How difficult is the CBAP Exam?

The Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) exam is a comprehensive test that assesses an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of business analysis. The difficulty of the CBAP exam is subjective and depends on the individual's level of experience and preparation. This blog aims to provide insights into the difficulty level of the CBAP exam, its format, and the common reasons why individuals may not clear the exam.

This blog will discuss the difficulty level of the CBAP exam, exam format, and the top reasons for not clearing the exam. It will also highlight how our CBAP course can help aspiring candidates in cracking the exam.

Useful Link - CBAP Certification – Everything You Want To Know

Is the CBAP Exam hard?

The CBAP exam is considered challenging, due to its thorough coverage of six knowledge areas; business analysis planning and monitoring, elicitation and collaboration, requirements life cycle management, strategy analysis, requirements analysis and design definition, and solution evaluation. But with the right preparation and study strategy, you can increase your chances of success. Those topics have their own weightage and you may use that to prepare for your exam. Here are some tips that can also help you tackle the difficulty of the CBAP exam:

Tip 1: Familiarize yourself with BABOK fully and focus on facts and relationships

The CBAP exam is based on the BABOK Guide (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge). Make sure to thoroughly understand the content of the BABOK and focus on comprehending the facts and relationships between different knowledge areas and tasks.

Tip 2: Create a focused study plan

Develop a structured study plan that outlines the topics you need to cover and allocate sufficient time for each area. Breaking down the study material into manageable sections can help you stay organized and track your progress

Tip 3: Prepare for Situational, Case Study, and Numerical Questions

The CBAP exam includes various question types, including situational and scenario-based questions, numerical questions, and case study-based questions. Practice solving these types of questions to familiarize yourself with their format and develop the necessary analytical skills to answer them effectively.

Tip 4: Attend CBAP Training from an EEP (Education Endorsed Provider)

Enrolling in a reputable CBAP training course provided by an EEP can significantly enhance your understanding of the exam content and improve your chances of passing. These courses are designed to cover the key concepts and knowledge areas tested in the CBAP exam.

You can also check out our IIBA Endorsed CBAP Certification Preparation Training program which gives you the confidence to crack the CBAP Exam and achieve your certification goals. Our CBAP training course has garnered outstanding reviews, scoring 4.7/5 on Google (425 reviews) and 4.7 on TrustPilot (100 reviews). Join us to benefit from this highly-rated course and boost your chances of cracking the CBAP exam.

By following these tips, you can approach the CBAP exam with a well-rounded preparation strategy that addresses the challenges it presents. Remember to set goals for yourself, organize your study time effectively, and stay focused on applying the BABOK concepts rather than simply memorizing them. With dedicated effort and the right approach, you can increase your chances of success in the CBAP exam

Who is it for?

The CBAP certification is primarily targeted towards senior business analysts with relevant experience. These professionals, who have a solid foundation in business analysis, can benefit from obtaining the CBAP designation to further validate their skills and expertise.

You can the check the eligibility of CBAP exam here

Format of CBAP exam

The CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional) exam is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of business analysis professionals. The exam format typically consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered in a computer-based format. Here's a breakdown of the CBAP exam format:

1. Exam Delivery: The CBAP exam is offered as an online remote proctored exam, allowing you to take the exam from the convenience of your home. It can also be taken at PSI Exam Centers.

2. Technology Requirements: To take the online remote proctored exam, you will need a desktop or laptop computer with a working webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection. It is recommended not to use your work office or computer due to potential firewall restrictions.

3. Check-in Procedure: Before starting the exam, there will be a check-in procedure that includes verifying your identification using a government-issued photo ID.

4. Exam Security: The online remote proctored exam is monitored by PSI-certified proctors to ensure the integrity and security of the exam.

5. Exam Environment: It is important to create the right workspace and environment for the exam. This includes having a quiet and well-lit area, removing any distractions, and ensuring you have a comfortable seating arrangement.

6. BABOK Guide: The BABOK® Guide covers various knowledge areas, including business analysis planning and monitoring, elicitation and collaboration, requirements life cycle management, strategy analysis, requirements analysis and design definition, solution evaluation, and underlying competencies. The exam assesses your understanding of concepts, principles, techniques, and best practices in business analysis.

7. Question types: Single correct answer questions and questions with multiple correct answers. The CBAP exam may include scenario-based questions, theoretical questions, and questions testing practical application. It is recommended to thoroughly study the BABOK® Guide and utilize other study materials, practice exams, and training courses to prepare for the exam.

What type of questions does the CBAP exam consist of?

The CBAP Exam consists of multiple-choice questions that assess the candidate's knowledge and understanding of business analysis concepts, techniques, and best practices. The questions may require candidates to analyze scenarios, apply critical thinking skills, and select the most appropriate answer from the given options. The exam test the candidates proficeincy in all the 6 knowledge areas. And the questions can be on these three types.

1. Situational and Scenario-based Questions

These questions are based on the scenarios and you may need to analyze the situation and make informed decisions or recommendations based on their business analysis knowledge and expertise. These questions test you on how you apply your business analysis skill in a practical situation.

Example:

Q1. A large Mobile network company is about to start an IT initiative to provide better privacy and protection of customer data as per the regulatory requirements. This company has outsourced a project to a vendor company. Sally, the Business Analyst from the vendor company is appointed to do the requirement development and management for this project. Before starting the Business Analysis work, Sally decides to have a meeting with the stakeholders. What do you think Sally is trying to achieve with this meeting?

Q2. Jessica Wong is a Sr business analyst working for a New Age insurance company limited in Singapore. New Age Insurance company is having a complex organizational hierarchy spread across multiple South Asian countries, including Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. New Age wants to develop an insurance distribution system to deliver its insurance product across locations quickly. Jessica wants to establish an effective plan for project stakeholder engagement. Considering the current organizational context for Jessica, what do you think should be the correct technique Jessica should adopt?

Practice and Download more CBAP Exam Questions here

2. Numerical Questions

These types of questions want you to solve quantitative problems or perform calculations related to business analysis. These questions test your ability to analyze data, interpret numerical information, and apply mathematical concepts in the context of business analysis scenarios.

Example:

Q1. The cost of investing in a small clothes manufacturing company is 60,000$. The revenue generated is 48,000$ and the reduced operating costs are 15,000$ and the reduced cost of errors is 10,000$. What is the return on investment in the whole scenario?

Q2. Avion LLC is a service company providing e-learning courses worldwide. Founded in 2010 it has been growing rapidly and is now finding its current ERP software not scaling up to its dynamic business needs. The complexity of the existing software and other issues, makes it difficult to implement rapid changes.
It has hired Abhishek Jain to help them find the solution to the current scenario and suggest a solution.The company needs an end to end software backbone to run the business. The team is trying to identify whether they should build a solution, buy, and customize a solution, or do in house development.
Abhisek has had a discussion with the stakeholders to understand the issues. Based on the discussion, he has evaluated various options and has created a decision matrix as shown here.

What is the weighted average score of option 2?

Decision factors		Sales force	Develop internally	Outsource	Product Implementation
Criteria	Wt	1	2	3	4
Privacy of data	5.0	0	3	3	3
Maintenance cost	4.0	3	3	2	1
Meeting implementation time frame	5.0	3	0	2	3
Amc cost (3 years)	4.0	3	3	2	1
Technology	2.0	3	3	3	1
Cost (TCO)	5.0	1	2	3	2
Support	1.0	3	3	2	1

3. Case-Study based Questions

These types of questions give you detailed scenarios or real-life business cases and require you to analyze the given information, identify key issues, and provide recommendations or solutions using their business analysis knowledge and skills. These questions test your ability to check the business analysis principles and methodologies to complex, real-world situations

Example:

Q1. Which of the below listed techniques is best suited for making reports for the Reporting module?

Q2. Which of the below listed options is the best variation for the Database module?

Top Reasons for not clearing CBAP Exam

Clearing the CBAP Exam can be challenging for individuals due to various factors that hinder their success. Those factors are explained below.

1. Temptation to go for the exam without proper preparation

Attempting the CBAP exam without adequate preparation can lead to poor performance and failure to clear the exam. It is essential to invest sufficient time and effort in studying and understanding the exam content.

2. Overconfidence in work experience

Relying solely on work experience and underestimating the importance of studying the CBAP material can be detrimental. The CBAP exam covers a wide range of knowledge areas and techniques that may not be directly encountered in everyday work.

3. Memorizing the BABOK

The CBAP exam is based on the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) guide, which contains a comprehensive set of knowledge areas. Merely memorizing the content without understanding its application in real-world scenarios may result in difficulty answering situational questions.

4. Poor time management

Time management is crucial during the CBAP exam. Failing to allocate enough time for each question or spending too much time on difficult questions can result in rushed answers or incomplete sections, leading to a lower score.

5. Answering questions based on own belief

The CBAP exam requires candidates to apply the BABOK principles and techniques rather than relying on personal beliefs or experiences. Answering questions based on personal assumptions may lead to incorrect responses and a lower overall score.

6. Looking at one option without considering all four options

Quickly marking an answer without thoroughly evaluating all available options can lead to selecting the wrong choice. It is important to carefully read and analyze each option before making a decision.

7. Lack of understanding of the exam pattern and question preparation

Familiarizing oneself with the structure, format, and question types of the CBAP exam is crucial for success. Without understanding how questions are prepared, candidates may struggle to identify the most appropriate answers.

8. Not spending enough time on difficult questions

Difficult questions may require more time and careful analysis. Rushing through these questions without giving them adequate attention can result in incorrect answers or leaving questions unanswered, negatively impacting the overall exam performance.

Conclusion

CBAP Exam may pose a formidable challenge, it is within reach for those who are dedicated and prepared. With diligent study, understanding of the exam pattern, and effective time management, success in the CBAP Exam becomes an achievable goal. Embrace the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and skills, and confidently embark on the journey towards earning the coveted CBAP certification.

But that's not all! To further boost your confidence, we offer an extensive CBAP Question Bank with 1200 questions, including 4 full-length simulations and 25 case studies. Access it for free for 7 days through this CBAP exam simulator. The simulator includes questions sourced from the CBAP question bank, allowing candidates to practice and familiarize themselves with the types of questions they may encounter in the actual exam. This invaluable resource will help you practice and familiarize yourself with the exam format, ensuring you're fully prepared on exam day.