IIBA certifications
ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP compared
IIBA offers business analysis credentials for different stages of professional development. ECBA provides a foundation, CCBA recognizes developing experience, and CBAP is intended for experienced business analysis professionals.
Your choice should reflect the work you have completed and the responsibilities you want to develop. Training prepares you for the exam; IIBA determines whether you meet its application requirements.
ECBA, CCBA and CBAP: cost and which to take
- 01
ECBA cost
$395 USD standard listed price for the exam, with no application fee and no work experience required. IIBA's figures, checked 9 October 2026.
- 02
CCBA cost
$145 USD application fee plus a $405 exam fee for non-members ($250 for IIBA members). Requires 3,750 hours of business analysis work in the last 7 years.
- 03
CBAP cost
$145 USD application fee plus a $505 exam fee for non-members ($350 for IIBA members). Requires 7,500 hours of business analysis work in the last 10 years.
- 04
ECBA vs CCBA vs CBAP: which to take
Go by your experience: ECBA to start, CCBA with a few years of BA work, CBAP once you are senior. Weighing CBAP against PMI's option? CBAP or PMI-PBA. Not sure which level fits? ECBA, CCBA or CBAP.
Which credential fits your experience
| Requirement | ECBA | CCBA | CBAP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical audience | People building business analysis foundations | Practitioners with developing experience | Experienced business analysis professionals |
| Qualifying work experience | None required | 3,750 hours within the last 7 years | 7,500 hours within the last 10 years |
| Professional development | No hours required | 21 hours within the last 4 years | 35 hours within the last 4 years |
| References | None required | Two | Two |
| Renewal | No recertification requirement | 60 CDUs in a 3-year cycle | 60 CDUs in a 3-year cycle |
For CCBA and CBAP, experience must also meet IIBA's distribution requirements across BABOK knowledge areas.
Review the relevant handbook before submitting an application. A total number of hours alone is not sufficient.
IIBA application and exam fees
The following fees were checked against IIBA's published table on 9 October 2026. All figures are in US dollars and may change. They are IIBA charges, separate from Education Edge tuition.
| Credential | Application fee | Exam fee for non-members | Exam fee for members |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECBA | Not required | $395 standard listed price | Check applicable offer |
| CCBA | $145 | $405 | $250 |
| CBAP | $145 | $505 | $350 |
IIBA advertises student rates for ECBA and includes first-year membership with the exam purchase described in its fee table. Check your account and the current IIBA fee page before paying. Application fees are identified as non-refundable and non-transferable.
How the exams are delivered
ECBA is delivered through online remote proctoring. CCBA and CBAP offer online remote proctoring and PSI test-center options. Check availability, identification requirements, and technical requirements for your location when scheduling.
| ECBA | CCBA | CBAP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 75 minutes | 180 minutes | 210 minutes |
| Questions | 50 | 130 | 120 |
| Question style | Situation-based and standard multiple choice | Scenario-based multiple choice | Multiple choice, case study and scenario-based |
| Where you sit it | Online remote proctored only | Online remote proctored, or a PSI test center | Online remote proctored, or a PSI test center |
How the CCBA and CBAP papers are weighted
Same six Knowledge Areas, different papers. Elicitation and Collaboration carries almost twice the weight on the CCBA that it does on the CBAP; Solution Evaluation runs the other way.
| Knowledge Area | CCBA | CBAP |
|---|---|---|
| Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring | 12% | 14% |
| Elicitation and Collaboration | 20% | 12% |
| Requirements Life Cycle Management | 18% | 15% |
| Strategy Analysis | 12% | 15% |
| Requirements Analysis and Design Definition | 32% | 30% |
| Solution Evaluation | 6% | 14% |
Choosing a preparation course
Look for a program that explains the relevant syllabus, includes practice suited to the exam, and provides opportunities to clarify difficult concepts. If you are applying for CCBA or CBAP, ask what documentation is provided for qualifying professional development.
Education Edge offers live online preparation for all three credentials. See each course for its curriculum, current dates, tuition, and support.
- ECBA trainingFor people building business analysis foundations.
- CCBA trainingFor practitioners with developing experience.
- CBAP trainingFor experienced business analysis professionals.
Common questions
- Must I earn ECBA before applying for CCBA or CBAP?
- Choose the credential whose current requirements you meet. Check the relevant handbook rather than assuming each credential must be earned in sequence.
- Does buying a course approve my application?
- No. IIBA reviews eligibility separately. Complete that check before committing to your preparation plan.
- Are exam fees included in Education Edge tuition?
- Confirm the inclusions for your selected course. The fee table above describes IIBA's charges and should not be treated as a bundled training price.
Sources
Every requirement and figure above was read from IIBA's own pages and handbooks on the date shown.
- IIBA certification feesChecked 9 October 2026
- IIBA certification overviewChecked in the 8–9 October 2026 review
- CCBA requirementsChecked in the 8–9 October 2026 review
- CBAP requirementsChecked in the 8–9 October 2026 review
- IIBA exam informationChecked in the 8–9 October 2026 review
- IIBA recertificationChecked in the 8–9 October 2026 review
- ECBA Handbook (PDF)May 2026 edition, read 7 October 2026
- CCBA Handbook (PDF)May 2026 edition, read 7 October 2026
- CBAP Handbook (PDF)May 2026 edition, read 7 October 2026