Interviews with Members
Apply for an interview
- Full name,
- Current role,
- A few sentences about yourself,
- Why you'd like to be interviewed,
- Optional: link to your LinkedIn profile.
1. What made you decide to start the certification path with IIBA?
I decided to pursue the certification path with IIBA because I wanted to deepen my knowledge and skills in business analysis. I have been working in this field for several years, so I decided to organize my knowledge and stand out in the job market as an analyst with knowledge of best practices.
2. Why did you choose to begin with ECBA and now you are preparing for CCBA?
I started with the ECBA level because it is an entry-level certification that allows you to gain basic knowledge in business analysis. Now I’m preparing for CCBA to deepen my knowledge and skills at a higher, more practical level. Although my years of work experience would allow me to take the CBAP exam directly, I did not want to skip any stage of the certification process.
3. How did your journey look from making the decision to passing the exam?
My journey from making the decision to passing the exam was long. My first attempt at the exam was a few years ago at the beginning of my adventure with analysis, but I wasn't ready for it. I didn't pass. Primarily, my level of understanding of the topics was too low. A friend encouraged me to take the second attempt, and the changes in the examination process this year motivated me.
4. How did you prepare for ECBA? Can you recommend any sources or study strategies?
I prepared for both ECBA and CCBA using the BABOK® Guide. I also recommend participating in the course led by Agnieszka Balcerzak, which helps to understand the structure of BABOK and focuses on practical exercises. Additionally, as in my case, finding the right person to go through the preparation process with you is crucial for maintaining motivation.
5. What was the biggest challenge for you while studying?
It may sound trivial, but the biggest challenge for me was the specific, industry-related language and reading materials in English. Additionally, I had to balance studying with work and personal life, which required a lot of discipline and organization.
6. What differences do you see now in preparing for CCBA compared to ECBA?
Preparing for CCBA is more demanding because it covers more advanced topics and requires a deeper understanding. Currently, I am spending more time reviewing sample business cases.
7. Can you share an example of a situation where knowledge from BABOK® or agile was particularly useful for you?
Knowledge from BABOK® was particularly useful for me when collaborating with stakeholders because, from my point of view, it is the most crucial element of analysis. This improved communication in this area and, consequently, the efficiency of requirements gathering.
8. What advice would you give to people who are just considering starting IIBA certification?
In my opinion, before starting the certification preparations, it is worth gaining as much knowledge as possible from various sources about IIBA and business analysis to enter and understand the world of analysis before taking the exam. Contrary to appearances, the first stage of certification - the ECBA exam - is not easy and requires understanding many issues. It’s important to familiarize yourself with BABOK, use various learning sources, for example, establish contacts with experienced people in the business analysis area, and participate in courses and discussion groups.
9. How does being an IIBA member support your development?
Being a member of IIBA helps me in my development by providing access to valuable resources such as publications, webinars, and conferences. This allows me to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in business analysis. A significant advantage is also the ability to build a community, exchange experiences, and participate in discussion groups. This is a great support in solving the challenges I encounter in my daily work.
10. What are your next development plans after CCBA?
My current plan is just to pass the exam. It is quite difficult due to the complex tasks and the length of the exam itself. I secretly dream of going into being a trainer or participating in conferences as a speaker after obtaining the certificate. I love sharing knowledge and my thoughts, especially when I can help someone with it.
I work as a business analyst and a specialist in the development of treasury applications for one of a Polish bank. His LinkedIn.
I took a year-long training course on the “analiza IT” platform. One of the courses was a preparation for the ECBA exam, and I also wanted to get an international certificate to prove my skills.
I initially planned to take the exam after the holidays, but I saw that the old format would only be available until mid-summer, so I decided to take it earlier. I dedicated about 5 weeks to studying, learning after work and on some weekends.
Naturally, I used materials from the IIBA website and the BABOK Guide. The training platform I mentioned earlier also helped me prepare for the exam. I also used the help of Google's AI assistant, Gemini.
In my view, a combination of all these elements was crucial. The official documents were essential for understanding the exam's intent and required preparation. The training platform provided a structured approach to learning, while Gemini was helpful in clarifying the distinctions between various approaches and terminologies.
I was surprised that the exam was not an easy one, despite being an entry-level certification. In some questions, at least two of the answers seemed plausible, but I evidently made the right choices, given the final result. In my opinion, it is difficult to pass this exam without prior study, and some time should be spent reviewing the materials beforehand.
And how did you feel after passing?
Of course, I was a little stressed, but I told myself that I was well-prepared, so it shouldn't be too bad 😊
Has anything changed?
Not at the moment, but it will likely make it easier for me to change jobs in the future. Passing the exam demonstrates also that my professional path is aligned with business analysis.
Spread your learning over several days or weeks. Make sure to review the material consistently. If you encounter something you don't understand, use AI assistants for clarification. Don't put off studying. You can do it, and you'll pass the exam! 😊
Thank you for the invitation to this interview. I would also like to extend my greetings to my colleagues and to everyone with whom I have been learning and continue to learn the ins and outs of business analysis.
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