Professional certification has found its way into almost every industry – and for good reason! They’re often used to verify the competency and legitimacy of professionals and the skills and knowledge they possess. Often preceded by exams, documents are awarded to show and prove comprehension and understanding of that set of standards or that skill being learned and challenged.

Whether you’re an aspiring Business Analyst who wants to switch careers, a new graduate looking to bolster their resume and knowledge, or a seasoned professional who wants to take your career to the next level or refresh your knowledge and skills, holding certifications can be very valuable in helping you achieve your work-related goals.   

It’s important that you know that, while they’re not often required to land a job as a Business Analyst, there are some perks to being able to boast some certifications on your resume. Let’s explore those benefits together!

Gain Competitive Advantage

Business Analysts who obtain popular certifications are more valuable in the eyes of potential employers. Various industries are growing at a quick pace and many organizations would love to find Business Analysts that have proven they meet the highest standards and offer the most comprehensive skillsets in their field.

And when comparing candidates, certifications can stand out as the difference-maker for many.

Certifications are a way for an organization to ensure you understand, and in many cases, can apply the recommended standards. But the standards guides are often not easy to read and digest without context, so many people find it useful to couple their studies with online courses and video training to help break it all down. Live and online courses and training are valuable resources to help ambitious BA’s fully grasp the concepts and knowledge they’ll be tested on. They can also help build much-needed confidence as you take the inevitable test or exam needed to fulfill your certification.

Career Advancement   

Most organizations understand that earning professional certifications takes time, effort, and commitment. They’d prefer to promote someone with a continuous hunger for learning and professional development over someone who prefers to rest on their laurels.

Earning certifications is also a great way to provide you with useful technical knowledge, industry trends, and best practices that you can apply in an organization to deliver added value. And when you are able to use the skills you gained in the process to create more valuable, substantial outcomes, that will surely help you advance in your career. 

In today’s rapidly changing workplace, there’s definitely value in increasing your proficiency and credibility through obtaining certifications. Since traditional degree programs often don’t evolve fast enough to keep up with ever-evolving innovations, skills, and industry knowledge, you should brush up on your knowledge and upgrade your skillset if you want to open more doors to career advancement – now and in the future.

Increase Innovation and Confidence

Obtaining certifications is a great way to increase your ability to innovate. The knowledge you acquire will introduce you to new concepts, fresh and creative approaches, and new ways of thinking. These methods and ideas will help you get a broader understanding of how things work and will help you brainstorm more creative ways to address organizational tasks and challenges. 

In some cases, earning certifications is less about learning new stuff, and more about brushing up on what you know, or gaining a stamp of confidence on the knowledge and skills you already (perhaps, “unofficially”) possess. 

If you study hard and take time for training, securing a certification is within your grasp. Now you just need to decide which one. Check out my blog on the Top Business Analyst Certifications to learn more about valuable certifications for Business Analysts and the institutions that provide them.

– Written by Jeremy Aschenbrenner, The BA Guide