Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (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.
| CCBA®Certification of Capability in Business Analysis | PMI-PBA®PMI Professional in Business Analysis | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Intermediate | Professional |
| Exam length | 3h 0m | 4h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~130 | ~200 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 70% |
| In a sentence | The intermediate BABOK certification for analysts with a few years' experience. | Business analysis in projects — PMI's BA credential. |
| Free practice | 252 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.
| CCBA®facts as of August 2026 | PMI-PBA®facts as of August 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Application fee (one-time): $145 Exam fee — member: $250 (first-year membership included) Exam fee — non-member: $405 Retake — member: $195 ($350 non-member) 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 | 100–150 hours over roughly 2 months | 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 | 3,750 hours of BA work in the last 7 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 | CCBA® 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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CCBA® (Certification of Capability in Business Analysis) is a IIBA intermediate 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 CCBA® exam runs about 3h 0m with ~130 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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