What is Business Analysis? Key Techniques & Analyst Role

Project Management Institute (PMI)

Exam Length230 minutes (3 hours, 50 minutes)Number of Exam Questions180 (multiple choice, multiple response, hotspot, and limited fill-in-the-blank)Exam FeeUSD $555 (non-member), USD $405 (PMI member)

Eligibility Requirements

Education, work experience, project management education hours
Renewal Period
Every 3 yearsPDUs Required for Renewal60 PDUs
Global Recognition
Widely recognised in over 200 countries

PMP Certification Process: Step by Step

Confirm PMP Eligibility:

Check the necessary education, project management experience, and project management education hours (see table below).ScrumGather Documentation: and Kanban. Gain hands-on experience by contributing to Collect details of your work experience and project management education.Agile projects

PMP Application Process: and using tools like Jira, Confluence, and Miro. Submit your application via the PMI website. Develop skills in stakeholder communication, facilitation, and backlog management. You can strengthen your expertise by earning an
PMIAgile Business Analyst certification may request documentation or select you for audit. through a structured training programme.Application Review:What does an Agile Business Analyst do? PMI reviews your submission, typically within 5 business days.An Agile Business Analyst collaborates with Product Owners, stakeholders, and development teams to translate business requirements into
Schedule Your Exam:user stories Once approved, pay the PMP exam fee and schedule at an authorised test centre or online., manage backlogs, and facilitate prioritisation. They ensure each product increment delivers measurable business value while supporting continuous improvement and adaptive planning.
Prepare for the Exam:Typical responsibilities include: Utilise exam preparation resources, such as PMI-authorised training partners (ATP), Eliciting and analysing requirements collaboratively
online coursesFacilitating backlog refinement sessions, study groups, and the Supporting sprint reviews and retrospectivesPMBOK GuideEnsuring alignment between business goals and technical delivery.What is an Agile business analyst?
Sit the PMP Exam:An Complete the 180-question, computer-based test within 230 minutes.Agile business analystAchieve bridges the gap between business needs and technical delivery. They ensure that Agile teams deliver high-value outcomes aligned with organisational objectives while adhering to CertificationAgile principles
:. Upon passing, agree to the PMI Code of Ethics and accept your PMP credential.They prioritise collaboration, transparency, and responsiveness, helping teams adapt to change and continuously improve. You can learn more about the Certification Renewal:Agile BA role

Earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every 3 years and pay the renewal fee to maintain your credential under PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR). by enrolling in an

PMP Eligibility RequirementsAgile Business Analyst certification course	To apply for the PMP exam, you must satisfy criteria for education, work experience, and project management education. The table below outlines the two main qualification routes:.
Educational BackgroundWhat is the role of a business analyst in Agile?	Project Management ExperienceThe role of a
Project Management Educationbusiness analyst in Agile	Bachelor’s degree or global equivalent is to connect business goals with technical solutions. They ensure requirements are clear, testable, and prioritised to deliver maximum value. Unlike in traditional Minimum 36 months leading projectsprojects35 contact hours (or a CAPM certification), Agile BAs collaborate continuously with Product Owners and teams throughout delivery cycles.
Secondary degree (A-levels, NVQ, or equivalent)You can learn more about this role through an	Minimum 60 months leading projectsAgile Business Analyst certification course
35 contact hours.	The 35 contact hours of project management education can be achieved through classroom, online, or self-paced courses from PMI-authorised training partners or other reputable providers.What is the value of continuous improvement in Agile Business Analysis?
PMP Exam Structure and DetailsContinuous improvement is central to Agile Business Analysis. It ensures teams regularly assess performance, gather feedback, and make iterative adjustments to improve efficiency and outcomes.	Format:For Agile BAs, continuous improvement means refining processes, facilitating retrospectives, and identifying opportunities to deliver higher value. This culture of learning helps maintain alignment between project goals and evolving business needs.
180 questions (multiple choice, multiple response, hotspot, and fill-in-the-blank)What tools do Agile BAs use?	Exam Duration:Agile Business Analysts use various tools to collaborate, document, and manage work efficiently. Common tools include:
230 minutesJira	Question Allocation: – for backlog management and sprint tracking

Approximately 50 percent predictive Confluence

project management approaches – for documentation and collaboration, 50 percent Trelloagile – for lightweight visual task management
or hybrid approachesMiroReference Guide: – for virtual whiteboarding and workshop facilitation
These tools enable Agile BAs to maintain transparency, streamline communication, and support continuous feedback loops within teams.PMBOK GuideWhich certifications are relevant for Agile BAs?
(Several Project Management Body of Knowledgecertifications
) are valuable for Agile Business Analysts seeking to validate their skills and advance their careers. Popular options include:Pass Rate:IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC)
PMI does not publish official pass rates; average estimates from training partners suggest around 60–70 percent – focuses on applying Languages:business analysis Offered in English and multiple other languages within Agile environments.
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) – ideal for those working closely with Scrum teams.
AgileBA Certification – specifically designed for

Business Analysts

working in Agile projects.

These certifications demonstrate professional competence and help strengthen your understanding of Agile frameworks and business analysis practices.
Subscribe to our exclusive offers and promotionsagile methodologies
and hybrid concepts
Subscribe nowPMP Certification Renewal and Maintenance

PMP certification requires renewal every three years. You must earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) in line with PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR) to demonstrate ongoing professional development. Activities to earn PDUs include training, volunteering, and work in project management.

Comparison: PMP vs Other Project Management CertificationsCertificationIssued ByTarget Audience
RequirementsFocusGlobal Recognition
PMPPMIExperienced

project managers

Degree + experience + PM education

Predictive, Agile, and Hybrid methods
High
CAPM
PMI
Entry-level project professionals
Secondary degree + PM education

Project management fundamentals

MediumPRINCE2AXELOSProject managers (global, with UK focus)None for Foundation; experience for PractitionerProcess-based methodologyHigh in UK, EuropeRecognised Value of PMP CertificationThe PMP credential is widely regarded as the gold standard in project management. It demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence, adherence to PMI’s Code of Ethics, and proficiency in running complex projects. PMP holders typically earn higher salaries and have better career prospects, according to various salary surveys and employment data.

project management or Project Management Short Courses Londonchange management qualifications

to support broader career progression.< pass the PMP® exam

FAQs< PMP® certification

What is business analysis?< . You must complete either classroom or

Business analysis is the systematic investigation and evaluation of business needs to recommend solutions that achieve organisational objectives. It includes requirements gathering, stakeholder engagement, and process optimisation.

What does a business analyst do?
A business analyst identifies business problems, elicits requirements, engages stakeholders, and ensures that proposed solutions align with business goals. They act as a bridge between business and IT functions.
What are the key techniques in business analysis?
Common business analysis techniques include SWOT analysis<, terminology, and real-world application. The average pass rate is estimated between , gap analysis, requirements elicitation, process mapping, use case modelling, and stakeholder analysis.
What are the main types of requirements in business analysis?
Business analysts work with business requirements (organisational goals), stakeholder requirements, and
technical requirements (system or IT needs).< background, how well you study, and how familiar you are with both Agile and predictive methodologies.
What is the BABOK?
BABOK refers to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge, a globally-accepted standard containing best practices, techniques, and competencies for business analysis, maintained by IIBA.
What qualifications or certification should a business analyst have?
Common <, you must earn certifications<60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) include BCS’s Business Analysis Foundation certificate, International Diploma in Business Analysis, and Practitioner certificates in Business Analysis Practices, Requirements Engineering, and Modelling Business Processes.<.
In addition, there are IIBA’s ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP, which validate knowledge of BABOK and proficiency in requirements elicitation, stakeholder engagement, and process improvement.
How does business analysis differ from project management?
Business analysis focuses on defining requirements and recommending solutions, while project management is concerned with planning, executing, and delivering projectsHow long does it take to get a PMP?

, depending on your background and study pace. Preparing your application and gathering documentation usually takes one to two weeks, while exam study may take several months.Manage Consent three to six monthsTo provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Project Management Institute (PMI)

Eligibility Requirements

Confirm PMP Eligibility:

Earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every 3 years and pay the renewal fee to maintain your credential under PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR). by enrolling in an

Approximately 50 percent predictive Confluence

Business Analysts

working in Agile projects.

Degree + experience + PM education

Project management fundamentals

FAQs< PMP® certification

What is business analysis?< . You must complete either classroom or

What are the key techniques in business analysis?
Common business analysis techniques include SWOT analysis<, terminology, and real-world application. The average pass rate is estimated between , gap analysis, requirements elicitation, process mapping, use case modelling, and stakeholder analysis.

How does business analysis differ from project management?
Business analysis focuses on defining requirements and recommending solutions, while project management is concerned with planning, executing, and delivering projectsHow long does it take to get a PMP?

publishes global certification statistics but does not always disclose country-specific figures. For the most accurate and current data, visit PMI.org or contact the UK PMI chapter.

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Project Management Institute (PMI)

Eligibility Requirements

Confirm PMP Eligibility:

Earn 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every 3 years and pay the renewal fee to maintain your credential under PMI’s Continuing Certification Requirements (CCR). by enrolling in an

Approximately 50 percent predictive Confluence

Business Analysts

working in Agile projects.

Degree + experience + PM education

Project management fundamentals

What are the key techniques in business analysis?Common business analysis techniques include SWOT analysis<, terminology, and real-world application. The average pass rate is estimated between , gap analysis, requirements elicitation, process mapping, use case modelling, and stakeholder analysis.

How does business analysis differ from project management?Business analysis focuses on defining requirements and recommending solutions, while project management is concerned with planning, executing, and delivering projectsHow long does it take to get a PMP?

What are the key techniques in business analysis?
Common business analysis techniques include SWOT analysis<, terminology, and real-world application. The average pass rate is estimated between , gap analysis, requirements elicitation, process mapping, use case modelling, and stakeholder analysis.

How does business analysis differ from project management?
Business analysis focuses on defining requirements and recommending solutions, while project management is concerned with planning, executing, and delivering projectsHow long does it take to get a PMP?