Certified Business Analysis Professional (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.
| CBAP®Certified Business Analysis Professional | PMI-PBA®PMI Professional in Business Analysis | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Senior | Professional |
| Exam length | 3h 30m | 4h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~120 | ~200 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 70% |
| In a sentence | The senior-level BABOK certification. | Business analysis in projects — PMI's BA credential. |
| Free practice | 253 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.
| CBAP®facts as of August 2026 | PMI-PBA®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 — 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 | 150–200 hours over 2–3 months (roughly 5–8 hours a week) | commonly reported 80–120 hours depending on BA experience |
| Renewal | 60 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) every 3 years | 60 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's CCR program |
| Entry requirement | 7,500 hours of BA work in the last 10 years | Secondary degree: 60 months of business analysis experience (last 8 years) + 35 contact hours of BA education, |
| Body of knowledge | BABOK v3 | the official PMI-PBA Examination Content Outline |
| Full fact pages | CBAP® 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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CBAP® (Certified Business Analysis Professional) is a IIBA senior 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 CBAP® exam runs about 3h 30m with ~120 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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