Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (IIBA) and PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI) 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 | PMI-PBA®PMI Professional in Business Analysis | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Entry | Professional |
| Exam length | 1h 15m | 4h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~50 | ~200 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 70% |
| In a sentence | The entry-level certification for new business analysts. | Business analysis in projects — PMI's BA credential. |
| Free practice | 281 sample questions | 297 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 PMI site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with IIBA or PMI.
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 | PMI-PBA®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 — PMI member: ~$405 (verify on pmi.org) Exam fee — non-member: ~$555 (verify on pmi.org) PMI membership (optional): $129/yr + $10 one-time Renewal (every 3 yrs): 60 PDUs under the CCR program |
| Study time | around 30–60 hours (IIBA publishes no official figure) | commonly reported 80–120 hours depending on BA experience |
| Renewal | None — the ECBA does not expire and requires no recertification or CDUs | 60 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's CCR program |
| Entry requirement | No work experience, professional-development hours, or references required — ECBA is entry-level and open to anyone with an IIBA account. | Secondary degree: 60 months of business analysis experience (last 8 years) + 35 contact hours of BA education, |
| Body of knowledge | the BABOK Guide and IIBA's Business Analysis Standard | the official PMI-PBA Examination Content Outline |
| Full fact pages | ECBA® cost · format · eligibility | PMI-PBA® cost · format · eligibility |
Compare the three-year cost of any two certifications, member or not, with the certification cost calculator.
Original, expert-reviewed questions with an explanation for every option. No dumps, no ads.
ECBA® (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis) is a IIBA entry credential, while PMI-PBA® (PMI Professional in Business Analysis) comes from PMI (professional). 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 PMI-PBA® exam runs about 4h 0m with ~200 questions. The more senior credential generally demands more applied, scenario-based judgement.
Yes. A free account gets 6 sample questions in study mode for each of ECBA® and PMI-PBA®, with an explanation for every option, plus a 10-question diagnostic for each. No credit card required.
Try ECBA® or PMI-PBA® practice in study mode, with full explanations and sources. No card required.
Start free →