Certificate in Product Ownership 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.
| IIBA-CPOACertificate in Product Ownership Analysis | PMI-PBA®PMI Professional in Business Analysis | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Specialty · Product | Professional |
| Exam length | 2h 0m | 4h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~85 | ~200 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 70% |
| In a sentence | Agile product ownership analysis for modern POs and BAs. | Business analysis in projects — PMI's BA credential. |
| Free practice | 299 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.
| IIBA-CPOAfacts as of August 2026 | PMI-PBA®facts as of August 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Application fee: Not required Exam-only — member: $250 Exam-only — non-member: $405 Learning + Exam bundle: $395 member / $550 non-member Recertification (yearly): 20 CDUs + $30 member / $50 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 | around 20–40 hours (no official IIBA figure) | commonly reported 80–120 hours depending on BA experience |
| Renewal | None — the CPOA is a certificate and does not expire | 60 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's CCR program |
| Entry requirement | No work experience, education, PD, or reference requirements — read the handbook and pass the exam. | Secondary degree: 60 months of business analysis experience (last 8 years) + 35 contact hours of BA education, |
| Body of knowledge | IIBA's Product Ownership Analysis guidance | the official PMI-PBA Examination Content Outline |
| Full fact pages | IIBA-CPOA 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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IIBA-CPOA (Certificate in Product Ownership Analysis) is a IIBA specialty · product 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 IIBA-CPOA exam runs about 2h 0m with ~85 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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