The BABOK® v3.0 Guide has identified a certain set of characteristics, behaviors, skills, and knowledge that is believed to be part of a successful and effective business analyst’s profile. These are referred to as the underlying competencies that a business analyst needs to exhibit while performing their role. Take note that the underlying competencies are not unique to the business analysis profession.

The underlying competencies are described in terms of their purpose, their definition, and the effectiveness measures used to determine whether they are present in a given situation. We cover the underlying competencies in this study guide.