IIBA AAC Certification

Eligibility | Cost | Exam Pattern | Syllabus

The IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA AAC), offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis, is a highly esteemed certification program designed for aspiring agile analysts worldwide. It equips professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in agile business analysis, making it a coveted credential in the field.

AAC Certification holds immense potential for enhancing your professional career, opening up numerous opportunities for growth and advancement. However, successfully passing the IIBA AAC exam requires a comprehensive and methodical planning approach, along with ample practice using mock questions.

In this article, we will delve into all the essential details about AAC Certification, covering its eligibility criteria, cost, exam pattern, and training programs. Our aim is to provide you with a complete overview of this prestigious certification, enabling you to make informed decisions and embark on your AAC Certification journey confidently.

What is IIBA AAC Certification?

The IIBA AAC Certification is a prestigious credential that validates an analyst's proficiency in performing business analysis tasks within the agile framework. This certification program focuses on the practical application of agile principles to the domain of business analysis and addresses the increasing need for collaboration between professionals in both the business analysis and agility sectors. It is specifically designed for business analysis professionals working in agile environments, aiming to enhance their skill set, stay up-to-date with industry trends, and adhere to best practices in agile project delivery.

Key aspects of the certification:

The AAC Certification encompasses several key aspects that set it apart -

i. Aligned with International Standards:

Aligned with the International Standards Organization (ISO) and ISO/IEC 17024 Conformity assessment, this certification program meets globally recognized standards, ensuring its credibility and relevance.

ii. Recognizes agile analysis proficiency:

The IIBA AAC Certification acknowledges the ability to effectively execute analysis-related work within an agile context. It validates professionals' competence in applying agile practices to enhance business analysis outcomes.

iii. Augments business analysis skills:

By pursuing the AAC Certification, professionals enhance their business analysis skill set and expertise. They stay up-to-date with best practices and industry trends, ensuring they remain at the forefront of agile business analysis.

iv. Agile perspective in business analysis:

This certification places a strong emphasis on applying an agile perspective within the broader framework of business analysis. It equips professionals with the necessary tools to adapt to the dynamic nature of agile projects.

Is IIBA AAC worth it?

The IIBA AAC is worth considering for business analysts, especially in light of the statistical evidence provided by the 2022 Global State of Business Analyst Report.

According to the report:

• Agile approaches are now practiced by 87% of business analysis professionals, showcasing the growing adoption of agile practices.
• Furthermore, there has been a remarkable 37% increase in agile practices from 2017 to 2022.

These statistics highlight the significant relevance and impact of agile methodologies in today's business landscape. As a result, obtaining the AAC Certification can help professionals stay competitive and demonstrate their expertise in the agile analysis domain.

Apart from the statistical evidence, there are additional reasons why this certification holds substantial value. These include:

I. Demonstrates competencies to employers:

Achieving this certification provides potential employers with a clear indication of the competencies and abilities professionals have developed in the agile analysis domain.

II. Financial benefits:

According to IIBA's survey, Business Analysts with the IIBA AAC Certificate earn up to 26% higher salaries, highlighting the financial benefits of this certification.

III. Enhanced skills and productivity:

The program enhances the ability of business analysts to manage changing priorities and respond quickly to market demands.

Certified analysts contribute to team productivity and enable faster delivery speed.

IV. Career growth and opportunities:

With this Certification, business analysis professionals can ensure they possess the necessary mindset and tools for success in agile environments.

This certification can potentially open doors to career growth, such as transitioning into a Product Owner role.

By considering both the statistical evidence and the additional reasons, it becomes clear that the IIBA AAC Certification is worth pursuing for Business Analysts.

Eligibility Requirements for the IIBA AAC Certification

The eligibility criteria for the AAC Certification examination, as per the IIBA website, are as follows:

• While there is no specific requirement of experience in agile or business analysis, the IIBA recommends it for BA professionals with 2-3 years of agile-related experience. Having experience in agile practices and working in a business analysis context would be beneficial for candidates.
• There is no requirement for any Professional Development (PD) hours to be eligible for the AAC Certification examination.

IIBA AAC Certification Cost

IIBA AAC Certification Validity & Recertification Cost

According to the IIBA,

• The Agile Analysis Certification (AAC) is a professional certification that requires recertification every year.
• The term of the certification is one year, during which the certification holder must earn 20 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) to maintain the validity of their certification.
• If recipients earn more than the required 20 CDUs in a year, they can carry over up to 5 extra CDUs to the next year. This lets them accumulate additional credits for their future recertification.
• If the certification holder fails to recertify within the one-year term, they will have a grace period of 4 months to complete the recertification process.
• The AAC Certification renewal fee is $30 for IIBA members and $50 for non-members.

IIBA AAC Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The process of obtaining the AAC Certification

The process of obtaining the AAC Certification are summarized in the following steps:

Step 1: Start by purchasing the AAC exam through the designated platform or website.

Step 2: Complete the required attestation forms, which may include providing information about your work experience and confirming your understanding of the Code of Conduct.

Step 3: Schedule your exam at a convenient time and location through the designated exam administration system.

Step 4: On the scheduled date, take the exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions.

Step 5: Complete the exam within the specified time frame.

Step 6: Submit your answers for evaluation.

IIBA AAC Certification Revocation and Consequences

The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) has the authority to revoke the IIBA®-AAC Certification if professional misconduct is reported or if there is a misuse of the IIBA®-AAC logo or trademarks. In such cases, all fees paid for the certification shall be forfeited. Additionally, individuals whose certification has been revoked will not be eligible to reapply for the IIBA®-AAC for a specified period determined at the discretion of IIBA. Furthermore, IIBA reserves the right to conduct random post-certification audits to ensure compliance.

AAC Certification Preparation

Exam Training:

In Techcanvass our AAC Certification course is awarded by IIBA, Canada. Composed from the Agile Extension to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK®), and covers key concepts such as agile principles and methodologies, product development lifecycles, stakeholder management, and more.

We also offer a Self-paced AAC training course that provides the flexibility to learn at your own pace and convenience. Our course is an IIBA approved course for 16-hrs PDs and comes with interactive crosswords puzzles, mock questions, study guide and more to help you master the concepts and prepare for the certification exam.

Upon completion of the AAC Certification course, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to become an expert in agile analysis, and be ready to take on challenging roles in agile development projects.

About BABOK:

The BABOK guide is a resource that helps individuals gain the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform effectively in their business analysis position. It covers various knowledge areas that are essential for the IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC).

The BABOK Guide is divided into four main knowledge areas, which are as follows:

1. Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring: This section outlines the tasks involved in organizing and coordinating business analysis activities.

2. Elicitation and Collaboration: This section describes the tasks that must be completed to prepare for and conduct elicitation activities, as well as to confirm the results.

3. Requirements Life Cycle Management: This section explains the tasks involved in managing and maintaining requirements throughout their life cycle, from conception to retirement.

4. Strategy: This section emphasizes the importance of conducting strategy analysis to determine the organization's needs and then aligning its change strategy with those needs across the entire organization.

White Papers:

IIBA's Global Thought Leadership program publishes and edits several whitepapers in partnership with industry influencers and partner organizations. These whitepapers provide guidance and best practices information for dealing with digital transformation and new technologies, with the aim of achieving better business outcomes.

Here are some examples for whitepaper from IIBA.

• Business Agility and Business Analysis in Sync for Success Whitepaper: Examines how BA professionals can help boost the agility and delivery of value in a business through analysis.
• Crossing the Chasm to the Digital World Whitepaper: Discusses a new digital mindset for business analysis professionals.
• Essential Competencies for Success whitepaper: Explores how new digital strategies impact business analysis professionals.
• Understanding Strategic Imperatives Whitepaper: Connects strategy to initiatives and helps business analysis professionals make informed decisions.

Practice Tests:

Practice tests for the IIBA AAC exam are important to help you prepare effectively by identifying your strengths and weaknesses. They also allow you to improve your response skills and save time. It is recommended to start taking practice tests after completing a topic as a revision. Look for reliable resources for practice tests. Techcanvass offers a range of practice tests, including match-making drills, flashcards, exam questions, and workbooks. These resources can help you identify areas where you need to focus your study efforts and gain confidence in your knowledge of agile analysis concepts.

AAC Certification Preparation Resources

At Techcanvass, we understand that embarking on a journey to become a certified Agile Analyst can be daunting. That's why we offer a range of resources to help you prepare for the Agile Analysis Certification (AAC) exam and enhance your skills as an Agile Analyst.

• The Agile Testing Certification Course is designed to provide individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become effective. It covers topics such as Agile testing principles, test automation, continuous testing, and test-driven development. The course can help individuals become more effective Agile testers, thereby improving the quality of Agile projects they work on.
• The Agile Essentials Course is designed to provide individuals with an introduction to Agile methodologies and frameworks. It can help individuals understand the basic concepts of Agile and its various frameworks, which can help them become more effective in Agile teams or projects.
• Moreover, we are offering the Job Readiness and Interview Preparation Package that is designed to help individuals prepare for job interviews by providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed. The package includes a resume review service to help individuals create an effective resume that can grab the attention of recruiters. It helps you to gain a competitive advantage over other candidates by improving their interview skills and increasing their chances of landing a job.

At Techcanvass, our goal is to support you every step of the way. We want to make sure you have all the tools you need to succeed in your career as an Agile Analyst.