A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge

A Guide to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK Guide) is a standard for the practice of business analysis.
History.
"BABOK Guide" was first published by International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) as a draft document version 1.4, in October 2005, for consultation with the wider business analysis and project management community, to document and standardize generally accepted business analysis practices. The first formal release was at version 1.6 in June 2006. Version 2.0 was released 31 March 2009. Version 3 was released in April 2015.
Professional Certification.
Once the body of knowledge was established, IIBA created the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) designation to recognise senior business analysts who could demonstrate in-depth long-term experience in these knowledge areas (5–10 years in a dedicated business analyst role).
IIBA also offers the Certification of Competency on Business Analysis (CCBA) designation that recognizes Business Analysts with 3750 hours business analysis experience, including 900 hours experience in two knowledge areas or 500 hours experience in four knowledge areas, and 21 professional development hours.
For both certifications above the applicant must have a minimum high school education (or equivalent), two references from a career manager, client or Certified Business Analyst Professional and sign the IIBA Code of Conduct.
IIBA also offers the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) that does not require a reference.
Structure and content.
"BABOK Guide" includes chapters on:
Knowledge areas.
"BABOK Guide" organizes business analysis tasks within 6 knowledge areas. Each task describes the typical knowledge, skills, deliverables, and techniques that the business analyst requires to be able to perform those tasks competently. The knowledge areas logically organize tasks but do not specify a sequence, process, or methodology.
The knowledge areas of "BABOK Guide" are: