BABOK Guide 2.0

by David Atkinson

In April 2009 with much fanfare, Version 2.0 of ‘A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge®’, more commonly referred to as the BABOK®, was published.

So why the celebration?

For the International Institute of Business Analysis™ (IIBA®) this is the first complete statement of what the body of knowledge consists of. It has been years in the making and has required huge effort from staff, volunteers and the wider business analysis community.

The IIBA's stated mission is:
‘to develop and maintain standards for the practice of business analysis and for the certification of its practitioners’.

Four strategic goals have been set to achieve this mission, one of which is:
‘Defining the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge’.

This version of the BABOK therefore represents a major milestone on the way to the IIBA fulfilling its mission. Further, a definition of the body of knowledge is a prerequisite for achieving another of its strategic goals:
‘Publicly recognizing and certifying qualified practitioners through an internationally acknowledged certification program’.

By completing the definition of the body of knowledge the scope of the certification program can also be completed. A revised exam, based on version 2.0, will come into force in August 2009. Business analysts planning to become a Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) from August 2009 onwards will need a copy of the BABOK Guide 2.0 as a reference.

In addition, IIBA Endorsed Education Providers have until December 2009 to update their courses in line with version 2.0. So if you are looking for training make sure the course is up to date.

This isn't the IIBA's last word on the body of knowledge but don't expect any major revisions for a couple of years.

Watch this space for more analysis on the BABOK Guide 2.0.

About the Author

David has over 25 years business analysis experience in a wide range of capacities, enterprise through tactical to operational, business and technical, in both the private and public sectors.