Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA) and PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI) 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 | PMI-PBA®PMI Professional in Business Analysis | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Specialty · Agile | Professional |
| Exam length | 2h 0m | 4h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~85 | ~200 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 70% |
| In a sentence | Prove your agile business analysis skills across the three horizons. | Business analysis in projects — PMI's BA credential. |
| Free practice | 301 sample questions | 297 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 PMI site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IIBA or PMI.
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 | PMI-PBA®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 — PMI member: ~$405 (verify on pmi.org) Exam fee — non-member: ~$555 (verify on pmi.org) PMI membership (optional): $129/yr + $10 one-time Renewal (every 3 yrs): 60 PDUs under the CCR program |
| Study time | around 25–50 hours (no official IIBA figure) | commonly reported 80–120 hours depending on BA experience |
| Renewal | 20 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) every year | 60 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's CCR program |
| 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. | Secondary degree: 60 months of business analysis experience (last 8 years) + 35 contact hours of BA education, |
| Body of knowledge | the Agile Extension to the BABOK Guide (v2) | the official PMI-PBA Examination Content Outline |
| Full fact pages | IIBA-AAC cost · format · eligibility | PMI-PBA® cost · format · eligibility |
Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.
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IIBA-AAC (Agile Analysis Certification) is a IIBA specialty · agile credential, while PMI-PBA® (PMI Professional in Business Analysis) comes from PMI (professional). 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 PMI-PBA® exam runs about 4h 0m with ~200 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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