Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (IIBA) and IREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering — Foundation (IREB) 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 | CPRE FLIREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering — Foundation | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Entry | Foundation |
| Exam length | 1h 15m | 1h 15m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~50 | ~45 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 70% |
| In a sentence | The entry-level certification for new business analysts. | Requirements engineering, the vendor-neutral IREB way. |
| Free practice | 281 sample questions | 145 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 IREB site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IIBA or IREB.
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 | CPRE FLfacts 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: ~$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 |
| Study time | around 30–60 hours (IIBA publishes no official figure) | IREB's syllabus allocates ~18 hours of training (typically a 2–3 day course) plus self-study |
| Renewal | None — the ECBA does not expire and requires no recertification or CDUs | None — CPRE Foundation Level is a one-time certification, valid for life |
| Entry requirement | No work experience, professional-development hours, or references required — ECBA is entry-level and open to anyone with an IIBA account. | None — the official Examination Regulations state 'Examination prerequisites: none'. |
| Body of knowledge | the BABOK Guide and IIBA's Business Analysis Standard | the IREB CPRE Foundation Level syllabus |
| Full fact pages | ECBA® cost · format · eligibility | CPRE FL cost · format · eligibility |
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ECBA® (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis) is a IIBA entry credential, while CPRE FL (IREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering — Foundation) comes from IREB (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 CPRE FL exam runs about 1h 15m with ~45 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
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