Overview

In today's solutions-driven business environment, analytical thinking, problem solving and communications skills are key to providing solutions for process improvements, systems development and/or organizational changes. Within an organization, the Business Analyst practitioner works as liaison between the client, stakeholders, and the solutions team.

UC Irvine Extension's Business Analyst Certificate Program focuses not only on the essential business analysis competencies, techniques and practices required of an effective business analyst but also on other skills such as communication, leadership and the ability to view the big picture.

While the demands on a business analyst remain far-reaching, The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA®) offers a definition for today's Business Analyst:

The business analysis practitioner is responsible for identifying the business needs of clients and stakeholders to help determine solutions to business problems. The business analysis practitioner is responsible for requirements development and requirements management by eliciting, analyzing, validating and documenting the business, organizational and/or operational requirements. Solutions are not predetermined by the business analysis practitioner, but are driven solely by the requirements of the business.

"The role of the business analyst is becoming more important as companies around the globe make great requirements a top priority. To succeed, the business analyst must be able to accurately capture the requirements and separate the what from the how. Deep technical knowledge is not needed. The trend is to focus requirements on business value to provide a better guide to building what the customer wants."
   –   Patti Lassen
        Director Strategic Platforms, Experian

Certificate Requirements

After enrolling in the first course, we recommend students submit an Application for Candidacy to declare intent to achieve a Business Analyst Certificate from UC Irvine Extension.

To receive a Business Analyst Certificate, you must complete all of the required courses, and a minimum of 2.5 units of elective courses–as shown in the grid–with a grade of "C" or better for each course. All requirements must be completed within five (5) years of enrolling in the first course.

After satisfying the above requirements, including the candidacy application, approved candidates may submit the Request for Certificate.

On-site Training Available

Through Corporate Training, we can deliver this program or customize one that fits your organization's specific needs. Visit Corporate Training or call (949) 824-1847 for information.

English Proficiency Requirement
All certificate programs at UC Irvine Extension (classroom and online formats) require professional-level English language proficiency in listening and note-taking, reading comprehension and vocabulary, written expression, and oral presentation. If you would like to refine your English language proficiency prior to beginning one of our programs, please see our English Language Programs.

Stay Informed About
Business Analyst

What Makes a Good Business Analyst Great?
Recorded 12/7/2011
View Webinar

Program Benefits

• Gain a comprehensive overview of the many highly-valued roles business analysts serve in today's dynamic business environment.
• Explore the depth and breadth of commonly-used tools, techniques and approaches to business analysis.
• Learn how to assess business problems and opportunities, and analyze solution options to recommend those which best meet business needs.
• Learn about requirement lifecycles: how to elicit, verify and validate requirements, then track and manage them throughout their lifecycles.
• Gain exposure to current real-world instructors who are professional business analysts practitioners.
• Course content is aligned with A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide), the industry standard for the Business Analyst profession.

Charter Member
International Institute of Business Analysis
IIBA Orange County Chapter members may receive a 10% discount.
Visit http://oc-ca.theiiba.org for more information.

Advisory Committee

• Shawna Camp, MBA, PMP
• Kathleen Hass, PMP, Principal Consultant, Kathleen Hass and Associates, Inc.
• Anne-Marie Larsen, Software Consultant, Nortridge Software
• Patti Lassen, Director Strategic Platforms, Experian
• Desiree McDonough, MBA, PMP, Project Manager, Consultant
• Anne Nuttall, The Irvine Company, Director, IT Program
• Susy Ongko, Senior Business Systems Analyst, Mercury Insurance
• Jeanette Pigeon, CBAP®, President and CEO, aBetterBA
• Dena Ten Berge, Business Process and Technology Integration, Southern California Edison
• Susan Thompson, Business Systems Analyst, Assurant Specialty Property