IIBA Business Analysis Certifications (ECBA, CCBA, CBAP)
The official overview of IIBA's certifications: ECBA for newcomers with no experience requirement, CCBA and CBAP for practising analysts, plus specialist certifications in agile, data analytics, cybersecurity and product ownership analysis. Check eligibility and formats here before paying for any course.
3,750 hours in 7 years
IIBA · Sept 2026
7,500 hours in 10 years
IIBA · Sept 2026
50 questions
IIBA · Sept 2026
Guide
Career Growth
IIBA
Exams from 50 to 130 questions
All
Paid exams, fees on IIBA's site
What IIBA certifies
IIBA, the International Institute of Business Analysis, runs the most widely recognised business analysis certifications. There are three core levels and four specialist certifications.
Core certifications
| Certification | Who it is for | Experience | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECBA: Entry Certificate in Business Analysis | Newcomers to the field | None required | 50 questions |
| CCBA: Certification of Capability in Business Analysis | Two to three years of BA work | 3,750 hours in the last 7 years, plus 21 professional development hours in the last 4 years | 130 scenario-based questions in 180 minutes |
| CBAP: Certified Business Analysis Professional | Five years or more | 7,500 hours in the last 10 years, 35 professional development hours in the last 4 years and two references | 120 case-study and scenario questions in 210 minutes |
CCBA and CBAP exams can be taken online with a proctor or at a PSI test centre.
Specialist certifications: Agile Analysis (IIBA-AAC), Business Data Analytics (IIBA-CBDA), Cybersecurity Analysis (IIBA-CCA) and Product Ownership Analysis (IIBA-CPOA).
What changed recently
IIBA updated the ECBA exam in July 2025. It now has 50 questions mixing situation-based and standard multiple-choice items, and nine domains built around the business analysis core concept model, with more focus on how analysts apply ideas at work. The new version launched in English, with earlier translated versions still available.
Is a certification worth it for a beginner?
It depends on your market. Some employers, particularly banks, consultancies and large IT services firms, list IIBA certifications in job postings; many product companies do not ask for them. For a newcomer, ECBA can give you a structured syllabus and shared vocabulary and show commitment. It does not replace work samples: a requirements package for a real organisation or a clear process improvement case will usually say more about you.
CCBA and CBAP are for people who already have the hours. Do not pay for training towards an exam you are not yet eligible to sit.
Free or paid?
The exams are paid. IIBA publishes current fees on each certification page, and the ECBA page lists bundles that include membership, the exam, a practice exam and a learning journey, with lower pricing for students in some regions. Fees change, so check the official page on the day you decide.
Other certifications you may see
PMI, the Project Management Institute, lists the PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) for experienced practitioners. BCS in the UK offers its own business analysis qualifications. Compare what employers in your target market actually ask for.
Common questions
Which one should I start with? ECBA if you have no BA experience; CCBA once you have the hours.
Do certificates expire? IIBA has recertification rules for its certifications; see the recertification page for the current requirements.
Best for: anyone deciding whether, and when, a business analysis certification is worth the money.
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