I’m now gearing up for the CBAP Exam. One of the first things to do is to assemble useful reading materials or study guides. A must-have is the BABOK 2.0 (Update: Version 3.0 is now available). I skimmed through it while preparing my application and found out that there’s a lot of information in there which can be too much to take in at first. I’ve decided to start with easier reads before moving on to the BABOK. Based on my extensive internet research, here’s a list of the resources I have decided to use within the next 3 months:

1. CBAP / CCBA Certified Business Analysis Study Guide by Susan Weese and Terri Wagner. I like this guide because it’s extremely easy and interesting to read, not just for the exam, but also for improving my BA practice. I bought the eBook, which didn't come with a CD. The authors provide examples or scenarios from BA projects throughout the book to aid understanding. Specific areas to take note of for the exam are also highlighted throughout the book.

I also found the question and answer section at the end of each chapter very useful. I, however, came away with the feeling that the questions were too easy. Therefore, I have decided not to use this study guide alone but to combine it with another study guide and an exam simulator.

2. The ESI CBAP® Exam: Practice Test and Study Guide, 2nd Edition: By Glenn R. Brule. I was unable to find any review of this study guide when I purchased it. This is a great resource you can use if you prefer a hard-copy material. As at the time of my purchase, there was no eBook version. This study guide points out relevant sections to focus on for the exam and provides a BABOK reference for each answer. If you’re looking for something portable to study on the go, however, it may not be the best option as it’s quite bulky to carry around.

3. CBAP® Online Study Exam by Watermark Learning is another study tool that has great reviews. It’s a pricey option, so I’m planning to purchase the 30-day subscription which goes for $99. The 60-day subscription goes for $129; while the 90-day has a $159 price tag (Check Watermark Learning for current pricing). It’s the last resource I’m going to use after I’ve gone through all the other study guides and it comes highly recommended.

There are a number of flash card vendors as well, just in case you’re interested in that method of learning (they have been proven to be quite effective). I’ll certainly be making my own flash cards on Quizlet or Funnelbrain.

It seems I have a lot of reading to do within the 3-month period I’ve set aside to obtain my CBAP certification. Quite daunting, but I have a strong feeling it’s going to be well worth it.

Update: I passed the CBAP exam. Read this Post for tips you may find helpful.

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