10 Things to Consider Before Selecting a Business Analyst Training Provider

Selecting a Business Analyst Training Provider can be quite confusing. There's a host of providers available online and choosing one is usually not so straightforward. And it shouldn’t be.

With limited resources and increasing pressure on companies to cut costs, making the right decision of which provider should be engaged is key to achieving the desired benefits. Here are some steps to consider before you sign the provider up:

1.   Make sure the Training Provider is endorsed or “qualified” to provide the course - Most Training Providers are usually endorsed by the Certification Governing Authority, where applicable. If the training is not recognized by the certification body or the industry, there’s probably a reason. Explore those reasons. Could it be that the provider is fairly new in the market? Could it be that they haven’t taken the necessary steps to attain industry recognition? You're bound to feel more comfortable with a recognized trainer than one that isn't.

2.   Decide which training option works best for you - Do you prefer learning at your own pace? Or do you look forward to engaging with like-minded people in a classroom setting? Do you work full-time with barely enough hours to spare on weekday or weekend classes? Examine your schedule and lifestyle to make the choice that best suits you. There’s no point registering for a course that demands the attendance you can’t afford. All that time and money may best be saved investing in some good Business Analyst books that are probably just as effective.

3.   Cost – This is another major determinant of which training provider to go for. Are you funding the training or your employer is? If your employer is, you may not need to worry so much about the cost, unless there's a cap on training costs. If you’re making the investment on your own, however, then it may be best to start by hunting for providers who offer discounts or those with negotiable prices. Alternatively, if you're just looking for information on what Business Analysis is about before making up your mind to take a paid course, you may view A List of Free Business Analyst Training Online to get started.

4.   Reputation – Search online for possible student reviews of the course and the instructor(s). You could also ask fellow business analysts what their views are on the training provider. Is there any good feedback? In considering the trainer’s reputation, examine the number of years they have been in business; the number of training sessions held till date, if the information is available; and the number/type of clients they have trained in the past.

5.   Instructor’s Aptitude - Consider the instructor’s skills, field experience and number of years' experience in delivering the course. If it’s a training course that requires certification, is the instructor certified in that course?

6.   Course Content – What does the general content of the course look like? Are the objectives covered in-depth? Is enough time devoted to each module or are all the topics likely to be covered in a rush? Does the course look practical enough to apply on the job or is it just geared towards achieving certification?

7.   Duration – This is another factor that most training participants do not consider. How much time do you really have to attend the training? Are you sure you’ll be able to take enough time off work to attend a traditional classroom course? I often see people who have scheduled and paid for training not making it to class or attending the class, but leaving themselves open to distraction. That’s probably not the best way to get the most out of the training course.

8.  Student Support – Another critical thing to consider is the level of support the trainer will provide after the course. Does the trainer just call it a day after the training? Does the trainer go the extra mile to offer some sort of after-training support? This is particularly essential for students who plan to write their certification exams after the training.

9. Level of Interactiveness – Also important to consider, is the interactiveness of the training sessions. What measures or approaches does the trainer take to ensure the sessions are interactive and engaging? Will there be practice sessions, classroom exercises or case studies to test your knowledge? The more, the merrier.

10.Trainer Flexibility -  If you wanted the course delivered in-house, would it be a problem? If you're bringing the course in-house, does the trainer require a minimum number of participants?

Chances are, if the provider scores high points in most of these areas, you’re more than likely to have scored yourself a good deal. 

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