Job market competition is fierce, with candidates having to stand out to land that next dream job. Specialized certifications are an excellent way to gain a professional edge and clearly set you apart from a candidate pool. Technical competence in a professional area provides clear differentiation in a competitive job market. Business process modelling certification provides a critical edge for candidates seeking business analyst, operations, and management consulting roles.
Certification in process modelling is the gold standard in professional development within an emerging area of expertise. Knowledge Train’s BCS modelling business processes provides structured training that prepares candidates for industry recognition. This certification proves your ability to analyze, document, and improve organizational workflows. Completing this certification demonstrates in-depth knowledge of analyzing, documenting, and improving organizations’ workflows and practices.
What is Business Process Modelling?
Business process modelling is the practice of creating a diagram, which visually represents organizational workflows. The models can include how a task is executed as it flows through various departments, systems, and individuals. The purpose is to better understand how current processes are executed. Process models typically contain workflow or system inefficiencies or opportunities for improvement.
Main Elements of Process Models
Business process models typically contain a few standard components regardless of the modelling language. Each of these is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of the current state of a process or system:
- Starting and ending states
- Activities and tasks
- Decision points
- Data flows
- System interactions
- Role assignments
These are combined into a workflow diagram that provides an overall picture of the current state of a process. Process models are also used for a future or to-be state in order to design process improvements.
Why is the Ability to Model Processes Valuable to Employers?
Businesses are always looking for ways to streamline and reduce waste. Business process modelling directly improves business efficiency, which is a top priority. Process modelling specialists are able to identify bottlenecks in systems, and unnecessary tasks can be highlighted and minimized to streamline operations.
Businesses today run on complex software systems. The systems themselves require a specialized skill set for maintenance and improvement. Modelling systems also requires a deep technical understanding of systems. Process modelling certification is direct evidence of these capabilities.
Business Process Improvement Impact
Businesses invest heavily in process improvements and are always looking for a great return on this investment. Business process improvements have shown to lower operational costs 20-30% on average across various organizations. This has a significant impact on the bottom line and market competitiveness.
Business analysts and process specialists are immediately valuable once they are hired. The direct impact of modeling and analyzing operations to find opportunities for improvements is what employers are looking for. For candidates, certification demonstrates these capabilities.
Interview Benefits of Certification in BCS Business Analysis
BCS Business Analysis certification is industry-leading and well respected in the job market. The standards for this certification through the British Computer Society are strict. Companies know this and are more apt to trust certified candidates.
Certification is helpful during the interview process by providing tangible evidence of your capabilities and knowledge. You will have confidence during the interview speaking to a specific methodology and tools you have training on. These skills immediately set you apart as a desirable candidate.
Technical Competence
Technical questions on how you might improve an organization’s operations are common in interviews. Certified candidates are more likely to answer specific technical questions using terminology the business analysts and IT teams understand. This confidence will impress interviewers and other technical staff members.
You can reference specific examples and use cases you learned during certification training. This shows your capability for understanding business theory as well as applying this knowledge to practice. Employers are seeking candidates who can walk the walk, not just talk the talk.
Key Skills for Business Process Modelling
Business process modelling certification provides a wide variety of knowledge that can translate to other skills and competency areas. Process modelling skills are cross-industry and transferable to various job functions. This is one of the many reasons business analysts and process specialists make very well-rounded and desirable candidates.
Analytical Thinking
Process analysis requires sound analytical skills. Learning to process modelling requires breaking down complex and large workflows into smaller parts. This process of systematic analytical thinking is easily applied to other problem-solving in a business environment.
Root cause analysis is an important methodology that certification programs teach. Business process analysts must be able to get to the heart of the issues within processes, rather than simply surface-level symptoms. Identifying root causes of a problem allows the business to fix underlying problems.
Communication Skills
Process models are also an effective way to communicate business processes and system diagrams to other stakeholders. Creating clear and readable process models requires clear logic and presentation skills. This is a professional skill set that is desirable in any profession.
You will also be required to explain technical concepts to non-technical individuals. A large portion of business process analyst interaction is with senior level management or other customers. The ability to explain complex technical issues to these stakeholders is highly desirable.
Project Management
Projects of process improvement work require careful project planning. Certifications in process modelling will provide you with some knowledge of project management principles. These skills can be applied to any other project-based work.
Interview Preparation
Certification is a great foundational start in preparing for job interviews. However, as with any interview preparation, it is still up to the candidate to put in work before the interview. This means preparing and focusing on connecting your certification knowledge to the specific job posting.
Background research on the organization and their current operations is important. You want to prepare a couple of workable examples of how you can implement your process modelling and analysis skills to meet their needs. This research effort will also impress interviewers as they will see that you are both interested and taking the initiative.
Common Interview Questions
Employers will likely ask you about your experience with business process improvements. It is helpful to have at least one specific story you can share from either your certification process or professional experience. For instance, a typical format to format interview responses to behavioral questions is STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Technical questions are also possible in the interview process. Technical questions could range from the notation being used in process models, to specific process improvement methodologies. You may want to do a quick review of some key concepts you learned in certification before the interview. Practicing how to explain concepts simply and concisely will also be very helpful.
Career Paths for Certified Business Analysts
BCS Business Analysis certification can lead to several career paths. The most obvious role is that of a business analyst, but you can see certified business analysts succeed in a variety of other positions.
Operations manager, process analyst, and project management roles all use process skills in various ways. Operations managers need to understand how to improve the efficiency in their department. Project managers use process improvement to better manage project workflows. Business consultants work with clients to help them improve their operations.
Salary
Certified business analysts typically see a salary premium over their non-certified counterparts. The salary premium for a certification is typically in the range of 10-25% over similar candidates with just a degree but no certifications. In many cases, the salary increase is enough to pay for the certification in just a few short years.
Senior level jobs requiring process improvement skills tend to see even higher salary premiums. Principal business analysts, process improvement managers, and other advanced roles are paid highly. Certification allows you to qualify for these roles.
Certification Portfolio
Candidates should build and document their certification journey and milestones. A portfolio is always a welcome addition to your CV, resume, or LinkedIn profile. Include some sample process models and document the before and after improvement to show value.
Certifications should be kept up to date with continuing education. New methods and tools are being implemented and refined all the time. You will want to stay up to date on industry standards as well as more advanced or niche tools and methods. The industry also values commitment to professional growth.
The professional networking that comes because of your certification process is highly valuable. Join BCS chapters and local business analysis community groups. This is an excellent way to gain job leads and additional career development guidance.
Conclusion
Certification in business process modelling provides an immediate interview advantage. The technical skill set, and credentials set the candidate apart from other candidates. Employers are aware of the value that certified business process specialists can bring to their organizations.
Certification in business process modelling also shows an investment in your own career that will pay dividends for years to come. The skill set learned during the certification journey is cross-industry and will always be in demand. For candidates seeking an immediate edge for their next interview, consider taking the next step in your certification journey today.
