Task-Specific Techniques for the CBAP® Exam
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.
The 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!
There are so many details in the BABOK that you could be tested on. You really need to be familiar with the entire guide. You can either download a copy from https://www.iiba.org/ (free for IIBA members) or you can buy a hard copy on Amazon.com.
Take for example, the many BABOK techniques. There are 34 general techniques that apply to multiple tasks. There are also 14 tasks by my count that apply to a single task. You are more likely to see questions on the general techniques. So my advice is to spend the most time studying techniques used in several BABOK tasks such as Process Modeling and Risk Analysis. But, the following tasks are important in their own right, are likely sources of questions, and serve useful purposes on the job.
I’ll cover some of these in separate blog postings in the future. Use the list below for your prep for the CBAP exam, just to refresh your memory, or to learn about a new technique to explore. Quick tip: use www.wikipedia.org to research new techniques and concepts. Check out the techniques below along with the BABOK section number to see which ones you are familiar with.
2.2.5.2 RACI Matrix
2.2.5.3 Stakeholder Map
2.6.5.2 Variance Analysis
4.1.5.2 Baselining
4.1.5.3 Signoff
4.2.5.1 Coverage Matrix
4.4.5.1 Requirements Documentation
4.4.5.2 Requirements for Vendor Selection
5.3.5.2 Feasibility Analysis
5.4.5.2 Problem or Vision Statement
6.1.5.2 MoSCoW Analysis
6.1.5.3 Timeboxing/budgeting
6.1.5.4 Voting
6.5.5.2 Checklists
7.3.5.2 Force-field analysis
Richard Larson, PMP, CBAP, PMI-PBA, was the founder of and is now a consultant for Watermark Learning. He is a successful entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience in product development, business analysis, project management, training, and consulting. As an internal entrepreneur, Rich led the development of several Watermark Learning online products as a business analyst and product owner.
Rich is a frequent speaker at Business Analysis and Project Management national conferences and IIBA® and PMI® chapters around the world. He has contributed as a lead author to the BA Body of Knowledge version 2.0 and 3.0 and was a lead author on PMI’s Business Analysis Practice Guide. He and his wife Elizabeth Larson have co-authored five books on business analysis.
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Not that I’m being picky, but you forgot one: 4.1.5.3 Signoff. While this is not a difficult “technique,” it sure is something that’s very important to the Manage Solution Scope and Requirements task.
Thanks, Scott, good catch! Or, as my eighth grade math teacher used to say “just testing to see if you are paying attention.” Only kidding. I will add this technique to the list. You’re right, it is hardly even a technique, but an important step.
Any others missing?