IIBA can be expanded as the International Institute of Business Analysis that deals with the formulation of rules and manages the business analysis and allied fields. It also offers certifications to deserving candidates in the field of business analysis based on their skill, talent, and knowledge. The different types of certifications offered by IIBA in the field of business analysis are ECBA (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis), CCBA (Certification of Competency in Business Analysis), CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional), etc. An IIBA certification helps in opening up new boundaries for the candidates regarding jobs and salaries and thereby secures their future in the business analysis field. Preparation for both the certifications should be aided by CCBA training or CBAP training, as may be the case.
Requirements: – The two certifications require almost similar requirements to check the eligibility of a candidate for the examination, although there are slight differences. The requirements for both the certifications are:-
– For CBAP certification examination: a minimum of 35 hours of Professional Development (PD)
- A minimum of 7500+ work hours in the field of Business Analysis
- Agreement to the rules provided by IIBA
– For the CCBA certification examination: at least 21 hours of Professional Development (PD)
- At least 3750+ experience hours in the field of Business Analysis
- Agreeing to the rules laid down by IIBA
The examination fees for both the certification examination are identical which are as follows:-
| Examination fees | Retake fees | |||
| Members | Non members | Members | Non members | |
| CBAP | $ 325 USD | $ 450 USD | $ 250 USD | $ 375 USD |
| CCBA | $ 325 USD | $ 450 USD | $ 250 USD | $ 375 USD |
The important and eye catching differences between both of the certifications have been discussed below:-
| Characters | CCBA | CBAP |
| Level of certification | It is a level 2 certification for the newer candidates. It can as well be treated and referred to as an entry – level certificate. | The certification of CCBA is more elaborate and is of level 3 certification. It is a professional level certification that is appeared by professionals with a minimum of 3 – 5 years of certification. |
| Duration of the examination | Only 3 hours of 180 minutes | The examination is of 3.5 hours or 210 minutes in total |
| Number of total questions asked in the certification examination | A total of 130 MCQs are asked in the examination | Only 120 MCQs are asked in the certification examination |
| The basis of questions | The questions asked in CCBA certification are mainly based on real life scenarios | The questions asked in the CBAP certification examination are both scenario based as well as case study based questions |
| Difficulty level of the examination | The difficulty level of this examination is pretty medium, close to easy | Whereas CBAP certification examination is a lot harder than can be expected with lengthier questions. |
| Target audience | This certification is mainly targeted at and preferred by the mid – level business analysts and professionals | This certification is well targeted at and preferred by the senior business analysts and professionals |
| Knowledge area requirement | The said individual is expected to have mastered the knowledge provided under the 6 knowledge areas in the specification of 900 hours in any 2 or 500 hours in any four knowledge areas. | The requirement of knowledge area expertise in CBAP is at least 900 hours of studies in any 4 of the prescribed 6 knowledge areas |
Certifications have become a non-negotiable part of hiring in today’s world, where recruiters are looking for trustworthy third-party validations of the skills and knowledge of a candidate pertaining to a specified area. The certifications may range from entry – levels to an expert – levels. The certifications that a business analysis job aspiring candidate can undertake include ECBA, CCBA, CBAP, etc. These certifications are all governed and handled by the IIBA. The latter two certifications are well equipped enough to confuse one candidate as to which one to pursue when given a choice between the two. The two are exceptionally well-preferred all over the world and have very minimal differences owing to the fact that they both have the same governing body. Nevertheless, the differences have been researched well and compiled in a succinct manner to aid the candidate to make a better decision when given a choice to choose anyone from the said certifications of CCBA and CBAP.