Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (IIBA) 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.
| ECBA®Entry Certificate in Business Analysis | BCS BA Found.BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Entry | Foundation |
| Exam length | 1h 15m | 1h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~50 | ~40 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 65% |
| In a sentence | The entry-level certification for new business analysts. | The UK standard for business analysis fundamentals. |
| Free practice | 281 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 IIBA and BCS site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IIBA or BCS.
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 | BCS BA 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 (UK): £200 incl. remote proctoring, + VAT Prerequisites: None Renewal: None stated — verify on bcs.org |
| Study time | around 30–60 hours (IIBA publishes no official figure) | official total qualification time is ~30 hours (18 guided + 11 independent + the exam) |
| Renewal | None — the ECBA does not expire and requires no recertification or CDUs | None stated — the certificate has no published expiry (verify on bcs.org) |
| 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; BCS recommends a good standard of written English. |
| Body of knowledge | the BABOK Guide and IIBA's Business Analysis Standard | the BCS Business Analysis Foundation syllabus |
| Full fact pages | ECBA® cost · format · eligibility | BCS BA Found. cost · format · eligibility |
Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.
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ECBA® (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis) is a IIBA entry 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 ECBA® exam runs about 1h 15m with ~50 questions; the BCS BA Found. exam runs about 1h 0m with ~40 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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