About the CBS™ designation
The Chartered Business Specialist (CBS™) is a specialist-level credential from the Chartered Institute of Management Specialists (CIMS) that recognises individuals with exceptional expertise and leadership in the field of business analysis. It signifies a commitment to excellence in identifying business needs, analysing processes and recommending solutions that drive organisational success.
Holders of the designation are recognised as business analysis practitioners who can translate business needs into measurable outcomes — from requirements gathering through to solution design and validation — while upholding the analytical rigour the profession demands.
Entry requirements
To be considered for the CBS™ designation, applicants are expected to meet the following criteria:
Academic background
A bachelor's degree or advanced diploma in business administration, information technology, or a closely related discipline from a recognised institution.
Professional experience
Around 5–10 years of relevant work in business analysis roles, covering responsibilities such as requirements gathering, process modelling, data analysis and solution design.
Mode of assessment
Candidates are evaluated across several dimensions to confirm their readiness for the designation:
- Review of academic qualifications, focusing on coursework related to business analysis methodologies, requirements engineering and process improvement.
- Documentation of professional experience, including business analysis projects undertaken, accomplishments in delivering successful solutions, and their impact on organisational performance.
- Examination of technical knowledge and competency in business analysis techniques, such as stakeholder analysis, gap analysis, SWOT analysis and business process modelling.
- Case studies or practical assignments that assess an applicant's ability to analyse business problems, elicit and prioritise requirements, and recommend effective solutions aligned with organisational objectives.
Standards & competencies
The CBS™ designation is awarded to professionals who can demonstrate consistent, evidenced competency in the following areas:
Features & benefits
Professional recognition
Be recognised as a highly skilled, knowledgeable professional in business analysis, enhancing your credibility and reputation within the business community and among organisational stakeholders.
Career advancement
Position yourself for leadership roles in business analysis departments, project management offices, consulting firms and technology companies, with opportunities for career progression.
Value delivery
Play a crucial role in delivering value to organisations by aligning business needs with technology solutions, improving processes, and facilitating decision-making through data-driven insight.
Continuous professional development
Commit to ongoing learning, staying updated on emerging trends, methodologies and best practice in business analysis throughout your career.