Which certification should I pursue? ECBA, CCBA, or CBAP?
How do I know which certification is BEST for me?
There are so many certifications that I am completely confused about which one to pursue.
Can you please guide me on which certification I should go for?
These are some of the common questions we frequently receive from Business analysis enthusiasts who are keen on levelling up their BA careers with an IIBA certificate.
The three certification levels are designed to suit the needs of business analysis professionals at various different work experience levels.
Level 1 – ECBA (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis)
Level 2 – CCBA (Certification of Capability in Business Analysis)
Level 3 – CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional)
The field of Business Analysis (BA) offers these certification options to validate your skills and advance your career. Choosing the proper certification depends on your experience, career goals, and specific interests within BA. Here, we'll compare three prominent certifications offered by IIBA, i.e., the International Institute of Business Analysis: ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP. Each certification caters to different levels of experience and expertise, so understanding their distinct requirements and focus areas can help you make an informed decision.
Target Audience: The ECBA is designed for individuals entering the field of BA, including new graduates and professionals aiming to transition into a BA career.
Target Audience: The CCBA is intended for BA professionals with 2-3 years of experience.
Target Audience: The CBAP is aimed at BA professionals with over 5 years of experience, including seasoned BAs, consultants, trainers, and those in systems analysis or management roles.
ECBA is for entry-level professionals in the business analysis profession, CCBA for mid-level practitioners, and CBAP for seasoned experts. ECBA requires minimal experience, while CBAP demands substantial business analysis expertise, representing the highest level of certification in this field. CCBA falls between the two regarding work background requirements. In terms of pro dev hours, ECBA needs the least, with CBAP requiring the most. Exam difficulty escalates from ECBA to CBAP, reflecting the increasing levels of proficiency and complexity in business analysis skills. CCBA sits in the middle ground, balancing the experience needed.
For CCBA, you need 3,750 hours of work experience in business analysis within the last seven years, which is part of the required hours of work experience for the certification. The certification exam consists of 130 multiple choice questions. The fees for CCBA are $325 for IIBA members and $450 for non-members.
For the CCBA certification, candidates need a minimum of 3750 hours of BA work experience in the last seven years, along with 21 hours of professional development from accredited training courses. The exam comprises 130 multiple-choice questions. The fees for this certification are $325 for IIBA members and $450 for non-members.
Consider your career goals, work experience, and business analysis skills in knowledge areas. Evaluate the eligibility criteria and align them with your experience level. Assess the focus areas of each business analysis certification and match them with your strengths. Review the fees and benefits to make an informed decision. Consult with a career manager or mentor for guidance. Understand the differences between ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP to choose the certification that best fits your aspirations in the field of business analysis.
Choosing between ECBA, CCBA, and CBAP depends mainly on where you are in your business analysis profession career, including the eligibility requirements for each certification. For those new to the field, ECBA is an excellent starting point. CCBA is suitable for professionals with moderate BA experience who are looking to validate their skills. Meanwhile, CBAP is ideal for highly experienced BAs seeking to demonstrate their advanced expertise.
Using this information you can decide what would be the right certification for you.
If you are a business analyst with 5/6+ years of experience and are thinking of taking the CBAP, then take a look at this post on how to prepare for it and CBAP on BABoKV3.
If you are a mid-level business analyst with 3+ years of experience, then CCBA may be the right certification for you, especially if you aspire to roles like project managers.
If you are a beginner business analyst with no or 1+ year of business analysis experience, then ECBA may be the right certification for you, then take a look at this Chicken and Egg, Certification or experience in Business Analysis and also this beautiful video on Introduction to ECBA certification.
Take a look at the sample learning video on BA planning approach from the collection of 99+ learning videos and webinars as part of our BABoK V3 study content.