BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis (BCS) and AgileBA Foundation (APMG) (APMG) 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.
| BCS BA Found.BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis | AgileBA Found.AgileBA Foundation (APMG) | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Foundation | Foundation |
| Exam length | 1h 0m | 0h 40m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~40 | ~50 |
| Pass mark | 65% | 50% |
| In a sentence | The UK standard for business analysis fundamentals. | Business analysis the agile way — DSDM framework. |
| Free practice | 146 sample questions | 150 sample questions |
Exam parameters are compiled from each vendor's official exam guide. Always confirm the current format, eligibility and fees on the official BCS and APMG site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with BCS or APMG.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| BCS BA Found.facts as of August 2026 | AgileBA Found.facts as of August 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Exam fee (UK): £200 incl. remote proctoring, + VAT Prerequisites: None Renewal: None stated — verify on bcs.org |
Exam fee: ~£150–300 / $200–350 — set by ATO/APMG portal (verify) Prerequisites: None Renewal: None — Foundation does not expire |
| Study time | official total qualification time is ~30 hours (18 guided + 11 independent + the exam) | a 3-day course (~18–24 contact hours) or roughly 10–16 hours of self-study with the handbook |
| Renewal | None stated — the certificate has no published expiry (verify on bcs.org) | None — Foundation does not expire (Practitioner level is valid 5 years) |
| Entry requirement | None — open to anyone; BCS recommends a good standard of written English. | None — open to anyone; no prior agile or BA certification required. |
| Body of knowledge | the BCS Business Analysis Foundation syllabus | the AgileBA Handbook (Agile Business Consortium) |
| Full fact pages | BCS BA Found. cost · format · eligibility | AgileBA Found. cost · format · eligibility |
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BCS BA Found. (BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis) is a BCS foundation credential, while AgileBA Found. (AgileBA Foundation (APMG)) comes from APMG (foundation). They cover different bodies of knowledge, so the choice depends on the role you're aiming for rather than difficulty alone.
The BCS BA Found. exam runs about 1h 0m with ~40 questions; the AgileBA Found. exam runs about 0h 40m with ~50 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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