. Minnesota is a state, plus the word diagram = State Diagram. (Hokey, I know.)Wuzzle - State Diagram

Data Modeling – Why is that Technique in the BABOK?

Posted: May 12th, 2010 by RichLarson. Comments »

 (In my continuing coverage of BABOK® techniques, I plan to comment on all of the general and task-specific techniques. This week’s entry is about data modeling, a technique you may or may not be familiar with, but a sure source of CBAP® exam questions.)

The impetus for this blog comes from having just taught a successful training class in Data Modeling to a mixed groupData Model-Thumbnail of BAs, BI specialists, technical architects, and business SMEs (subject matter experts). What made it successful was not only the learning that took place, but also the students’ willingness and eagerness to apply this technique back on their jobs.

High-Tech Anthropology? A New-Fangled Name for a Tried and True Technique: Observation

Posted: May 5th, 2010 by RichLarson. Comments »

Observation(In my continuing coverage of BABOK® techniques, I plan to comment on all of the general and task-specific techniques. This week’s entry is about observation, a likely source of CBAP® (Certified Business Analysis Professional) exam questions and also a valuable requirements elicitation technique.)

I attended an IIBA Professional Development Day in the Twin Cities recently, and a panelist mentioned what he thought was a cool, new concept. He was describing what an agile development team did on a successful project, and called what they did “high-tech anthropology.” My ears perked up when I heard the term, and thought they were onto something new and inventive.

BABOK Techniques – RACI Matrix

Posted: April 27th, 2010 by RichLarson. Comments »

I mentioned in a previous blog post that certain techniques in the BABOK® (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge) only apply to one BABOK task. That may seem like they are not as important or not as likely to be tested on the CBAP® (Certified Business Analysis Professional) exam. My guess, though, is that you’ll get questions on some of the 15 task-specific techniques in the BABOK.

You’ll probably also get tested on some of the 34 general techniques, too. That means there are 49 various techniques in the BABOK you could be tested on during your CBAP exam. That’s a lot to study!

5 Steps to CBAP® Re-Certification

Posted: March 31st, 2010 by RichLarson. 2 Comments »

568998_man at deskSo, you wanted to get your CBAP certification, right? It is a significant accomplishment, to be sure. As soon as you achieve it, though, you will face a new challenge: maintaining it! Every three years, you must earn 60 CDUs (Continuing Development Units) to keep your certification active. And, as you might expect, the IIBA has another challenging application for you to complete. Just when you thought the CBAP® application was behind you!

Here are some basic facts about re-certification:

• Your CBAP® status must be renewed every 3 years from the anniversary date of earning your initial CBAP®.

Task-Specific Techniques for the CBAP® Exam

Posted: March 1st, 2010 by RichLarson. 2 Comments »

Lately I’ve been immersed in the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK®). Why, you might ask? No, it’s not because of insomnia. I’ve been finishing up our CBAP® sample exam question bank for our just-launched online study exam.

ExamTaking.20091218The actual CBAP exam is based primarily on the BABOK. I recall studying this guide a lot when preparing for my exam. Now that we are helping others prepare to pass the exam, I realize just how hard it is to write good questions. My hat is off to the test designers and exam writers!

Five Reasons to Get Your Certification

Posted: December 18th, 2009 by RichLarson. 3 Comments »

I often get the question “What is the value of certification? Why should I get my PMP (or CBAP)?” Here is a quick list of reasons to get certified in your chosen profession.ExamTaking.20091218

1)       Professional Advancement. Certification will lead to increased stature in your organization. Not everyone will be able to attain it. Organizations value individuals with industry certifications, so you will enhance your career and increase your ability to earn promotions and a higher salary. Employers like to hire and promote people with a desire to “stay current” and a certification is a solid way to demonstrate that attribute. One colleague put it this way: “Personally, I sought the PMP as a confirmation of my own project management knowledge and skills. I wanted to verify that I did have a well-rounded understanding of all project management principles and standards.”