Business Analysis VS Process Analysis

What, if any is the main difference btw a BA and a PA (process analyst)? Is there any PA certification? Anybody in the house a certified PA?

Theoretical definition is one thing but what people perceive is often a different story.

Business Analysis these days degraded to management of requirements. When you are hired to do a business analysis you usually have tactical goals and you do not question "how work is being done". As a BA you seldom influence organizational strategy or decision making.

Process Analysis from another hand is perceived more as a broader view including all aspects of the organizational capability. When you are hired to do a process analysis you usually have a high level, more abstract goal and less constraints and you can influence the high level decision making.

In my experience (9 yrs working in Finance, London), Business Analyst is a catch all term, with BA roles including System Analyst and Process Analyst.

I am currently studying the ISEB Diploma in Business Analysis, and even this course covers material that would fall under the category of System Analyst and Process Analyst.

I have been yet another BA that 'fell' into the work without formal BA qualifications. Just getting the diploma to improve my marketability in the current climate

regards
Peter