If you’re interested in a career in business process management, it’s helpful to earn certifications related to process improvement analysis. A process improvement analyst job is typically an entry-level position on BPM teams, so gaining skills in this area can help you begin your target career. Having a certification can also show hiring managers that you have the skills necessary to perform your daily tasks. This article explains what process improvement analyst certifications are, how to get one, the benefits of having one, and some of the available certification course options.
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What is a process improvement analyst?
A process improvement analyst is the entry-level position of Business Process Management (BPM). It involves analysis and documentation of a business’ methods. An analyst can pinpoint areas where changes can be made and test different ideas to improve a system.
Why get a process improvement analyst certification?
Since employers often require process improvement analysts to have relevant certifications, getting one can help you comply with company standards and obtain your target position. These certifications can also show hiring managers that they have the knowledge and skills to succeed as professional process improvement analysts.
During the process of earning a process improvement analyst certification, you may learn how to analyze the structure of a business, collect data, and enhance a company’s current process. You may also gain experience in collaborating with colleagues and leading teams. In addition to certifications, employers may require prospective process improvement analysts to have a relevant bachelor’s degree and about a year of work experience in a related field.
Benefits of process improvement analyst certifications
Earning a process improvement analyst certification can be beneficial because it shows hiring managers your relevant skills and it enhances your resume. Since each employer may prefer a different process improvement certification, you may want to acquire a few and add them to your resume. Earning certifications may help differentiate you from other job candidates and can also help you make a positive impression when seeking a promotion or pay increase.
8 process improvement analyst certifications
Here are eight process improvement analyst certifications you can consider:
1. Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification
The International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) offers belt color certifications. There are three levels, including yellow, green, and black belts. Yellow belts are available to those with a high school diploma, and 2 years of education and experience after high school. This belt is equivalent to a Lean Practitioner Certification. Candidates can earn this certification by achieving a score of 70% or higher on the certification exam, which covers 21 subject matter topics such as The Basics of Six Sigma, Process Definition, and Lean Controls.
2. Six Sigma Green Belt certification
Green belts or Lean Leader certifications require 6-9 days in class, experience with project application and implementation, and a score of 70% or higher on the exam that covers 34 subject matter topics. Some of the learning topics covered in this course include The Basics of Six Sigma, Process Definition, and Patterns of Variation. The IASSC also offers a practice exam that comprises 100 questions with the same methods and guidelines as the actual exam.
3. Six Sigma Black Belt certification
Black belts or Lean Expert certifications require 12-14 days in class with experience in application, implementation, and change management and a passing score of 70% or higher on the exam covering 38 subject topics. Professionals with Six Sigma certifications regularly renew their credentials to ensure their skills are up to date. Some of these topics include The Basics of Six Sigma, Process Definition, Patterns of Variation, and Simple Linear Regression.
4. Project Management Professional certification
Basic Project Management Professional (PMP) certifications require a candidate to have 35 hours of education related to the project management field and 7,500 hours of experience or a four-year degree similar to project management with 4,500 hours of experience and 35 hours of training in project management. Students typically have to pass an oral or written exam to earn their certification as well. Professionals usually have to renew their credentials every three years.
5. Certified Business Analysis Professional Certificate (CBAP)
A basic CBAP Certificate, according to the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), requires completion of at least 7,500 hours of work experience in the past 10 years, 35 hours of professional development in the past four years, and 900 hours during learning of four of the six BABOK (Business Analysis Body of Knowledge) sections. This should equal a minimum of 3,600 hours out of the required total of 7,500. It is also important that a candidate or student provides two references, passes the exam, and agrees to the Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions.
6. CBPA
The Association of Business Process Management Professionals International offers a Certified Business Process Associate (CBPA) certification. This certification requires 1,250 hours of recorded experience in a field similar to business project management or a four-year degree and passing a test that shows an understanding of business project management. For those without a four-year degree, you can replace the business project management training or education requirement with 625 hours of work experience credit.
7. CBPP
The Association of Business Process Management Professionals International offers a Certified Business Process Professional (CBPP) certification. This certification requires a person to have at least four years of business process experience. The exam covers the common book of knowledge of business process management guide.
8. CBPL
The Association of Business Process Management Professionals International offers a Certified Business Process Leader (CBPL) certification. This certification requires a person to have at least 10 years of experience in business process experience, five years of experience in business transformation project management, a CBPP certification, and six months of credit for an advanced degree and industry-approved certifications such as Lean, PMP, and CBA. This certification complies with international certification standards.
Courses to help you prepare for certification exams
There are various types of certification courses offered by different businesses. Any of them can help you expand your knowledge as a business improvement analyst. Consider studying your course options to help you decide which one is best for you.
Here are some of the courses offered:
1. Analytic Techniques for Business Specialization
Duke University offers a four-course specialization called Excel to MySQL: Analytic Techniques for Business Specialization. These courses focus on analyzing data and pinpointing areas of change in a business. In this course package, students will learn how to identify and analyze key metrics, how to drive business process change, and how to turn data into value.
2. Experimentation for Improvement course
McMaster University offers an Experimentation for Improvement course. This course focuses on testing new ideas with different variables. It will ultimately show you how to save time and efficiently revise a system.
3. Operations Analytics course
Wharton University of Pennsylvania offers an Operations Analytics course. This course focuses on how to efficiently gather data and decide on business methods. It also provides people with the right skills to predict future trends. Former experience is not necessary for this course.
4. Process Mining: Data Science in Action course
Eindhoven University of Technology offers a course called Process Mining: Data Science in Action. This course teaches students about data science and how to implement it in the workplace. It also provides and shows people how to apply helpful skills and software that is simple to use.
5. Supply Chain Operations course
Rutgers offers a Supply Chain Operations course. This is an informational course on supply chain operations that doesn’t require former knowledge to attend. Having a basic understanding of supply chain operations can help though.
6. Analysis of Business Systems course
The University of Minnesota offers an Analysis for Business Systems course. This course focuses on information systems in a business and how to analyze them. It also covers how to build or purchase the correct system and build onto it if needed.
7. Stability and Capability in Quality Improvement course
The University of Colorado Boulder offers a Stability and Capability in Quality Improvement course. This course focuses on how to read and create process control charts. It also covers how to use this knowledge to meet the requirements of the customers.
8. Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM) course
The University at Buffalo offers a three-course series in the Data-Driven Decision Making (DDDM) Specialization. This course focuses on recognizing data gaps, specifying helpful techniques, and examining data analysis and visualization devices in contrast. It also covers how to create and show various examples of data-driven determinations.
9. Palo Alto Networks Security Operations Fundamentals course
Palo Alto Cyber Security Academy offers a Palo Alto Networks Security Operations Fundamentals course. This course focuses on Security Operations (SecOps), constant processes of improvement to prevent threats, and how to influence automation. It also covers how to minimize stress and follow the Security Operation Center’s (SOC) mission.
I hope you find this article helpful.
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