Watermark Learning
the business case for business cases

The Business Case for Business Cases

Business cases are one of those artifacts that people understand and appreciate but do not always do. The good news is that they do not need to take a lot of time or be overly complex in order to be of value. To make the business case for business cases, I would like to address …

an introduction to business process management

An Introduction to Business Process Management

What does playing golf, driving to work, or writing a report have in common? They have a start and an end. They consume or transform inputs into outputs. They are repeatable and ongoing. In essence, they are all processes. As with all processes, they can be analyzed, measured, and improved to be the best as …

a conversation with a certified pmi-pba

A Conversation with a PMI-PBA Certification Holder

Pursuing a professional certification, such as those awarded by Project Management Institute® (PMI)® and International Institute of Business Analysis™ (IIBA)®, is no small undertaking. It requires focus, determination, and tenacity. So when one of my students shares their good news on passing a certification test after taking one of our prep courses, I like to …

a conversation with a certified iiba

I’m IIBA® Certified – Now What?

Welcome to the last blog in this IIBA® certification series. Again, MANY CONGRATULATIONS on your achievement. These exams are not “cake walks!” Take some time (but not too long) to bask in the sunshine of your accomplishment because before you know it, it’s time to “recertify!” What? MORE study? No, will not need to take …

failing fast in a pandemic

Failing Fast in the Age of Pandemics

When I first heard the phrase “fail fast, fail often,” I was horrified. It was cited as a mantra by the early adopters of Agile methods. But I didn’t understand what it meant in those relatively early days of Agile. The expression conjured up missed deadlines, broken promises, and an undisciplined approach to software development. …

iiba certification study plan

IIBA® Certifications: Foolproof Study Plan and Test-Taking Strategies

Welcome back! If you’ve been following this series, we first explored the value proposition and answered the “What’s in it for me?” question regarding certifications in general, identified the IIBA® certification that is right for you, walked through the application process, and introduced the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® – specifically, some of the terminology. …

how to speak business analysis

How to “Speak BA”: A Peek Inside the BABOK®

One of the perhaps most frustrating aspects of studying for one of IIBA’s (International Institute of Business Analysis) core certification exams (ECBA™, CCBA®, CBAP®), is learning the lingo or terminology utilized within the practice framework. Remember, the BABOK® reflects an international framework created by BA thought leaders/professionals around the world so the terms are used …

demystifying the ccba-cbap application

Demystifying the CCBA®/CBAP® Application Process

The single most important piece of advice we at Watermark Learning can offer regarding the CCBA® or CBAP® application process is (drum roll please) – DON’T WAIT! The majority of students in our certification classes report that they haven’t started their application; later they share that they wish they had that out of the way …

passing business analysis certification exam

What, Me Worried? Five Tips to Improve Study and Comprehension for Passing Business Analysis Certification Exams

Studying for and passing a certification exam is challenging and anxiety-producing. I admit to feeling stressed each time and spending numerous hours preparing for my exams. It helped me in all cases to memorize key aspects of the underlying Body of Knowledge, which exams like CBAP, PMP, or PMI-PBA are based on. Even in an …

ecba vs ccba

ECBA™ vs. CCBA® vs. CBAP® vs. IIBA®-AAC: Which IIBA Certification is Right for You?

In this blog, we will be exploring the various certifications offered by IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis). We will start by differentiating between the three designations that are considered the “core” business analysis certifications: ECBA™ (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis) CCBA® (Certificate of Capability in Business Analysis) CBAP® (Certified Business Analysis Professional) After outlining …