PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI) 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.
| PMI-PBA®PMI Professional in Business Analysis | BCS BA Found.BCS Foundation Certificate in Business Analysis | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Professional | Foundation |
| Exam length | 4h 0m | 1h 0m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~200 | ~40 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 65% |
| In a sentence | Business analysis in projects — PMI's BA credential. | The UK standard for business analysis fundamentals. |
| Free practice | 297 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 PMI and BCS site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with PMI or BCS.
Figures as published by each vendor, transcribed on the date shown. Where a vendor prices differently for members, both prices are listed.
| PMI-PBA®facts as of August 2026 | BCS BA Found.facts as of August 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fees | 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 |
Exam fee (UK): £200 incl. remote proctoring, + VAT Prerequisites: None Renewal: None stated — verify on bcs.org |
| Study time | commonly reported 80–120 hours depending on BA experience | official total qualification time is ~30 hours (18 guided + 11 independent + the exam) |
| Renewal | 60 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's CCR program | None stated — the certificate has no published expiry (verify on bcs.org) |
| Entry requirement | Secondary degree: 60 months of business analysis experience (last 8 years) + 35 contact hours of BA education, | None — open to anyone; BCS recommends a good standard of written English. |
| Body of knowledge | the official PMI-PBA Examination Content Outline | the BCS Business Analysis Foundation syllabus |
| Full fact pages | PMI-PBA® 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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PMI-PBA® (PMI Professional in Business Analysis) is a PMI professional 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 PMI-PBA® exam runs about 4h 0m with ~200 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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