CBAP in 2008

I never did like creative writing, even way back in school. Perhaps that's why I'm in IT... It also likely explains why I've been putting off my first blog entry (and that's first on any blog!).

As my fellow Senior Leadership Team members can attest, finding time for IIBA work definitely takes effort with the demands of our "real" jobs. What keeps me going, though, is that there is so much opportunity for the IIBA and the CBAP to start to really take off. For me, 2008 will see a dramatic change in the CBAP. This'll require a significant amount of work, but by the end of 2008, CBAP will be significantly further ahead!

The good news for 2008:

• On an almost weekly basis now, we are hearing of organizations that are endorsing CBAP as the designation of choice for BAs. This will help me answer the constant questions I get regarding the perceived value of CBAP certification.
• On-line CBAP applications: for any of you who have completed the CBAP application, and even those of you who have just taken a look at it, you'll understand the need to move the application on-line and make it user friendly. On-line apps will be launched by mid-year at the latest. (And, the best part for me is that for once I get to be the project Sponsor, and run after those IT guys to get it done!)
• Computer-based testing (CBT) for the CBAP Exam is coming in 2008. In order to both extend our geographic reach, and make exam sittings more timely, we're looking to have CBT in place by mid-2008 (based on BABOK 1.6) and updated by the end of 2008 based on BABOK 2.0.
• We will be launching a CBAP marketing campaign within the next few months. We will target both potential CBAP candidates and employers, working to show the value to both the individual and the organization.

From our first CBAP Exam in November, 2006 from which the first 15 CBAPs emerged, 2007 has moved us to about 200 CBAPs. 2008 will be taking us to the next level. Thanks for coming along for the ride!

Michael Gladstone
VP Certification