Certification is more than earning a credential as it's a milestone in professional growth and an ongoing commitment to excellence. This interactive chapter session provides both a strategic overview of IIBA certifications, the RTP Raleigh chapter certification status, and opportunity to ask questions, share, and hear insights from members who have completed their certification and keep them up to date.
The session will begin with a snapshot of our chapter’s current certification landscape, followed by a high-level walkthrough of IIBA certification pathways, requirements, and certification updates. Attendees will hear what’s changed over the past year, what’s coming next, and how those changes may impact their certification plans.
A key focus of this session is open dialogue and shared experience. Members are invited to discuss their own plans or experiences as well as what worked, what surprised them, and what life looks like after certification. We’ll also explore how to maintain certification, earn Continuing Development Units (CDUs), and stay current as standards, practices, and the profession evolve.
Participants will leave with practical resources, topic areas to prioritize, and a clearer understanding of both the certification process and the long term value of staying engaged as a certified professional. We will conclude the session with discussing resources, opportunities, and goals as well as an open Q&A and discussion to address individual questions and encourage ongoing connection with our members through their certification. You will leave with a curated list of resources to help you no matter what stage you are in your career and as an IIBA member.
Note although the plan is to cover each of the certification types, focus may shift emphasis given the levels present in session.
Planned Agenda:
● Welcome: Ice Breaker/Let’s Talk BABOK, and Session Objectives
● Introductions & Chapter Certification Snapshot and Updates
● Certification Overview
● Member Experience Sharing (Interactive, breakout or in main room depending on attendance)
● Resources & Focus Areas
● Open Q&A and Discussion
Speaker Bio: John Ellis, Director of Certification
John Ellis became a member of IIBA and the IIBA Raleigh (RTP) chapter in 2024 and is actively working toward his IIBA certifications. As the chapter’s Director of Certification, John is able to combine his strong background in educational technology and technical domains. His commitment to continuous professional growth aligns perfectly with the IIBA’s mission, making him a valued addition to the community.
John is a university administrator and learning engineer, actively developing, implementing, and integrating data informed iterative changes to new educational learning experiences for professional graduates in technical domains. Before transitioning to education full time professionally, he spent 10 years across a variety of industries including start ups in business analytics, data science and 5 years in adjunct faculty and program facilitation roles.
John holds degrees in both Business Administration and Mathematics, and an MBA, and will graduate with his Master’s in Computer Engineering in Spring 2026. John first moved to North Carolina in 2017 and now lives in the Piedmont Triad Area where he spends his time with family.
