Certified Business Analysis Professional (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.
| CBAP®Certified Business Analysis Professional | BCS BA Found.BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Senior | Foundation |
| Exam length | 3h 30m | 1h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~120 | ~40 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 65% |
| In a sentence | The senior-level BABOK certification. | The UK standard for business analysis fundamentals. |
| Free practice | 253 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.
| CBAP®facts as of August 2026 | BCS BA 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 (UK): £200 incl. remote proctoring, + VAT Prerequisites: None Renewal: None stated — verify on bcs.org |
| Study time | 150–200 hours over 2–3 months (roughly 5–8 hours a week) | official total qualification time is ~30 hours (18 guided + 11 independent + the exam) |
| Renewal | 60 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) every 3 years | None stated — the certificate has no published expiry (verify on bcs.org) |
| Entry requirement | 7,500 hours of BA work in the last 10 years | None — open to anyone; BCS recommends a good standard of written English. |
| Body of knowledge | BABOK v3 | the BCS Business Analysis Foundation syllabus |
| Full fact pages | CBAP® cost · format · eligibility | BCS BA 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 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 CBAP® exam runs about 3h 30m with ~120 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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