The Data Warehouse Institute (TDWI) 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 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 financial reporting system to decoding binary. If you haven’t been in IT organizations for very long you may have a tough time with this test. The second of the common tests is the Data Warehousing Core, which tests general knowledge about data warehousing. Here you will find 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 the Business Analytics test, so that’s the only one I can speak in confidence about. That test focused on OLAP, visualization techniques and data presentation.
I passed my certification tests at the Data Warehouse Institute’s World Conference in Las 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 itself. 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 you cannot 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 to retake the IS Core to get my mastery, but I don’t think I would fare any better on that test if I were 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 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; don’t 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 don’t 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 three tests. For the record, I’ve 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.
Hi – This is kind of an ancient (in computer terms) post, so I’m not really expecting an answer, but:
Did this cert provide any value to you?
Thanks,
Dave
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 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
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 me…as 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
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 the IS Core… At 15 years of experience I got a 61.. it’s a very broad test to say the least. If you get the CBIP Prep guide you’ll see the list of resources you can use to get ready for the test… it’s extensive.
Hi Mark,
Thank you for sharing the details. I am a program/project manager managing Data Warehousing, Business Intelligence programs. I don’t 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
No, I don’t think it would be the right certification for you. CBIP is for practitioners at it’s 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.
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 i’d 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
I don’t 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.
Thank you so much!
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? ??
Mark, Can you tell us if the test was multiple choice, essay or other?
I’m 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.
It’s multiple choice, 110 questions in 90 minutes. I don’t believe there is a time frame for retakes. No time frame to retake it, but you do have to pay again.
Hi, I’m a computer science graduate. Can I take this course? I have no years of working experience too