Critical material to study and pass the PMI-PBA® certification exam

C E R T I F I C AT I O N
• Expert tips from PMI-PBA® Includes a
FREE Trial
recipients Subscription to
the PMI-PBA®
• Features a simulated Online Study
practice exam Exam
• Hundreds of sample exam
questions with detailed answer
explanations
• Memory aids to facilitate comprehension
and learning

ELIZABETH LARSON, PMI-PBA & RICHARD LARSON, PMI-PBA

Praise for Watermark Learning Study Guides

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flexibility of a simulated exam, or instant feedback after each question (including an explanation for
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 Dedication
To business analysts and project managers everywhere
who are committed to our profession, and want to
achieve their PMI-PBA® certification.

e
Copyright © 2015-2016 by Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson. All rights reserved worldwide. No part of this publication
may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the
prior written permission of the publisher.

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Portions copyrighted by Project Management Institute (PMI®) Materials used with permission.

Disclaimer: Page and section references to A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) and
Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide are accurate at time of this publication. Page and section numbers are
subject to change without notice by the PMI®. This Guide may contain typographical or other errors. We strive to
eliminate them all. Please see the sections marked “Feedback” and “Updates” in this guide, for information related to
m
providing feedback and receiving update notices.

All trademarks or copyrights mentioned herein are the possession of their respective owners, and Watermark Learning
makes no claim of ownership by the mention of products that contain these marks. Watermark Learning is an
independent entity apart from Project Management Institute (PMI®), and is only affiliated with PMI® as a Registered
Education Provider (REP). The purpose of this guide is to help students prepare for the PMI® Professional in Business
Analysis (PMI-PBA®) exam. Neither PMI® or Watermark Learning warrant that use of this publication or related materials
will ensure passing the PMI-PBA® exam. PMI®, the PMI® logo, and A Guide to the Business Project Management Body of
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Knowledge are owned by the Project Management Institute.

ISBN: 978-0-578-15547-0

Version 1.2

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Visit our website at www.WatermarkLearning.com for information on training programs certification

preparation or other Business Analysis and Project Management training courses.
Contents PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide

You Have the Right Book to Help You Become Certified!

The PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide has been used by our class attendees, PMI® study groups,
and individuals doing self-study. Our Guide, as we call it for short, is a comprehensive book to help
you understand and structure the PMI-PBA examination content. Our Guide is entirely focused on
helping you pass the PMI-PBA exam, and so we chose to emphasize the PMI-PBA® exam content
rather than “real life.” Here are some other reasons why this book will help.

Online Exam Questions

Your purchase of this book entitles you to a complimentary subscription to the
Watermark Learning PMI-PBA Online Study Exam. This unique tool provides
guided practice through all stages of preparation for the PMI-PBA exam. The
exam includes:

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1) Warm-up questions as you get started,
2) Drills to practice answering questions in specific Domains, and
3) Exam Simulator to practice taking 200-question tests like the actual exam.
The PMI-PBA study exam has over 800 questions to give you extensive practice. Registration

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instructions are listed on the front cover of the book. Our research of successful certification
candidates indicated that taking practice exam questions was vital to their passing the exam. Start
practicing today! Paid subscriptions can be renewed at a discounted rate.

Updates and Resources

m
We continually update this book to make corrections and add additional
information of value. If we discover typos or other errors, we post them to an
errata document on our website. Check out the errata document for a list of
corrections to this book at www.WatermarkLearning.com/PBA-Study-Guide.
You will find other useful PMI-PBA related information and resources there.

To receive notices of PMI-PBA news and information, such as webinars and articles, please register
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as a Watermark Learning member at www.WatermarkLearning.com/Register. Make sure you

subscribe to our ProjectBrief eNewsletter so you will receive the update notices. Plus, watch the
ProjectBrief for additional resources that can help you prepare for the PMI-PBA exam and enhance
your business analysis and project management skills.

Feedback
We value your opinion and need your feedback. Please visit our web site at
www.WatermarkLearning.com/Feedback to provide feedback or comments
about this book. There is a page designed for easy submission. Or, if you prefer,
send your comments by email to info@watermarklearning.com.

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson iii
PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide Contents

Development Team
The authors gratefully thank the following people for their contribution to the development of this
book.

Andrea Brockmeier, PMP, CSM, PMI-ACP

Project manager
Chris Anderson
Production manager
Dayle Beyer, PMP, CBAP, PMI-RMP, PMI-
PBA
Content editor

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Deb McCormick, CBAP
Content and copy editor
Jeanne Gibbs
Format editor
Mercy Ehrler
Book cover design
Vicki James, PMP, CBAP
Contributing author pl
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iv © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide
Contents PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide

Other Resources to Help You Become a PMI-PBA

We designed our PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide to be a comprehensive resource for your
preparation for the PMI-PBA exam. If you want additional materials to complement this Guide, we
have you well-covered.

All the Tools You Need to Pass the PMI_PBA Exam

PMI-PBA® Certification Preparation Classes

Our comprehensive workshops will prepare you for the PMI-PBA® exam and
help you make the most of the limited study time you have. Both traditional
classroom and virtual editions of this class are available.

PMI-PBA® Version 1.0 Study Guide

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This comprehensive study guide is what you are reading. It helps you readily
master all pertinent knowledge areas of the PMBOK® Guide plus other relevant
resources and helps you focus your study time.

PMI-PBA® Online Study Exam

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This self-paced program adapts as you progress in your exam preparation. It
contains warm-up exams to get started, a drill section to concentrate on one
PMI-PBA® domain area at a time, and a full PMI-PBA® exam simulator. Detailed
feedback and summary results are provided. Your purchase of this Guide
entitles you to a trial subscription.

PMI-PBA® Study Tables

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Our PMI-PBA® Study Tables give you an overview of the PMI-PBA® exam
content in a comprehensive and detailed, yet highly visual package. If you are
studying for the PMI-PBA® exam, these study tables are a must. These colorful
robust tables are designed for independent study or for use with study groups
or training classes. They also are a valuable aid on the job as a quick-reference
resource.
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For more information, visit www.WatermarkLearning.com/pba. We also have a number of links to

free resources on this page to help you in your preparation efforts.

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson vii
PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide Contents

Contents at a Glance

1. PMI-PBA Foundations 1

2. Needs Assessment 33

3. Planning 95

4. Analysis 147

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5. Traceability and Monitoring 253

6. Evaluation 289

7. Competencies

8. Final Tips

9. Appendix A – Glossary Terms

pl 335

359

373
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10. Appendix B: Exam Simulation 387

11. Index 439

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x © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide
Contents PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide

Table of Contents
1. PMI-PBA Foundations 1
Part 1: Introduction to PMI-PBA 1
Overview 1
The PMI-PBA Exam 6
Organization of this Guide 11
What This Guide is Not 12
What This Guide Is 13
Part 2: PMI-PBA Examination Content Overview 14
Preparation Overview 14
Domains 15
Terminology “Eye Opener” 18

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Basic Terminology 19
Adaptive Life Cycle 19
Business Analysis 19
Business Analyst 19
Solution
Requirement

Predictive Life Cycle

Project
Tasks
Techniques
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Requirements Classification (PMBOK® Guide)
19
19
20
21
21
21
22
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Tools 22
Stakeholders 22
Guide to Tools and Techniques 22
Guide to Project Life Cycle Approaches 23
PMI-PBA Exercises 24
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PMI-PBA Practice Exam 25

Exercise Answers 27
PMI-PBA Practice Exam Answers 28
Summary 32

2. Needs Assessment 33
Overview 33
Task Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs 36
Part 1 – Needs Assessment Tasks 38
Task 1 – Define Business Need 38
Task 2 – Determine Value Proposition 42
Task 3 – Develop Project Goals 44
Needs Assessment – Exercise 1 47
Task 4 – Identify Stakeholders 49
Task 5 – Determine Stakeholder Values 54

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson xi
PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide Contents

Needs Assessment – Exercise 2 57

Needs Assessment – Exercise 3 58
Part 2 – Techniques for Needs Assessment 59
Problem Solving and Opportunity Identification Tools and Techniques 60
Root Cause Analysis Tools and Techniques 64
Scope Models Tools and Techniques 67
Stakeholder Analysis Tools and Techniques 70
Valuation Tools and Techniques 73
Needs Assessment – Exercise 4 80
PMI-PBA Practice Exam 83
Exercise Answers 86
Summary 93

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3. Planning 95
Overview 95
Task Inputs and Outputs 98
Part 1 – Planning Tasks

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Task 1 – Determine Project Context
Task 2 – Plan Requirements Traceability
Task 3 – Plan Requirements Management
Planning – Exercise 1
Task 4 – Plan Requirements Change Control
100
100
105
109
115
115
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Needs Assessment Review – Exercise 2 120
Task 5 – Plan Document Control 121
Task 6 – Define Project Expected Outcomes 123
Planning – Exercise 3 126
Part 2 – Techniques for Planning 127
Contingency Planning Tools and Techniques 128
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Document Management Tools and Techniques 128

Estimation Tools and Techniques 129
Scheduling Tools and Techniques 133
Planning – Exercise 4 134
Planning – Exercise 5 135
PMI-PBA Practice Exam 136
Exercise Answers 138
PMI-PBA Practice Exam Answers 141
Summary 145

4. Analysis 147
Overview 147
Task Inputs and Outputs 150
Part 1 – Analysis Tasks 153
Task 1 – Elicit Requirements 153

xii © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide
Contents PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide

Task 2 – Analyze, Decompose, and Elaborate Requirements 159

Analysis – Exercise 1 165
Task 3 – Evaluate Product Options and Capabilities 165
Task 4 – Allocate Requirements 168
Analysis – Exercise 2 172
Analysis – Exercise 3 173
Task 5 – Get Requirements Sign-off 173
Task 6 – Write Requirements Specifications 175
Analysis – Exercise 4 178
Task 7 - Validate Requirements 179
Task 8 – Elaborate and Specify Acceptance Criteria 181
Analysis – Exercise 5 184
PMI-PBA Practice Exam (Part 1) 185
Part 2 – Techniques for Analysis 187

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Analytic Tools and Techniques 189
Business Rule Analysis Tools and Techniques 193
Data Analysis Tools and Techniques 194
Decision Making Tools and Techniques 202
Analysis – Exercise 6

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Elicitation Tools and Techniques
Analysis – Exercise 7
Interface Analysis Tools and Techniques
Measurement Tools and Techniques
Prioritization Tools and Techniques
204
204
213
214
218
220
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Process Analysis Tools and Techniques 221
Analysis – Exercise 8 232
PMI-PBA Practice Exam (Part 2) 234
Exercise Answers 236
PMI-PBA Practice Exam Answers (Part 1) 242
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PMI-PBA Practice Exam Answers (Part 2) 247

Summary 251

5. Traceability and Monitoring 253

Overview 253
Task Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs 256
Part 1 – Traceability and Monitoring Tasks 258
Task 1 – Trace Requirements 258
Task 2 – Monitor Requirement Status 262
Task 3 – Update Requirement Status 264
Task 4 - Communicate Requirements Status 267
Task 5 – Manage Changes to Requirements 271
Traceability and Monitoring – Exercise 1 275
Part 2 – Techniques for Traceability and Monitoring 276
Change Control Tools and Techniques 276
Traceability Tools and Techniques 277

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson xiii
PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide Contents

Version Control Tools and Techniques 279

Traceability and Monitoring – Exercise 2 280
PMI-PBA Practice Exam 281
Exercise Answers 283
PMI-PBA Practice Exam Answers 284
Summary 288

6. Evaluation 289
Overview 289
Task, Tools, Techniques, and Outputs 291
Part 1 – Evaluation Tasks 293
Task 1 – Validate Test Results 293

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Task 2 – Analyze Solution Gaps 297
Task 3 – Get Solution Sign-off 301
Task 4 – Evaluate Solution Results 303
Evaluation – Exercise 1 306
Evaluation – Exercise 2
Part 2 – Techniques for Evaluation
Evaluation Tools and Techniques
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Quality Management Tools and Techniques
Validation Tools and Techniques
307
308
310
312
319
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Verification Tools and Techniques 320
Evaluation – Exercise 3 325
PMI-PBA Practice Exam 326
Exercise Answers 328
PBA-PBA® Practice Exam Answers 330
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Summary 334

7. Competencies 335
Overview 335
Competencies Skills and Knowledge 337
Collaboration 337
Communication 338
Conflict Management 342
Negotiation 343
Facilitation 343
Leadership 345
Political / Cultural Awareness 347
Systems Thinking 348
Competencies – Exercise 349

xiv © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide
Contents PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide

PMI-PBA Practice Exam 350

Exercise Answers 352
PMI-PBA Practice Exam Answers 353
Summary 357

8. Final Tips 359

Overview 359
Preparing to Succeed 360
Test Preparation Roadmap 360
Final Tips – Exercise 364
Practice Exams 366
During the Exam 367

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Summary 371

9. Appendix A – Glossary Terms 373

10. Appendix B: Exam Simulation

Simulated Exam Questions
Simulated Exam Answers

11. Index
pl 387
388
407

439
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PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson xv
 1. PMI-PBA Foundations
Part 1: Introduction to PMI-PBA
Overview

The Project Management Institute (PMI)® was founded to promote the growth and

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professionalism in project management. In recent years it has recognized the value of
having business analysis expertise involved in projects to elicit and manage requirements.
Poor requirements have long been cited as a factor for project challenges and project
success. The PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)® was launched in 2014. “The
PMI-PBA certification recognizes an individual’s expertise in business analysis, and using

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these tools and techniques to improve the overall success of projects.” (PMI-PBA
Handbook).

This chapter provides an overview of the PMI-PBA including information on PMI, and
several strategies and tips to prepare for and pass the exam.

When you are finished with this chapter, you will know:
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• The role and function of PMI and its PMI-PBA certifications.
• How to locate the PMI-PBA certification requirements.
• What the PMI-PBA test experience is like.
• How the PMBOK® Guide defines some core terms.
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PMI Mission and Background

The Project Management Institute (PMI) was founded in 1969. It is the world’s largest not-
for-profit association for the project management profession. Its contributions to the
profession of project management include:
∘ Certification
∘ Global Standards
∘ Chapters & Communities of Practice
∘ Training & Education
∘ Research

PMI expanded its focus from solely project management to include business analysis. It
started with the Requirements Management Knowledge Center of Excellence and in 2014
expanded to include:

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson 1
PMI-PBA Foundations Chapter 1

• April 2014 – Announced the Project Management Institute’s Professional in

Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) Credential Program
• August 2014 – Released PMI’s Pulse of the Profession: Requirements Management -
Core Competency for Project and Program Success
• November 2014 – Awarded the first PMI-PBA certifications to 180 pilot participants

There are two major factors cited for PMI offering this new Increased Demand!
certification. The first is recognizing the role that
requirements play in project success. The 2014 PMI’s Pulse
The number of business
of the Profession®: Requirements Management - Core analysis jobs is predicted
Competency for Project and Program Success cites that “47% to increase 19 percent
of unsuccessful projects fail to meet goals due to poor by 2022, according to
requirements management.” It recognizes that skilled the U.S. Bureau of Labor
project management practices alone will not lead to project Statistics.
success. Skilled business analysis is also needed to ensure http://www.bls.gov/oo

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that the requirements support the goals of the project and h/business-and-
meet the needs of the project team to support satisfying financial/management-
those requirements. analysts.html

skilled business analysts.

PMI-PBA Overview pl
The other factor is recognizing an increase in demand for

PMI-PBA program was launched in 2014. It started as a pilot with 180 participants achieving
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the certification, having taken the exam between May and August. The certification is the
result of a Role Delineation Study to understand tasks, tools, techniques, knowledge, and
skills required in analyzing and managing project requirements. The Role Delineation Study
results are the basis for the Examination Content Outline for the PMI-PBA Exam. The
Examination Content Outline is organized into five domains (needs assessment, planning,
analysis, traceability and monitoring, and evaluation) and the tasks within each domain. It
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additionally provides information on the skills and knowledge needed by business analysts
(BAs). From that, a committee of experts developed exam questions to test the business
analysis knowledge and its application by BAs. Along with a rigorous application process,
that exam is used today for assessing and certifying experienced and knowledgeable BA
practitioners.

PMI made the PMI-PBA application process a rigorous one to screen out underqualified and
less experienced BAs. While not as rigorous as the competition’s (IIBA®) application
process, it does require applicants to provide information on the business analysis tasks
they have done by initiative and must include some of the time on project teams. The PMI-
PBA certification program is targeted primarily at intermediate and senior-level business
analysts. The basic qualifications are shown in Figure 1-1, PMI-PBA Certification
Requirements. The PMI website has a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions
document about the PMI-PBA process. Visit www.pmi.org and search under
“certifications” for more information.

2 © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide
Chapter1 PMI-PBA Foundations

Secondary degree Bachelor’s degree or

(High school diploma, higher degree (or global
associate’s degree or equivalent)
global equivalent)
Business Analysis 7,500 hours (5 years) 4,500 hours (3 years)
Experience working as a business working as a business
analysis practitioner. analysis practitioner.
This experience must have This experience must have
been earned in the last 8 been earned in the last 8
years. years.
General Project *2,000 hours working on *2,000 hours working on
Experience project teams. This project project teams. This project
experience can be inclusive experience can be inclusive
of the 7,500 hours of of the 4,500 hours of

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business analysis business analysis
experience listed. Any experience listed. Any
business analysis business analysis
experience that occurred experience that occurred

Training in Business
pl within the context of a
project can be included.
This experience must have
been earned in the last 8
years.
35 contact hours.
within the context of a
project can be included.
This experience must have
been earned in the last 8
years.
35 contact hours.
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Analysis Hours must have been Hours must have been
earned in business analysis earned in business analysis
practices. practices.
*Note: Active PMP® and/or PgMP® credential holders will be accepted as fulfilling the general
project experience requirements.

Figure 1-1: PMI-PBA® Certification Requirements

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Tips on Completing the

PMI-PBA Applications
PMI-PBA Application
Many previous candidates have found their experience with • Your application must
the application difficult and challenging. It is not something to be approved before
treat lightly, and we advise you to consider the application scheduling the exam.
process as a small project. Wait for approval
before your final prep.
Examinees must have their application approved by PMI® • Use a worksheet to
before applying to take the exam. You also need to complete record all your project
your professional development hours before submitting the hours before
application. Make sure you can verify your education hours completing the PMI-
with a certificate or other written proof. Have your high PBA® application.
school or college transcript available in case you get audited. • Make sure you have a
certificate or similar
We suggest you get your education hours completed and your documentation to
PMI-PBA application approved before you begin your final validate professional
preparation. development hours.

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson 3
PMI-PBA Foundations Chapter 1

PMI-PBA Application Steps

The following is a seven-step process for successfully applying for the PMI-PBA exam.
Please note that it is current as of the publication date, and the PMI® can change its
process without notice. Nonetheless, it gives you a good idea of the steps you’ll need to
follow. Refer to www.pmi.org and download the most current PMI-PBA Handbook for
exact application details when you apply.

1. Visit the PMI-PBA page and bookmark it for use when

applying for the exam. It has links to the online More Tips on the
PMI-PBA Application
application and other useful information. Download the
PMI-PBA Handbook to read an overview of the process. If you would like a free
The PMI-PBA page has a link to get to the handbook. copy of a template to use

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for recording project hours,
2. Download the PMI-PBA Examination Content Outline visit
from the PMI-PBA page. Read through this to get http://www.watermarklea
familiar with the content and structure for the exam. rning.com/pba and
download PMI-PBA

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3. Begin the application. You will need to login or register
to access the online application. Once logged in, follow
the instructions on the screen to start the PMI-PBA
application.
4. Enter information as requested for your contact
information and education level.
Application
Worksheet (Excel
spreadsheet - requires free
member registration)
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5. The Requirements section of the application is the most extensive and most time
consuming section to complete. This includes adding detail on your business analysis
experience and education.
• Before you start, create an electronic record of your projects so you can copy and
paste into the online application. Your session may time out if you are interrupted,
and you may lose what you entered (there is no intermediate save function). If you
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would like a free template you can use, visit

http://www.watermarklearning.com/pba.
• Business Analysis Experience: You need a minimum of 4,500 hours of unique, non-
overlapping experience accrued within the last eight years. This means that each
month you worked on multiple, overlapping activities (projects that ran
simultaneously) counts as one month toward the total requirement.
• General Project Experience: You need a minimum of 2,000 hours of unique, non-
overlapping experience accrued within the last eight years. This means that each
month you worked on multiple, overlapping projects (projects that ran
simultaneously) counts as one month toward the total requirement.

4 © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide
Chapter1 PMI-PBA Foundations

• Recording of this experience is waived if you already hold the PMP® or PgMP®
certification.
• You need to list the projects on which you performed business analysis activities.
Your job title or project role is not as critical as the time spent doing business

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analysis activities.
• The experience included as part of the business analysis experience requirement
can count towards the general project experience as long as this experience
occurred within the context of a project.
•

•
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You will need to indicate the number of hours spent doing business analysis
activities within each of the five domains.
For each project listed, you will need to type a 300–
550 character summary of the business analysis tasks
you performed. There isn’t a lot of space so be
Even More Tips on the
PMI-PBA Application
Save money on your
m
concise and use the task descriptions from the PMI- application by becoming
PBA Examination Content Outline to help compose a PMI® member. There
the experience. are many other benefits
to joining, including a free
6. There is also a discounted exam fee of $405 USD for download of the PMBOK®
PMI® members, or $555 USD for non-members. PMI® will Guide. There is also an
collect the application fee online when you apply. PMI® extensive list of resources
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will send an electronic notification to you requesting including access to a 24/7

payment once the application has been determined to be eRead & References
complete. library online containing
hundreds of unabridged
7. You will need to agree to the PMI Code of Conduct books, including all books
during the application process. recommended on the
PMI-PBA page reference
list.

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson 5
PMI-PBA Foundations Chapter 1

Benefits of PMI-PBA Certification

Given the strict requirements and rigorous application process, one would assume the
certification is worthwhile, right? Well, as a matter of fact it is. There are a number of
benefits PMI® has identified to organizations to certify their BAs…and we agree!

• Recognition and Endorsement – PMI® certifications recognize your knowledge,

skills, and abilities. PMI® serves as an unbiased endorsement of your expertise and
professional experience on a global level.

• Increased Earnings – PMI® certifications can lead to greater earnings. They

differentiate you in the marketplace and give you a competitive advantage in the
job market. Many credential holders experience salary increases because of their
certification status.

• Career Advancement – PMI® certifications can lead to career opportunities and

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career advancement. PMI certification identifies you as a practitioner who has
demonstrated competency and knowledge in project management processes and
specialty areas of practice based on industry standards.

• Up-to-Date Skills – PMI® continually conducts in-depth studies to ensure that its

•
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certifications actually reflect the current skills, knowledge, and best practices you
need to succeed.

Encourage Professional Growth – You never have to worry about a PMI®

certification becoming obsolete. The PMI® Continuing Certification Requirements
(CCR) Program ensures that you to continually develop your skills and stay current
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as the profession changes.

• World Renowned – Part of that marketability comes from the prestige of PMI®’s
certifications. They have provided project management certifications for over 25
years.
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The PMI-PBA Exam

Hopefully, you can see that you and others at your organization can benefit from BA
certification. To help you get started, here is some high-level information about the exam
and tips for passing it.

PMI-PBA Exam Experience

The PMI-PBA exam is a 200 multiple-choice question exam based on the five domains, tasks
within the domains, and identified knowledge and skills needed to complete these tasks. Of
the 200 questions, 25 are considered pre-test questions. Pre-test questions do not affect
the score and are used in examinations as an effective and legitimate way to test the
validity of future questions. All questions are randomly placed throughout the exam.

6 © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide
Chapter1 PMI-PBA Foundations

The exam is generally administered as computer-based testing and proctored by Prometric

(in North America). Paper-based testing is available for those who are 300 km (186.5 miles)
from a Prometric test site or for employers who wish to administer the exam internally.
This guide focuses on the computer based test experience.

Four hours are provided in which to complete the exam and you may find that you need
most or all of that time.

There are no scheduled breaks during the exam, although you are allowed to take a break
if needed. If you take a break during the exam, your exam clock continues to count down.

The exam is preceded by a tutorial and followed by a survey, both of which are optional
and can take up to 15 minutes to complete. The time used to complete the tutorial and
survey is not included in the exam time of four hours.

e
General Exam-Taking Tactics

Like any major exam, there is a bit of tension and stress associated with it. Throughout this

pl
guide we provide tips to reduce anxiety and focus on your preparation. Like many BA
practitioners, it probably has been a while since you have taken a major exam. If you’ve
recently been in an MBA or similar program, or if you have taken the PMP® exam, you will
have a slight advantage. Most people, though, need some practice in taking a long multiple-
choice exam. If this applies to you, the practice exams built into the guide will help a great
deal. The following tactics will also help you to prepare mentally.
m
Some examinees have reported a feeling that the exam got easier as they progressed
through it. This feeling may be because the questions are easier at the end, may be from
reduced test anxiety after 3+ hours, or may be from both. Whatever the reason, we
recommend a few key tactics to help reduce your test anxiety and improve your testing
performance. They are listed in the following table.
Sa

Top Ten PMI-PBA Exam-Taking Tactics

Tactic Notes
1. Rest Get plenty of rest the night before you take the exam. Part of
successful test-taking involves problem-solving and logical
elimination, so a well-rested mind and body will help you much
more than last-minute, anxiety-laced cramming.
2. “Brain Dump” Because of the length, some people find it useful to start the
exam by noting a few key mnemonics and definitions. If nothing
else, this “brain dump” helps alleviate a little test anxiety that
many people feel in a high-stakes exam.
3. Read Each A common reason people fail an exam is due to not reading each
Question Carefully question thoroughly enough. There may be one word or phrase
that affects the entire answer and it will be easy to miss those if
you read the question too quickly.
4. Don’t Dwell Don't dwell on questions that seem difficult or complicated. Leave
them blank and go on to the next question. Chances are it will
seem easier later in the exam. You will also save time and energy

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson 7
Chapter1 PMI-PBA Foundations

Organization of this Guide

This study guide provides information, context, and examples Mnemonic Tip
organized by domain and tasks. Tools and techniques are fully
explained in the domain in which they are predominantly Select tips are shown in
boxes like this.
used.

• Text – Presented details about business analysis and requirements, the exam,
tasks, techniques, etc.

• Tips – Add side-notes to the text, to call out special

attention to certain items.

e
• Terminology Tips – Focus on select terms that are Project
important for preparing for the exam. Refer also to A temporary endeavor
the extensive Terminology Summary in the undertaken to create a
unique product or

•
appendix.

pl
Starred items – Like “starred” sites in a travel book,
our starred items are “not to be missed.” Pay special
attention to these terms, tasks, and techniques.
service.
m
• Inputs, Tools and Techniques, Outputs Overviews – The PMI-PBA exam does not
follow a specific “Body of Knowledge” in terms of identifying inputs, tools and
techniques, and outputs (ITTOs) for each of the tasks. The study guide describes
some standard concepts in inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs for each task
Sa

in order to provide context and greater understanding. The PMI-PBA exam will not
test specifically on these ITTOs. ITTOs may be present in test questions as a means
to test your understanding of the task.

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson 11
PMI-PBA Foundations Chapter 1

• ITOs – For each Task, we show a

high-level diagram of the major Business
Need – 5.1 Task 2.1: Plan
inputs and outputs, plus a brief Business Analysis
Approach
task description for each Select the business
Business
analysis approach,
domain. Again, these are Expert
Judgment based on available Analysis
methodologies, org. Approach
provided only for context as needs and objectives,
standards in place, and
PMI-PBA® does not provide project approach.

formal reference guidance on Organizational

Process Assets

the inputs and outputs of each

task.
Example ITO Diagram

e
Other Resources Contained in this Study Guide
• Exercises – Primarily matching, and fill-in-
the-blank exercises are spread
throughout the course to help you

•
pl
practice and reinforce the material.
Sometimes you'll see a mnemonic hint
and other times not.
Practice exams – At the end of each
chapter, you’ll find a series of practice questions and answers. These questions are
indicative of the types of questions you'll encounter on the PMI-PBA exam. In some
m
cases, we structure the questions to help you learn and memorize a concept or
term. We do this even if the type of question may not be on the exam.
• Appendices – Included are appendices on terminology, domains, and more practice
exam questions and answers. There are 200 questions to let you practice taking a
simulated exam. Your purchase of this book also gives you access to hundreds of
exam questions in the PMI-PBA Online Study Exam.
Sa

• Overall Design – The book is organized to allow you to pick it up and study a
Domain independent of the others. It certainly allows you to read sequentially if
you are starting your preparation, or by jumping to a section or task where you
need the most help. Use this guide the way you learn and study best.

What This Guide is Not

• This guide is not an “exam cram” book. It’s designed to help you learn and master
the material, not cram for an exam only to forget all you know the next day.
• This guide is not an introduction to project management or business analysis. If you
are an intermediate to senior-level BA practitioner, it will be the right level for you.
• This guide is not meant for skill development. Unlike Watermark Learning’s skill-
based courses, this book is knowledge-based and not skill-based. You could (and we
feel should) apply the knowledge in this book to your job.

12 © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide
Chapter1 PMI-PBA Foundations

• Because this guide is focused on helping you pass the PMI-PBA exam, we do not
cover how to apply the concepts to “real life.” Those are completely different
things and trying to do that would double the size of this book and not serve you
well. We do offer select and brief examples to help relate the concepts to real life.

What This Guide Is

• Our guiding principle in writing this book is to help you structure and break down
the PMI-PBA exam content so that it makes sense in your mind. That is the best
preparation for you to take the exam. It is also the best way to help you retain the
most information after the exam.
• Our philosophy in assembling this book is to help you learn how to learn. We don't
intend for you to memorize the contents, but to use it to develop your own
structures and ways to master the material, and ultimately pass the exam.

e
• The book is also designed so you can read and study each domain in order. But, you
can also pick and choose the sections you need and read through it in any order
you wish.

pl
m
Sa

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson 13
PMI-PBA Foundations Chapter 1

PMI-PBA Exercises
Quiz 1a

Write your answers to the following recall exercises in the blanks provided. Check your
answers at the end of the chapter. List the names of all the PMI-PBA domains in the blanks
below. Do you recall the mnemonic? That may help get your started.

Domains Mnemonic

____________________________________________ ___________

____________________________________________ ___________

e
____________________________________________ ___________

____________________________________________ ___________

pl
____________________________________________ ___________

Hint: You may take a nap after one more mnemonic quiz and a 10-question practice exam!

Quiz 1b
m
Write the requirements classifications that are contained in the PMBOK® Guide, preferably
in the order presented.

Requirement Types Mnemonic

Sa

____________________________________________ ___________

____________________________________________ ___________

____________________________________________ ___________

____________________________________________ ___________

____________________________________________ ___________

____________________________________________ ___________

____________________________________________ ___________

24 © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide
 2. Needs Assessment

Overview

e
The Needs Assessment domain includes the tasks necessary to fully understand a project.
This includes defining the business problem or opportunity the project is intended to
support, including the project’s relationship to organization goals and objectives in order to
support project goals and objectives. This domain includes understanding the value the

pl
project will bring to the organization. Part of this understanding comes from understanding
the project stakeholders. Stakeholder identification and analysis is critical to ensuring the
project has the right inputs and information for developing recommendations and getting
project scope and requirement approvals.
m
Needs Assessment Goal: Understand a business problem or opportunity and
evaluate various inputs to help develop an effective solution.

When you are finished with this chapter, you will know:

• How to define Needs Assessment

Needs Assessment
Sa

• The five tasks contained in Needs Assessment The tasks for

understanding the
• The major areas of emphasis in Needs Assessment,
business problem or
including problem definition, goals and objectives, opportunity as well as to
and stakeholder identification and analysis identify and evaluate
inputs needed to develop
an effective solution.
Domain Themes

The PMI®-PBA® exam includes several reoccurring themes. One useful way to use these
themes is when you narrow down an exam question to two close answers. If one of the
themes suggests one over the other, then go with the theme. The common themes to
watch for in Needs Assessment are as follows:

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson 33
Needs Assessment Chapter 2

Theme Comments
Defining good requirements requires us to understand our
Understand stakeholders and adjust to their needs. For instance, the
Stakeholders choice of tools or techniques may need to be modified
based on the stakeholders involved.
Valuation tools and techniques describe different ways to
Value Proposition determine and articulate the value an organization may
expect as a result of a project.
The project should have goals and objectives that align
with the organization’s goals and objectives. Identifying
and articulating these will provide context and scope for
Goals and Objectives
the project. This will further be used in Traceability and
Monitoring.

e
Figure 2-1: PMI-PBA Themes relating to Needs Assessment

pl
The questions for Needs Assessment represent 18 percent of all the exam questions. While
this is not the largest domain in terms of number of questions, it is an important domain as
it sets the stage for the project. See Figure 2-2 below.

Percentage of
Approximate
number of
m
Domain Items on Test questions

Domain 1: Needs Assessment 18% 36

Domain 2: Planning 22% 44

Sa

Domain 3: Analysis 35% 70

Domain 4: Traceability and

15% 30
Monitoring

Domain 5: Evaluation 10% 20

Figure 2-2: Needs Assessment Domain
Source: PMI

34 © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide
Chapter 2 Needs Assessment

Needs Assessment: High-Level View

Listed below are the five tasks in the Needs Assessment domain. The tasks in the domain
may not be performed sequentially, but it is helpful to learn the tasks and their order as a
way to remember what each of them does. PMI® does not provide task titles for each task,
but rather a detailed description. See the table below for the tasks as defined by PMI® with
a task title developed for this study guide in order to aid in learning and remembering the
tasks.

Task 1
Mnemonic Tip
Define Business Need
Define or review a business problem or opportunity using BVGIV: “Bold Vendors
problem and opportunity analysis techniques in order to develop Get Some Value”
a solution scope statement and/or to provide input to create a B Define Business

e
business case. Need
V Determine Value
Task 2 Proposition
Determine Value Proposition G Develop Project
Collect and analyze information from a variety of sources using Goals

value proposition of the initiative.

Task 3
Develop Project Goals
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valuation tools and techniques to contribute to determining the

Collaborate in the development of project goals and objectives by

providing clarification of business needs and solution scope in
S Identify
Stakeholders
V Determine
Stakeholder Values
m
order to align the product with the organization's goals and
objectives.
Task 4
Identify Stakeholders
Identify stakeholders by reviewing goals, objectives, and
requirements in order that the appropriate parties are
Sa

represented, informed, and involved.

Task 5
Determine Stakeholder Values
Determine stakeholder values regarding the product, using
elicitation techniques in order to provide a baseline for
prioritizing requirements.
To help you remember the tasks, use a mnemonic of “Bold Vendors Get Some Value.” This
nonsense acronym captures the tasks within Needs Assessment in their given order. The
first letter of the mnemonic is highlighted to help you memorize it.

This chapter presents each of the tasks along with more information on the task
descriptions, and tools and techniques used to perform each task.

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson 35
Needs Assessment Chapter 2

Task Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs

The PMI-PBA exam does not follow a specific “Body of Knowledge” in terms of identifying
inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs (ITTOs) for each of the tasks. The table below
describes some standard concepts in inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs for each
task in order to provide context and greater understanding. The PMI-PBA examination will
not test specifically on these ITTOs. ITTOs may be present in test questions in this Study
Guide as a means to test your understanding of the task.

Input Task Tools and Techniques Output

Business problem or 1. Define or review a Problem Solving and Solution scope
opportunity business problem or Opportunity statement

e
opportunity using Identification
problem and
opportunity analysis Root Cause Analysis
techniques in order to
develop a solution

Solution scope
statement
pl
scope statement
and/or to provide
input to create a
business case.
2. Collect and analyze
information from a
Valuation Value proposition
(Business case)
m
variety of sources
using valuation tools
and techniques to
contribute to
determining the value
proposition of the
initiative.
Sa

Organization goals & 3. Collaborate in the Scope Models Solution scope

objectives development of (updated)
project goals and
Value proposition objectives by Project goals and
(Business case) providing clarification objectives
of business needs and
solution scope in
order to align the
product with the
organization's goals
and objectives.

36 © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide
Chapter 2 Needs Assessment

Input Task Tools and Techniques Output

Business case 4. Identify Stakeholder Analysis Stakeholder register
stakeholders by
Solution scope reviewing goals,
objectives, and
Project goals and requirements in order
objectives that the appropriate
parties are
represented,
informed, and
involved.
Solution scope 5. Determine Elicitation Stakeholder values
stakeholder values
Project goals and regarding the Product scope

e
objectives product, using baseline
elicitation techniques
Stakeholder register in order to provide a
baseline for

pl
prioritizing
requirements.

Figure 2-3: Needs Assessment ITTOs

m
Sa

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson 37
Index

11. Index
Change Control Board · 117
Change Control Plan · 272
A Change request · 116
Checksheet · 299, 313
Acceptance criteria · 124, 182 Class model · 199
Accepted requirements · 166 Collaboration (competency) · 337
Activity diagram · 223 Communicate requirements status · 255, 257, 267
Adaptive life cycle · 103 Communication (competency) · 338
Affinity Diagram · 345 Communication Model · 340
Allocate requirements · 149, 151, 168 Communication Plan · 268
Allocated requirements · 170 Compare requirements to product scope · 151, 165, 166
Alternate paths · 227 Competencies · 17, 335
Analogous · 129 Competitive analysis · 61
Analysis Domain · 17, 147 Complexity of Stakeholder Group · 51

e
Analysis Mnemonic · 149 Configuration management · 118
Analysis Tasks · 149, 153 Configuration Management System · 118, 276
Analysis Techniques · 187 Conflict management (competency) · 342
Analysis Themes · 147 Consensus building · 202
Analyze solution gaps · 291, 292, 297 Context Diagram · 67
Analyze, decompose, and elaborate requirements · 149, Control chart · 299, 314
151, 159
Assumptions · 179
Attitude and influence · 52
Attitude factors · 52
Attributes · 197
Attributes, requirements · 162
Authority levels · 53
pl Cost of Quality · 295
Cost-Benefit Analysis · 73

D
Data analysis · 163, 177, 194
m
Averaging · 130 Data dictionary · 195
Data flow diagrams · 195
Data models · 197
B Day-in-the Life (DITL) Testing · 319
Decision making · 167, 171, 175, 202
Backlog management · 277 Decision table · 194
Baseline · 54, 118 Decision tree · 194
Baselining requirements · 118 Decomposition · 190
Sa

Benchmarking · 61 Deferred requirements · 166

Benefits of PMI-PBA® Certification · 6 Define business need · 35, 36, 38
Bottom-up estimating · 130 Define project expected outcomes · 97, 99, 123
Brainstorming · 205 Delphi technique · 202
Business analysis activities · 112 Dependencies · 170
Business events · 221 Dependencies for benefits realization · 180
Business objective models · 69 Dependency graph · 221
Business opportunity · 40 Design of experiments · 315
Business problem · 39 Desk checking · 320
Business rule analysis · 158, 193 Determine project context · 97, 98, 100
Business rules · 193 Determine stakeholder values · 35, 37, 54
Business value · 180 Determine value proposition · 35, 36, 42
Develop project goals · 35, 36, 44
DFD · See Data flow diagram
Display-Action-Response · 217
C Document analysis · 206
Document control · 121
Cardinality · 197 Document elicitation results · 157
Cause and effect diagram · 64 Domain Mnemonic · 18
CBAP Application Process · 2 Domains · 15
Change control · 115, 119, 122, 127, 128, 273, 274

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson 439
 Index

E I
Ecosystem Map · 68 Identify stakeholders · 35, 37, 49, 50
Elicit requirements · 149, 151, 153 Impact analysis · 192
Elicitation · 56, 59, 204 Incremental approach · 104
Elicitation activities · 156 Influence factors · 53
Elicitation issues and challenges · 158 Integration Testing · 319
Elicitation results · 157 Interactive communication · 339
Entity · 197 Interface analysis · 163, 177, 214
Entity relationship diagram · 198 Interoperability · 214
Estimation · 113, 127, 129 Interrelationship Diagram · 66
Estimation poker · 131 Interrelationships · 259
Evaluate Product Options and Capabilities · 149 Interviewing · 208
Evaluate solution results · 291, 292, 303 Interviews · 208
Evaluation · 305 Issue (problem) tracking · 277
Evaluation Domain · 17, 289 Iterative approach · 104

e
Evaluation Tasks · 291
Evaluation Techniques · 308
Evaluation Themes · 289 J
Evalutation Mnemonic · 291
Exam Questions, Types of · 369 Job Analysis · 70
Exam taking tips · 368
Exploratory testing · 319

F
Facilitated workshops · 206
Facilitation (competency) · 343
pl Job Shadowing · 211

K
Kano Model · 76
Key Performance Indicators · 124, 218
KPI · See Key Performance Indicators
m
Facilitator · 206
Feasibility analysis · 74
Feature Model · 69
Fishbone / Ishikawa Diagram · 64
L
Five Whys · 64, 65
Focus groups · 207 Leadership (competency) · 345
Force Field Analysis · 75 Lessons Learned · 110, 310
Sa

G M

Gap analysis · 192 Manage requirement changes · 255, 257, 271

General Exam-Taking Tactics · 7 Management components · 108
Get requirements sign-off · 149, 152, 173 Matrix diagram · 317
Get solution sign-off · 291, 292, 301 Matrix documentation · 161
Given-When-Then · 319 Measurable evaluation criteria · 179
Glossary · 195 Measure solution performance · 124
Go/No-Go Decision · 302 Measurement · 124, 183, 305
Goal models · 69 Mind Mapping · 345
Models as requirements · 162
Monitor requirements status · 255, 256, 262
MoSCoW · 220
H Multi-Voting · 202

High, Medium, Low · 220

Histogram · 316
N
Needs Assessment Domain · 16, 33

440 © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide
Index

Needs Assessment Mnemonic · 35 Project life cycle · 101

Needs Assessment Tasks · 35 Project Life Cycle Approaches · 23
Needs Assessment Techniques · 59 Project management plan · 113
Needs Assessment Themes · 33 Prototypes · 214
Negotiation (competency) · 343 Pull communication · 339
Net Promoter Score · 76 Purpose Alignment Model · 77
Nominal Group Technique · 203 Push communication · 339
Non-functional requirements · 209
NPS · See Net Promoter Score
Q
O Quality control · 312
Question Types · 208
Object · 226 Questionnaire · 212
Observation · 211
Opportunity identification · 41, 60
Options Analysis · 203 R

e
Organizational chart · 70
RACI · 50, 72
Rejected requirements · 166
P Relationships of requirements · 260
Report table · 215
Parametric estimating · 132
Pareto diagram · 299, 317
PDM · See Precedence Diagramming Method
Peer review · 320
Personas · 71
Plan document control · 97, 99, 121
Plan requirements change control · 97, 99
pl Requirement models · 162
Requirement relationships
Benefit or value dependency · 191
Implementation dependency · 191
Subset · 191
Requirements alignment · 180
Requirements attributes · 162
m
Plan requirements management · 97, 98, 109 Requirements baseline · 173
Plan requirements traceability · 97, 98 Requirements change control · 115
Planguage · 219 Requirements Change Control Plan · 119
Planning Domain · 17, 95 Requirements conflicts · 174
Planning Mnemonic · 97 Requirements dependencies · 191
Planning Tasks · 97 Requirements Management Plan · 109, 113, 114
Planning Techniques · 127 Requirements Management Tools · 261
Planning Themes · 95 Requirements prioritization · 168
Sa

PMI-PBA® Application Steps · 4 Requirements status · 167

PMI-PBA® Applications · 3 Requirements traceability · 96, 105
PMI-PBA® Exam Experience · 6 Requirements Traceability Matrix · 105, 278, 296
PMI-PBA® Themes · 10 Requirements traceability plan · 109
Political / Cultural Awareness (competency) · 347 Retrospectives · 110, 311
Precedence Diagramming Method · 133 Risk analysis · 193
Predictive life cycle · 102 Risk planning · 112
Primary (normal) path · 227 Role definition · 50, 72
Prioritization · 112, 127, 168, 171 Root cause analysis · 41, 59, 64, 299
Problem and opportunity analysis · 39 Rough Order of Magnitude · 129
Problem solving · 41, 59, 60
Process · 222
Process analysis · 163, 177 S
Process Decision Program Chart · 318
Process models · 66, 222 Scatter diagram · 318
Product backlog · 277 Scenario analysis · 62
Product scope · 166 Scenarios · 227
Product scope baseline · 55 Scheduling · 113, 127
Progressive elaboration · 263 Scope models · 46, 59, 67
Project approach · 113 Scope statement · 45
Project drivers · 40 Scribe · 206

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson 441
 Index

Sequence Diagram Example · 227 Tuckman Model · 337

Sequence diagrams · 226 Types of Exam Questions · 8
Service level agreements · 219
Skills assessment · 73
SLA · See Service level agreement U
SMART objectives · 45
Solution gaps · 298 Update requirements status · 255, 256, 264
Specify acceptance criteria · 150, 152, 181 Use Case Description Example · 229
Stages of Team Development · 337 Use case diagram · 69, 228
Stakeholder analysis · 54, 60, 70 Use Case Diagram Examples · 228
Stakeholder approval · 174 Use cases · 227
Stakeholder Identification · 50 User acceptance testing · 320
Stakeholder register · 54 User interactions · 176
State diagram · 200 User interface flow · 216
State Diagram Example · 201 User journey map · 62
Statistical sampling · 318 User stories · 230
Storyboards · 216 User Story Example · 231

e
Survey · 212
SWAG · See Rough Order of Magnitude
Swimlane flowchart · 225
SWOT analysis · 78
V
System interface table · 216
Validate requirements · 152, 179
Systems Thinking (competency) · 348

T
Test Preparation Roadmap · 360
Text requirements · 160
Three-Point Estimation · 130
pl Validate test results · 291, 292, 293
Validation · 127, 180, 183, 296
Valuation · 43, 60, 73, 167, 171, 305
Value engineering · 63
Value Stream Map · 79
Verification · 180, 296
Version control · 121
m
Version Control System · 121, 279
Trace requirements · 255, 256, 258
Traceability · 127, 259
Traceability and Monitoring Domain · 17, 253
Traceability and Monitoring Mnemonic · 255
W
Traceability and Monitoring Tasks · 254
Traceability and Monitoring Techniques · 276 Walk-throughs · 321
Traceability and Monitoring Themes · 253 WBS · See Work Breakdown Structure
Traceability attributes · 107 Weighted Criteria · 203
Sa

Traceability benefits · 259 Wireframes · 217

Traceability components · 107 Work Breakdown Structure · 111, 191
Traceability levels · 259 Write requirements specifications · 150, 152, 175
Traceability tools and techniques · 261

442 © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide
About the Authors

Elizabeth Larson, CBAP, PMP, PMI-PBA, CSM, and Richard Larson, CBAP, PMP, PMI-PBA are Co-Principals
of Watermark Learning (www.watermarklearning.com), a globally recognized Business Analysis, Project

e
Management, Agile, and Business Process Management training company.

For over 30 years, they have used their extensive experience in both business analysis and project
management to help thousands of BA, PM, and BPM practitioners develop new skills. They have helped
build Watermark’s training into a unique combination of industry best practices, an engaging format,

pl
and a practical approach. Attendees immediately learn the retainable real-world skills that enable them
to produce enduring results.

Between them they have presented workshops, seminars, and training classes on five different
continents. Their speaking history includes repeat appearances at Project Management Institute (PMI)
North American, European, and Asia-Pacific Congresses, and at the BBC/Business Analysis Forum, and
m
Business Analyst World conferences in North America and India.

Both Elizabeth and Richard are among the world’s first Certified Business Analysis Professionals through
the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA®) and are contributors to all editions of the IIBA®
Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK® Guide). Elizabeth was the lead author for the Business
Analysis Planning and Monitoring Knowledge Area. Richard was a lead author for version 3.0 of the
Sa

BABOK® Guide. They are also certified Project Management Professionals and are contributors and lead
authors to the 4th edition of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Elizabeth is
the content lead for the entire Scope Management Knowledge Area in the 5th edition of the PMBOK®
Guide. Both Larsons were lead authors for PMI’s Business Analysis for Practitioners: A Practice Guide.

The Larsons are proud parents of two children and grandparents of six lively grandsons. They love to
travel and have visited over 35 countries around the world.

PMI-PBA Certification Study Guide © 2015-2016, Elizabeth Larson and Richard Larson 443
PMI-PBA-Cert-Cover-051915-crops.pdf 1 5/26/15 7:22 PM

Critical material to study and pass the PMI-PBA® certification exam

The only study guide you’ll need to

become PMI-PBA® certified!

“ Without Watermark’s Study Guide and Online Exam

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Questions, I would not have been successful passing
the PMI-PBA exam. The guide’s tables provided a
step-by-step understanding of the business analysis
material. The exercises and questions throughout the
chapters drove the tasks and concepts home.”
—John A. Rush IV, PMP, PMI-PBA

C E R T I F I C AT I O N
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7301 Ohms Lane, Suite 360 • Minneapolis, MN 55439
www.WatermarkLearning.com ELIZABETH LARSON, PMI-PBA & RICHARD LARSON, PMI-PBA