📊 IIBA · BABOK® Guide v3 certifications

ECBA® vs CCBA®

Both come from IIBA and share the same BABOK® Guide v3 foundation — but they target different points in a business analyst's journey. Here's how Entry Certificate in Business Analysis and Certification of Capability in Business Analysis compare, and how to choose.

Read the full guide: ECBA vs CCBA vs CBAP: Which IIBA Certification Fits Your Experience Level? (2026) →

Side-by-side comparison

The fastest way to see which credential fits your experience and goals.

  ECBA®Entry Certificate in Business Analysis CCBA®Certification of Capability in Business Analysis
LevelEntryIntermediate
Exam length1h 15m3h 0m
Questions (real exam)~50~130
Pass mark70%70%
In a sentenceThe entry-level certification for new business analysts.The intermediate BABOK certification for analysts with a few years' experience.
Free practice281 sample questions252 sample questions

Exam parameters reflect the IIBA BABOK® Guide v3 framework. Always confirm current eligibility and fees on IIBA's official site before applying. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IIBA.

Cost, study time and renewal

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 CCBA®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
Application fee (one-time): $145
Exam fee — member: $250 (first-year membership included)
Exam fee — non-member: $405
Retake — member: $195 ($350 non-member)
Recertification (every 3 yrs): $85 member / $120 non-member
Study timearound 30–60 hours (IIBA publishes no official figure)100–150 hours over roughly 2 months
RenewalNone — the ECBA does not expire and requires no recertification or CDUs60 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) every 3 years
Entry requirementNo work experience, professional-development hours, or references required — ECBA is entry-level and open to anyone with an IIBA account.3,750 hours of BA work in the last 7 years
Body of knowledgethe BABOK Guide and IIBA's Business Analysis StandardBABOK v3
Full fact pages ECBA® cost · format · eligibility CCBA® cost · format · eligibility

Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.

Practice for either exam — free

Original, expert-reviewed questions with an explanation for every option. No dumps, no ads.

ECBA® vs CCBA® — questions, answered

What is the difference between ECBA® and CCBA®?

Both are IIBA certifications built on the BABOK Guide v3. ECBA® (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis) is a Entry credential, while CCBA® (Certification of Capability in Business Analysis) is a Intermediate credential. They differ mainly in target experience level, exam length and depth.

Which is harder, ECBA® or CCBA®?

The ECBA® exam runs about 1h 15m with ~50 questions; the CCBA® exam runs about 3h 0m with ~130 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.

Can I practice both ECBA® and CCBA® for free?

Yes. ExamDeck offers free sample questions in full study mode for both ECBA® and CCBA®, with an explanation for every option. No credit card required.

Start free — questions on either exam

Try ECBA® or CCBA® practice in study mode, with full explanations and sources. No card required.

Start free →