Both come from IIBA — but they target different roles and career stages. Here's how Entry Certificate in Business Analysis and Certification in Business Data Analytics compare, and how to choose.
The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.
| ECBA®Entry Certificate in Business Analysis | IIBA-CBDACertification in Business Data Analytics | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Entry | Specialty · Data |
| Exam length | 1h 15m | 3h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~50 | ~75 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 70% |
| In a sentence | The entry-level certification for new business analysts. | Where business analysis meets data analytics. |
| Free practice | 281 sample questions | 250 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 site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IIBA.
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 | IIBA-CBDAfacts 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 |
Application fee: Not required Exam fee — member: $250 Exam fee — non-member: $405 Recertification (yearly): 20 CDUs + $30 member / $50 non-member |
| Study time | around 30–60 hours (IIBA publishes no official figure) | around 30–50 hours (no official IIBA figure) |
| Renewal | None — the ECBA does not expire and requires no recertification or CDUs | 20 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) every year |
| Entry requirement | No work experience, professional-development hours, or references required — ECBA is entry-level and open to anyone with an IIBA account. | No mandatory requirements — open to anyone. IIBA recommends around 2 years of analysis work in business data analytics. |
| Body of knowledge | the BABOK Guide and IIBA's Business Analysis Standard | IIBA's Business Data Analytics guidance |
| Full fact pages | ECBA® cost · format · eligibility | IIBA-CBDA cost · format · eligibility |
Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.
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Both come from IIBA. ECBA® (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis) is a Entry credential, while IIBA-CBDA (Certification in Business Data Analytics) is a Specialty · Data credential. They differ mainly in target role, exam length and depth.
The ECBA® exam runs about 1h 15m with ~50 questions; the IIBA-CBDA exam runs about 3h 0m with ~75 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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