A Laymans Guide to CBIP Mark Bradbourne

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Mark Bradbourne (http://www.markbradbourne.com/)

Business Intelligence, Data Warehousing and Analytics

A LAYMANS GUIDE TO CBIP

BLOGS

Dallas Marks
The Data Warehouse Institute (TDWI (http://tdwi.org)) started their CBIP certification offering
in 2004 in conjunction with the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP).
There are 4 specialty areas that you can focus on with your certification:
Business Analytics
Leadership &Management
Data Analysis & Design
Data Integration

The certification required a series of three tests (minimum) with the first two being the same

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Sons of Hierarchies
(http://sonsofhierarchies.com/)
Stephen Few
(http://www.perceptualedge.com/blog/)
Wayne Eckerson (http://www.beye-network.com/blogs/eckerson/)

RESOURCES

for all the tracks of certifications. The first of the common tests is the IS Core, which tests a
broad base of knowledge for general IT/IS laborers. These questions range from needs of a

B-Eye Network (http://www.b-

financial reporting system to decoding binary. If you havent been in IT organizations for very

eye-network.com/)

long you may have a tough time with this test. The second of the common tests is the Data

Perceptual Edge
(http://perceptualedge.com/)

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Warehousing Core, which tests general knowledge about data warehousing. Here you will find

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TDWI (http://www.tdwi.org)

questions on Kimball and Inmon, full life cycle awareness and general terms and topics as
they relate to the practice. The last test is your specialization test, of which you can choose 1
of the 4 listed above, or take all four and get multiple certifications the choice is yours. I took

META

the Business Analytics test, so thats the only one I can speak in confidence about. That test
focused on OLAP, visualization techniques and data presentation.

Log in
(http://www.markbradbourne.com

I passed my certification tests at the Data Warehouse Institutes World Conference in Las

/wp-login.php)

Vegas in February of 2011. I sat for all three tests during the week, which on top of sitting in
the sessions all day, and the fact the conference was in Vegas, made it a challenge in and of

Entries RSS (Really Simple

itself. Each test lasts a maximum of 90 minutes during which you must answer 110 questions.

Syndication)

You also have the option to have the tests administered remotely for an additional fee if you

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cannot attend the conferences. To actually pass the certification exams you must score a 50%

/feed/)

on all three exams (not an average of 50%). If you score 70% or more on all three exams

Comments RSS (Really Simple

(again, not an average) you will obtain a mastery certification. I scored 61% on my IS Core,

Syndication)

74% on the Data Warehousing Core and 71% on the Business Analytics. I have the option to

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retake the IS Core to get my mastery, but I dont think I would fare any better on that test if I

/comments/feed/)

were to retake it.

WordPress.org
The big question that I get asked is How did you prepare for the tests?

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Well, I started by ordering the CBIP Preparation Guide from TDWI, but I will tell you that the
only thing that it really prepares you for is the testing format because it includes practice exam
software. The guide does give you an idea of the types of questions that will be on the test,
but as far as strict guidance on what will be on the test; dont expect that from the guide.
Each sample test in the guide has a section of references, both internet and books. For
example, the IS Core exam there is 3 and a half pages of reference materials. I dont think
you would be able to successfully absorb all the information for three tests and even still, the
questions being asked will not match anything that appeared in those resources. Truth be
told, I never looked at the reference materials and went solely based on my background for a

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three tests. For the record, Ive worked in 6 different industries and been doing data
warehouse development since 1997.
The other options for preparation are the sessions that are available at the TDWI
conferences, I did attend the session on the IS Core and Data Warehousing Core tests, just
as a refresher before I took the exams. These sessions are a good indicator of if you should
take the tests or not if you feel comfortable with what is being talked about, you have a
better than average change of passing, if you feel like they are talking over your head, just
walk away. These tests are designed to test your knowledge that you have gained during the
course of your career, and it is not something you can cram for and expect to pass.
If you have specific question please email me as I would be happy to answer them as a
person who has firsthand experience with the exam process.
April 15, 2011

Mark (http://www.markbradbourne.com/author/Mark/)

(http://www.markbradbourne.com/category/bi/education/)

Education

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26 Comments

Dave

May 21, 2013 at 5:13 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-562) | Reply

(http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=562#respond)

Hi This is kind of an ancient (in computer terms) post, so Im not really expecting an
answer, but:
Did this cert provide any value to you?
Thanks,
Dave

Mark

June 10, 2013 at 7:34 am (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-563) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=563#respond)

Depends how you define value I guess.

Did it give me a sense of accomplishment and a credential that sets me apart in my
area (both geographically and career-wise)? Yes.
Did it immediately cause companies to start throwing money at me? Nope.
I think as BI, Analytics and Data Warehousing become more know (now that there

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are TV commercials about analytics and data) it has more of a possibility of having
some career-driving value, but to dat I cannot say that is has

GD

July 14, 2013 at 5:05 am (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-564) | Reply

(http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=564#respond)

Hi
thanks for the post
I am planning for this certification. I have around 6 years of exp in BI and DW
Do you think Its too early for the exam for meas I have heard that this exam depends
a lot on your experience as well.
or is it possible to clear this exam with sufficient preparation.
Regards
GD

Mark

July 14, 2013 at 10:22 am (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-565) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=565#respond)

If you have 6 years of DW background you should be fine on the DW Core test and
your specialization test (depending on what you choose of course). The tough test is

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the IS Core At 15 years of experience I got a 61.. its a very broad test to say the
least. If you get the CBIP Prep guide youll see the list of resources you can use to
get ready for the test its extensive.

KG

October 5, 2013 at 3:06 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-570) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=570#respond)

Hi Mark,
Thank you for sharing the details. I am a program/project manager managing Data
Warehousing, Business Intelligence programs. I dont have hands on experience of DW
tools but have been into core IT for more than 15 years.
Is CBIP certification right for me?
What are the best prep material for the exams?
Regards,
KG

Mark

October 6, 2013 at 11:17 am (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-571) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=571#respond)

No, I dont think it would be the right certification for you. CBIP is for practitioners at
its deepest sense. I think you may pass the IT COre test just based on your back
ground, but you may struggle in the other areas.

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Fareed

January 8, 2014 at 11:27 am (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-575) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=575#respond)

Hi Mark,
i would really appreciate a response.
I planned to start working on CBIP Certification and i even bought the guide but a friend
of mine talked me out of it and told me that its not something practical but rather its
conceptual, but I wanted to hear from someone who is in the field and is a subject
expert. here is my background and here is what i would like to do with this certification
is possible:
BS in Information Systems and familiar with database in general but not an expert. Its
definitely something id be interested to learn more. Took SQL/PLSQL/BI & Data
Warehousing courses during my undergrad.
here is my situation, what i do now is not related to my major. I work for an investment
bank on Wall St NY. I want to get into investment banking division possibly be able to
help with analysis of data for investment purposes.
So, is CBIP something helpful with what i want to use it for? if so, which specialty area
would be the one i need to pursue?
also, would it be better if i just learn a specific BI tool used for the mentioned purpose?
Thanks!
Fareed

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Mark

January 8, 2014 at 9:01 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-576) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=576#respond)

I dont think that a CBIP certification would help with what your looking to do go
after a masters in statistics. Bankers are going to really care about a Data
Warehousing practitioners certification.

Fareed

January 30, 2014 at 5:26 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-580)

| Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=580#respond)

Thank you so much!

usama rao

January 27, 2014 at 3:32 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-577) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=577#respond)

i am CS graduate having my majors in DataWare Housing , Data Minning and Business

Intelligence,
Now i am working as a BI developer , have design Data ware House and Integration
scripts as well.
Is this certification good for my career at this stage? ??

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Scott

January 30, 2014 at 4:23 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-578) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=578#respond)

Mark, Can you tell us if the test was multiple choice, essay or other?
Im looking at paying the $400 to have the test proctored. If you want to take the test
again (for a higher score) I assume you have to pay the exam fee again, but is there a
time frame to retake it?
Great summary. Thanks.

Mark

January 30, 2014 at 4:35 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-579) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=579#respond)

Its multiple choice, 110 questions in 90 minutes. I dont believe there is a time frame
for retakes. No time frame to retake it, but you do have to pay again.

Tolu

February 9, 2014 at 2:23 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-581) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=581#respond)

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Hi, Im a computer science graduate. Can I take this course? I have no years of
working experience too

Mark

February 10, 2014 at 10:39 am (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-582)

| Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=582#respond)

I would not recommend it, as the test are expensive and with no experience I would
say you run a high risk of not passing the test.

vasu

February 18, 2014 at 1:15 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-583) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=583#respond)

HI Mark,
i am working as a data warehouse admin and i am having more than 8 years of
experience in data warehouse, i am looking to get promoted as Architect level position.
Do you thing this certification will help me in this matter and what specialization is the
best for me ?

Mark

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February 27, 2014 at 2:56 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-584) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=584#respond)

Certification may help with that promotion. I would suggest either the Data Analysis
and Design or Data Integration specialties (or both?)

shanthi

February 27, 2014 at 6:28 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-585) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=585#respond)

I am an ETL developer with 3 years experience in tools like datastage, pentaho. I have
a good understanding of datawarehousing concepts and databases.
Do you think this test might help me out to advance my career?

Virendra

March 12, 2014 at 4:21 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-586) | Reply

(http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=586#respond)

Mark,
Appreciate your comment and blog

Sonu

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May 18, 2014 at 8:53 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-589) | Reply

(http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=589#respond)

Hi Mark, Very insightful blog. I am in the IT industry for over 10 years now and have
experience as a programmer and now as a senior Project Manager. I am looking to
enhance my career options by doing a specialization in the Data Analytics field now
that there are several opportunities in this field in the market. I stumbled across TDWI
CBIP certification and wondering if this could be a way for me to get into the Data
Analytics field. Would appreciate your advice. Since I have programming and IT
experience, I understand data and databases but certainly not an expert.
thank you

Sachin

July 29, 2014 at 12:14 am (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-591) | Reply

(http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=591#respond)

Hi Mark,
Does the certification needs to be renewed periodically ? Is there any annual fee that
needs to paid to TDWI ?
Thanks,
Sachin

Mark

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July 30, 2014 at 12:36 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-593) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=593#respond)

Yes, every three years you have to submit CE credits and a payment

Raan

July 30, 2014 at 12:24 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-592) | Reply

(http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=592#respond)

Everyone seems to keep asking the same questions, should I take it? Hes already said
multiple times you should have strong experience in BI BEFORE taking it. If you are
looking to learn about this field, you should focus on the skills in the field, not about
some certification. As he mentions, it hasnt really helped his career. Ive never seen a
job ad requiring CBIP. Thanks for the post Mark!

michelle

November 4, 2015 at 3:07 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-798) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=798#respond)

how difficult did you find the business analytics? Is there any specific reference book
that you found to be the most helpful? ty I will be taking the business analytics exam in
one month.

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Mark

November 4, 2015 at 3:25 pm (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-799) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=799#respond)

It wasnt difficult, but it was challenging. No one book really can prepare you for the
exams, its really a series of reading and a few years of experience. Start with the
CBIP prep guide its got a lot of information in regards to preparing for the tests

bi admire

February 3, 2016 at 10:24 am (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-819) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=819#respond)

I have 7 yrs of BI experience with 1 year of microstrategy architecture. I am aware of

dw concepts. I want to improve my knowledge in dw.. can i take this certification.. kindly
advice..

Mark

February 5, 2016 at 9:38 am (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comment-829) |

Reply (http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/?replytocom=829#respond)

Ive answered this question multiple times in the comments check out my answers
there.

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