Guide to CBIP by TDWI

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

Business Intelligence, Data Warehousing and Analytics

A LAYMANS GUIDE TO CBIP

The Data Warehouse Institute (TDWI (http://tdwi.org)) started their CBIP certification offeringin 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 samefor all the tracks of certifications. The first of the common tests is the IS Core, which tests abroad base of knowledge for general IT/IS laborers. These questions range from needs of afinancial reporting system to decoding binary. If you havent been in IT organizations for verylong you may have a tough time with this test. The second of the common tests is the Data

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A Laymans Guide to CBIP Mark Bradbourne http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/

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Warehousing Core, which tests general knowledge about data warehousing. Here you will findquestions on Kimball and Inmon, full life cycle awareness and general terms and topics asthey relate to the practice. The last test is your specialization test, of which you can choose 1of the 4 listed above, or take all four and get multiple certifications the choice is yours. I tookthe Business Analytics test, so thats the only one I can speak in confidence about. That testfocused on OLAP, visualization techniques and data presentation.

I passed my certification tests at the Data Warehouse Institutes World Conference in LasVegas in February of 2011. I sat for all three tests during the week, which on top of sitting inthe sessions all day, and the fact the conference was in Vegas, made it a challenge in and ofitself. Each test lasts a maximum of 90 minutes during which you must answer 110 questions.You also have the option to have the tests administered remotely for an additional fee if youcannot attend the conferences. To actually pass the certification exams you must score a 50%on all three exams (not an average of 50%). If you score 70% or more on all three exams(again, not an average) you will obtain a mastery certification. I scored 61% on my IS Core,74% on the Data Warehousing Core and 71% on the Business Analytics. I have the option toretake the IS Core to get my mastery, but I dont think I would fare any better on that test if Iwere to retake it.

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

Well, I started by ordering the CBIP Preparation Guide from TDWI, but I will tell you that theonly thing that it really prepares you for is the testing format because it includes practice examsoftware. 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. Forexample, the IS Core exam there is 3 and a half pages of reference materials. I dont thinkyou would be able to successfully absorb all the information for three tests and even still, thequestions being asked will not match anything that appeared in those resources. Truth betold, I never looked at the reference materials and went solely based on my background for a

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Motorcycling and Business Intelligence (http://www.markbradbourne.com/motorcycling-

three tests. For the record, Ive worked in 6 different industries and been doing datawarehouse development since 1997.

The other options for preparation are the sessions that are available at the TDWIconferences, I did attend the session on the IS Core and Data Warehousing Core tests, justas a refresher before I took the exams. These sessions are a good indicator of if you shouldtake the tests or not if you feel comfortable with what is being talked about, you have abetter than average change of passing, if you feel like they are talking over your head, justwalk away. These tests are designed to test your knowledge that you have gained during thecourse 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 aperson who has firsthand experience with the exam process.

April 15, 2011 Mark (http://www.markbradbourne.com/author/Mark/) Education(http://www.markbradbourne.com/category/bi/education/) 26 Comments(http://www.markbradbourne.com/a-laymans-guide-to-cbip/#comments)

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and-business-intelligence/)

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)

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)

26 Comments

Dave

Hi This is kind of an ancient (in computer terms) post, so Im not really expecting ananswer, but:

Did this cert provide any value to you?

Thanks,

Dave

Mark

Depends how you define value I guess.

Did it give me a sense of accomplishment and a credential that sets me apart in myarea (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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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)

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)

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

GD

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 dependsa lot on your experience as well.

or is it possible to clear this exam with sufficient preparation.

Regards

GD

Mark

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


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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)

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)

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

KG

Hi Mark,

Thank you for sharing the details. I am a program/project manager managing DataWarehousing, Business Intelligence programs. I dont have hands on experience of DWtools 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

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


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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)

Fareed

Hi Mark,

i would really appreciate a response.

I planned to start working on CBIP Certification and i even bought the guide but a friendof mine talked me out of it and told me that its not something practical but rather itsconceptual, but I wanted to hear from someone who is in the field and is a subjectexpert. here is my background and here is what i would like to do with this certificationis possible:

BS in Information Systems and familiar with database in general but not an expert. Itsdefinitely something id be interested to learn more. Took SQL/PLSQL/BI & DataWarehousing courses during my undergrad.

here is my situation, what i do now is not related to my major. I work for an investmentbank on Wall St NY. I want to get into investment banking division possibly be able tohelp with analysis of data for investment purposes.

So, is CBIP something helpful with what i want to use it for? if so, which specialty areawould 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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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)

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)


Mark

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

Fareed

Thank you so much!

usama rao

i am CS graduate having my majors in DataWare Housing , Data Minning and BusinessIntelligence,Now i am working as a BI developer , have design Data ware House and Integrationscripts as well.

Is this certification good for my career at this stage? ??


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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)

Scott

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 testagain (for a higher score) I assume you have to pay the exam fee again, but is there atime frame to retake it?

Great summary. Thanks.

Mark

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

Tolu


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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)


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

Mark

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

vasu

HI Mark,

i am working as a data warehouse admin and i am having more than 8 years ofexperience 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 thebest for me ?

Mark


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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)

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

shanthi

I am an ETL developer with 3 years experience in tools like datastage, pentaho. I havea good understanding of datawarehousing concepts and databases.

Do you think this test might help me out to advance my career?

Virendra

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)

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

thank you

Sachin

Hi Mark,

Does the certification needs to be renewed periodically ? Is there any annual fee thatneeds 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)

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)

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)

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

Raan

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

michelle

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


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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)

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)

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)

Mark

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

bi admire

I have 7 yrs of BI experience with 1 year of microstrategy architecture. I am aware ofdw concepts. I want to improve my knowledge in dw.. can i take this certification.. kindlyadvice..

Mark

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


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Guide to CBIP by TDWI