Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (IIBA) and AgileBA Foundation (APMG) (APMG) 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.
| ECBA®Entry Certificate in Business Analysis | AgileBA Found.AgileBA Foundation (APMG) | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Entry | Foundation |
| Exam length | 1h 15m | 0h 40m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~50 | ~50 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 50% |
| In a sentence | The entry-level certification for new business analysts. | Business analysis the agile way — DSDM framework. |
| Free practice | 281 sample questions | 150 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 APMG site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IIBA or APMG.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| ECBA®facts as of August 2026 | AgileBA Found.facts as of August 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | Exam fee (includes 1st-year IIBA membership): $395 Application fee: Not required Retake: $95 member / $250 non-member Recertification: None — does not expire |
Exam fee: ~£150–300 / $200–350 — set by ATO/APMG portal (verify) Prerequisites: None Renewal: None — Foundation does not expire |
| Study time | around 30–60 hours (IIBA publishes no official figure) | a 3-day course (~18–24 contact hours) or roughly 10–16 hours of self-study with the handbook |
| Renewal | None — the ECBA does not expire and requires no recertification or CDUs | None — Foundation does not expire (Practitioner level is valid 5 years) |
| Entry requirement | No work experience, professional-development hours, or references required — ECBA is entry-level and open to anyone with an IIBA account. | None — open to anyone; no prior agile or BA certification required. |
| Body of knowledge | the BABOK Guide and IIBA's Business Analysis Standard | the AgileBA Handbook (Agile Business Consortium) |
| Full fact pages | ECBA® cost · format · eligibility | AgileBA Found. cost · format · eligibility |
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ECBA® (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis) is a IIBA entry credential, while AgileBA Found. (AgileBA Foundation (APMG)) comes from APMG (foundation). They cover different bodies of knowledge, so the choice depends on the role you're aiming for rather than difficulty alone.
The ECBA® exam runs about 1h 15m with ~50 questions; the AgileBA Found. exam runs about 0h 40m with ~50 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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