PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI) 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.
| PMI-PBA®PMI Professional in Business Analysis | CPRE FLIREB Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering — Foundation | |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Professional | Foundation |
| Exam length | 4h 0m | 1h 15m |
| Questions (real exam) | ~200 | ~45 |
| Pass mark | 70% | 70% |
| In a sentence | Business analysis in projects — PMI's BA credential. | Requirements engineering, the vendor-neutral IREB way. |
| Free practice | 297 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 PMI and IREB site before booking. ExamDeck is an independent study tool and is not affiliated with PMI or IREB.
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 | CPRE FLfacts 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: ~$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 | commonly reported 80–120 hours depending on BA experience | IREB's syllabus allocates ~18 hours of training (typically a 2–3 day course) plus self-study |
| Renewal | 60 PDUs every 3 years under PMI's CCR program | None — CPRE Foundation Level is a one-time certification, valid for life |
| Entry requirement | Secondary degree: 60 months of business analysis experience (last 8 years) + 35 contact hours of BA education, | None — the official Examination Regulations state 'Examination prerequisites: none'. |
| Body of knowledge | the official PMI-PBA Examination Content Outline | the IREB CPRE Foundation Level syllabus |
| Full fact pages | PMI-PBA® cost · format · eligibility | CPRE FL 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.
PMI-PBA® (PMI Professional in Business Analysis) is a PMI professional 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 PMI-PBA® exam runs about 4h 0m with ~200 questions; the CPRE FL exam runs about 1h 15m with ~45 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 PMI-PBA® and CPRE FL, with an explanation for every option, plus a 10-question diagnostic for each. No credit card required.
Try PMI-PBA® or CPRE FL practice in study mode, with full explanations and sources. No card required.
Start free →