Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA) and BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis (BCS) cover different bodies of knowledge. Here's how they compare side by side — and how to pick the one that fits your role.
The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.
| IIBA-AACAgile Analysis Certification | BCS BA Found.BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Specialty · Agile | Foundation |
| Exam length | 2h 0m | 1h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~85 | ~40 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 65% |
| In a sentence | Prove your agile business analysis skills across the three horizons. | The UK standard for business analysis fundamentals. |
| Free practice | 301 sample questions | 146 sample questions |
Exam parameters are compiled from each vendor's official exam guide. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and fees on the official IIBA and BCS site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IIBA or BCS.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| IIBA-AACfacts as of August 2026 | BCS BA Found.facts as of August 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Application fee: Not required Exam fee — member: $250 Exam fee — non-member: $405 Retake — member: $195 ($350 non-member) Recertification (yearly): 20 CDUs + $30 member / $50 non-member |
Exam fee (UK): £200 incl. remote proctoring, + VAT Prerequisites: None Renewal: None stated — verify on bcs.org |
| Study time | around 25–50 hours (no official IIBA figure) | official total qualification time is ~30 hours (18 guided + 11 independent + the exam) |
| Renewal | 20 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) every year | None stated — the certificate has no published expiry (verify on bcs.org) |
| Entry requirement | No work experience, application fee, or references required. IIBA recommends (but does not require) 2–3 years of analysis work in an agile context. | None — open to anyone; BCS recommends a good standard of written English. |
| Body of knowledge | the Agile Extension to the BABOK Guide (v2) | the BCS Business Analysis Foundation syllabus |
| Full fact pages | IIBA-AAC cost · format · eligibility | BCS BA Found. cost · format · eligibility |
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IIBA-AAC (Agile Analysis Certification) is a IIBA specialty · agile credential, while BCS BA Found. (BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis) comes from BCS (foundation). They cover different bodies of knowledge, so the choice depends on the role you're aiming for rather than difficulty alone.
The IIBA-AAC exam runs about 2h 0m with ~85 questions; the BCS BA Found. exam runs about 1h 0m with ~40 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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