A Critical Analysis of an Entry-Level Information Systems Certification

This article provides a detailed evaluation of a new certification exam, the ECBA, offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis. This exam requires no prior business analysis work experience so it could be taken by college students prior to graduation. This paper analyzes the benefits and risks of taking the exam to various applicant groups, and it provides recommendations to improve the exam to its governing body. Many of the recommendations can be viewed as critical success factors that apply more broadly to other business-related certifications offered by other organizations.