IREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering — Foundation (IREB) 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.
| CPRE FLIREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering — Foundation | BCS BA Found.BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Foundation | Foundation |
| Exam length | 1h 15m | 1h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~45 | ~40 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 65% |
| In a sentence | Requirements engineering, the vendor-neutral IREB way. | The UK standard for business analysis fundamentals. |
| Free practice | 145 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 IREB and BCS site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IREB or BCS.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| CPRE FLfacts as of August 2026 | BCS BA Found.facts as of August 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Exam fee: ~$120–315 / €110–290 — set per provider (verify at iSQI/Certible/GASQ) Student discount: 50% at iSQI on request Prerequisites / application fee: None Renewal: None — valid for life |
Exam fee (UK): £200 incl. remote proctoring, + VAT Prerequisites: None Renewal: None stated — verify on bcs.org |
| Study time | IREB's syllabus allocates ~18 hours of training (typically a 2–3 day course) plus self-study | official total qualification time is ~30 hours (18 guided + 11 independent + the exam) |
| Renewal | None — CPRE Foundation Level is a one-time certification, valid for life | None stated — the certificate has no published expiry (verify on bcs.org) |
| Entry requirement | None — the official Examination Regulations state 'Examination prerequisites: none'. | None — open to anyone; BCS recommends a good standard of written English. |
| Body of knowledge | the IREB CPRE Foundation Level syllabus | the BCS Business Analysis Foundation syllabus |
| Full fact pages | CPRE FL cost · format · eligibility | BCS BA Found. cost · format · eligibility |
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Requirements engineering, the vendor-neutral IREB way.
Practice CPRE FL free → BCS BA Found.The UK standard for business analysis fundamentals.
Practice BCS BA Found. free →CPRE FL (IREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering — Foundation) is a IREB foundation 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 CPRE FL exam runs about 1h 15m with ~45 questions; the BCS BA Found. exam runs about 1h 0m with ~40 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
Yes. A free account gets 6 sample questions in study mode for each of CPRE FL and BCS BA Found., with an explanation for every option, plus a 10-question diagnostic for each. No credit card required.
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