Certified Business Analysis Professional (IIBA) 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.
| CBAP®Certified Business Analysis Professional | AgileBA Found.AgileBA Foundation (APMG) | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Senior | Foundation |
| Exam length | 3h 30m | 0h 40m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~120 | ~50 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 50% |
| In a sentence | The senior-level BABOK certification. | Business analysis the agile way — DSDM framework. |
| Free practice | 253 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 IIBA and APMG site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IIBA or APMG.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| CBAP®facts as of August 2026 | AgileBA Found.facts as of August 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Application fee (one-time, non-refundable): $145 Exam fee — IIBA member: $350 (first-year membership included) Exam fee — non-member: $505 Retake — member: $295 Recertification (every 3 yrs): $85 member / $120 non-member |
Exam fee: ~£150–300 / $200–350 — set by ATO/APMG portal (verify) Prerequisites: None Renewal: None — Foundation does not expire |
| Study time | 150–200 hours over 2–3 months (roughly 5–8 hours a week) | a 3-day course (~18–24 contact hours) or roughly 10–16 hours of self-study with the handbook |
| Renewal | 60 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) every 3 years | None — Foundation does not expire (Practitioner level is valid 5 years) |
| Entry requirement | 7,500 hours of BA work in the last 10 years | None — open to anyone; no prior agile or BA certification required. |
| Body of knowledge | BABOK v3 | the AgileBA Handbook (Agile Business Consortium) |
| Full fact pages | CBAP® cost · format · eligibility | AgileBA Found. cost · format · eligibility |
Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.
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CBAP® (Certified Business Analysis Professional) is a IIBA senior 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 CBAP® exam runs about 3h 30m with ~120 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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