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Simon Buehring

Business Analyst certification: What it is and how to get certified

Discover the essentials of business analyst certification, from leading qualification types to preparation, costs, and career benefits. Start your path to professional recognition and new business analysis opportunities.
Business Analyst certification: What it is and how to get certified
Contents

What is business analyst certification?

Business analyst certification is the process by which professionals validate their understanding, skills, and experience in business analysis through a recognised credential awarded by authoritative organisations. Achieving business analyst certification, such as the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) from the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), International Diploma in Business Analysis (IDBA) from the BCS, or the PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) from the Project Management Institute (PMI), demonstrates a thorough mastery of techniques and principles such as those from the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK). These certifications help employers identify qualified candidates and support analysts in career progression, salary increases, and professional recognition.

How to become a certified Business Analyst: Step-by-step guide

  1. Assess your requirements: Review your career goals, current experience, and the types of business analysis roles you are interested in before choosing a certification.
  2. Choose the right certification: Compare key options such as IDBA (BCS), ECBA, CCBA, CBAP (IIBA), and PMI-PBA based on their eligibility requirements, recognition, and suitability to your experience level and industry.
  3. Check eligibility criteria: Evaluate prerequisites such as education, work experience, and professional development units (PDUs) for your chosen certification.
  4. Prepare for the exam: Use exam study materials like BABOK, take preparation courses from accredited training providers, and practise with sample questions.
  5. Apply for certification: Complete your application via the relevant body’s official website (BCS, IIBA or PMI) and submit required documents and payment.
  6. Schedule and sit the certification exam: Book a suitable date for the exam (via online certification options or test centres) and complete the assessment.
  7. Maintain your certification: Engage in continuing professional development and renew your credential according to the provider’s certification renewal policy.

Major business analyst certifications: Key options compared

Certification Level Provider Prerequisites Exam Format Cost (approx.) Target Audience
Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis (FCBA) Entry BCS No experience required 40 multiple choice (1 hr) £192 Beginners, recent graduates
Practitioner Certificate in Business Analysis Practice (PCBAP) Intermediate BCS Some experience recommended 40 multiple choice (1 hr) £230 Recent graduates
Practitioner Certificate in Requirements Engineering (PCRE) Intermediate BCS Some experience recommended 40 multiple choice (1 hr) £230 Recent graduates
Practitioner Certificate in Modelling Business Processes (PCMBP) Intermediate BCS Some experience recommended 40 multiple choice (1 hr) £230 Recent graduates
International Diploma in Business Analysis (IDBA) Intermediate BCS Some experience recommended 50 minute oral exam £1,232 Recent graduates
Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) Entry IIBA No experience required 50 multiple choice (1 hr) £150 (members) Beginners, recent graduates
Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA) Intermediate IIBA 3750 hrs BA work exp. (7 yrs) 130 multiple choice (3 hrs) £250 (members) Analysts with 2-3 yrs exp.
Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) Advanced IIBA 7500 hrs BA exp. (10 yrs) 120 multiple choice (3.5 hrs) £260 (members) Senior/principal analysts
PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) Professional PMI Bachelor’s + 3 yrs BA exp., or 5 yrs w/o 200 multiple choice (4 hrs) £300 (members) Project managers/BA leaders

Certification details and processes

Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis (FCBA)

  • Eligibility requirements: No prior experience.
  • Exam process: 40 multiple choice questions, held online.
  • Preparation resources: Online preparation courses, sample questions.
  • Benefits: Entry-level validation, ideal for newcomers to business analysis.

Practitioner Certificate in Business Analysis Practice (PCBAP)

  • Eligibility requirements: Some prior business analysis experience it recommended.
  • Exam process: 40 multiple choice questions, held online.
  • Preparation resources: Online preparation courses, sample questions.
  • Benefits: Ideal for those seeking a pathway to the BCS-IDBA certification.

Practitioner Certificate in Requirements Engineering (PCRE)

  • Eligibility requirements: Some prior business analysis experience it recommended.
  • Exam process: 40 multiple choice questions, held online.
  • Preparation resources: Online preparation courses, sample questions.
  • Benefits: Ideal for those seeking a pathway to the BCS-IDBA certification.

Practitioner Certificate in Modelling Business Processes (PCMBP)

  • Eligibility requirements: Some prior business analysis experience it recommended.
  • Exam process: 40 multiple choice questions, held online.
  • Preparation resources: Online preparation courses, sample questions.
  • Benefits: Ideal for those seeking a pathway to the BCS-IDBA certification.

International Diploma in Business Analysis (IDBA)

  • Eligibility requirements: Must have passed the Foundation certificate and 3 Practitioner exams.
  • Exam process: 50 minutes oral exam.
  • Preparation resources: Online preparation courses for the Foundation certificate and 3 Practitioner courses.
  • Benefits: Ideal for experienced business analyst professionals.

Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA)

  • Eligibility requirements: No prior experience; 21 hours of professional training in the last 4 years.
  • Exam process: 50 multiple choice questions, held online.
  • Preparation resources: BABOK, online preparation courses, sample questions.
  • Benefits: Entry-level validation, ideal for newcomers to business analysis.

Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA)

  • Eligibility requirements: 3,750 hours business analysis experience within the past 7 years, 21 PDUs, and two references.
  • Exam process: Computer-based, 130 multiple-choice questions, scenario-based.
  • Resources: Accredited training providers, BABOK study guides, online courses.
  • Benefits: For professionals with 2-3 years’ experience, demonstrates advanced capability.

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

  • Eligibility requirements: 7,500 hours of business analysis work in the last 10 years, 35 hours professional development, two references.
  • Exam process: 120 scenario-based multiple choice questions, computer-based, 3.5 hours.
  • Preparation: Intensive BABOK study, preparation courses, exam study materials.
  • Benefits: For experienced analysts, international recognition, often leads to salary increase and senior roles.

PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA)

  • Eligibility requirements: Secondary degree (A-levels, etc.) and 5 years business analysis experience, or bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience; 35 contact hours training required.
  • Exam process: 200 multiple choice questions, 4-hour duration; online or centre-based.
  • Preparation resources: PMI-PBA handbook, training courses, online simulators, BABOK.
  • Benefits: Widely recognised, ideal for project managers and analysts working in multi-disciplinary environments.

Business Analyst Certification Comparison Matrix

Certification BCS/IIBA/PMI Entry Experience Cost Global Recognition Maintenance
FCBA BCS No experience; training required £192 High None
PCBAP BCS No experience; training required £230 High None
PCRE BCS No experience; training required £230 High None
PCMBP BCS No experience; training required £230 High None
IDBA BCS No experience; training required £1,232 High None
ECBA IIBA No experience; training required £150+ High Annual renewal
CCBA IIBA 3,750 hours BA in 7 years £250+ High PDUs, 3-year cycle
CBAP IIBA 7,500 hours BA in 10 years £260+ Global PDUs, 3-year cycle
PMI-PBA PMI 3-5 years BA experience £300+ Global PDUs, 3-year cycle

Benefits and career outcomes of business analyst certification

  • Career progression: Certification sets candidates apart for senior and specialised roles such as lead business analyst or business analysis manager.
  • Salary increase: Certified business analysts often command higher salaries and are eligible for more lucrative contracts.
  • Professional recognition: Certified individuals are recognised by peers and employers as experts in business analysis best practice.
  • Opportunities for networking and continuous learning: Membership in professional bodies like BCS, IIBA and PMI opens access to communities, resources, and up-to-date insights.

Business analyst certification cost and online options

Certification costs vary by level, provider, and membership status (BCS, IIBA or PMI), typically ranging from £192 for entry-level to over £1,200 for advanced certifications. Many preparation courses and exams offer online certification options, including remote proctored exams, e-learning modules, and digital study materials. Costs should also take into account renewal fees and continuing professional development requirements.

Certification exam tips

  • Study the BABOK guide and related exam study materials thoroughly.
  • Take practice exams from accredited training providers.
  • Join online study groups or forums to discuss scenario-based questions.
  • Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
  • Develop a study plan covering all exam domains well in advance of your exam date.

FAQs

What is a business analyst certification?

Business analyst certification is a recognised professional qualification that verifies an individual’s expertise and competence in business analysis practices, typically awarded by bodies such as BCS, IIBA or PMI.

Which certification is best for business analyst?

The best business analyst certification depends on your experience and career goals. For those starting out, ICBA or ECBA are suitable, while the BCS IDBA is ideal for professionals seeking global recognition.

How much does business analyst certification cost?

Costs vary by level and provider: FCBA (£192), PCBAP (£230), PCRE (£230), PCMBP (£230), IDBA (£1,232), ECBA (£130+), CCBA (£250+), CBAP (£260+), and PMI-PBA (£300+). Prices may be lower for members of IIBA or PMI and increase with preparation courses and renewal fees.

How do I get certified as a business analyst?

To get certified, choose a credential (e.g., FCBA, PCBAP, PCRE, PCMBP, IDBA, ECBA, CCBA, CBAP, or PMI-PBA), ensure you meet eligibility requirements, complete a professional development course if required, apply through the official provider, and pass the certification exam.

Is business analyst certification worth it?

Yes, business analyst certification can significantly enhance your career prospects, provide professional recognition, and typically lead to higher salary opportunities and career advancement.

IT Learning Library™ online training

Business analyst certification and credibility

Business analyst certification is essential for professionals aiming to demonstrate analyst skills and credibility. It supports business analysis and analyst business certification needs across industries. Analyst certification, analyst course, and analyst courses help develop analytical abilities, data analysis, and business analysis certification. Analyst program and analyst qualification options enable business analysts to meet recognised standards.

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Professional certificates and ongoing development

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Specialisation, standards, and training content

Certified business analyst and professional business analyst certification holders meet the minimum requirements for specialised roles. Business process modeling, product owner responsibilities, and Scrum or Scrum Master roles are covered in training. BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, sets standards and offers exams and certifications. Certification exam success validates competencies and increases visibility on platforms like LinkedIn.

Essential skills for business analysts

Training, management, and stakeholder engagement are part of analyst training. Program content, topics, and scenarios are designed to prepare analysis professionals. Certification provides tools, resources, and badges for ongoing progress. Business analysts gain recognition, credibility, and additional skills needed to excel in diverse business environments.

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