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10 Top Business Analyst Certification Options in 2025

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the business and finance sector is growing faster than the average for all occupations. With an estimated 911,400 job openings each year, the market for business analysts is ripe for the picking. Now is the time to obtain a business analyst certification.

Brett DayJackie LeavittJasna Mishevska

Written by Brett Day (Writer, Editor)

Reviewed by Jackie Leavitt (Co-Chief Editor)

Facts checked by Jasna Mishevska (Lead Fact-Checking Editor)

Last Updated: 2024-12-07T14:14:59+00:00

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

Key Takeaways: Top Business Analyst Certification

If you’re set on becoming a business analyst but aren’t sure which business analyst certification you should pursue, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll share the most popular and well-respected certifications from some of the best institutions around.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision regarding your continuing education. Obtain one of the certifications below, and you’ll become a vital member of any organization that takes an analytical approach to operations and any project management team. Let’s take a closer look at the top certifications you should consider.

What Makes the Best Business Analyst Certifications?

The best business analyst certifications should be offered by an accredited institution and cover the key concepts and critical components of the role in which you’re interested. There are many things to look for in business analyst certifications. All of the certifications listed below have all of these bases covered.

  1. Business Analysis Fundamentals Certification — An entry-level course for aspiring business analysts.
  2. Entry Certification in Business Analysis (ECBA) — Ideal for entry-level business analysts with little experience.  
  3. Certification of Competency in Business Analysis (CCBA) — For business analysts with plenty of experience.
  4. Simplilearn Business Analyst Master’s Program — Accredited by the IIBA, this course covers many business analysis bases, including SQL, Tableau and Python analysis.
  5. Professional of Business Analysis Certification (PBA) — For highly experienced business analysts with project team and product development experience.
  6. Foundation-Level Business Analyst Certification (CFLBA) — For product owners, systems analysts, marketing managers and more wanting to jump into business analysis.
  7. IIBA Certification in Business Data Analytics (CBDA) — The second level of certification offered by the IIBA.
  8. Agile Analysis Certification (AAC) — For business analysts wishing to become an Agile team member.
  9. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) — For analysts with significant experience in the field. 
  10. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) — A highly sought-after, independently verified certification.

As you can see, we have selected a wide range of certifications for business analysts of all experience levels. It’s worth mentioning that our list does not list the certifications in order from best to worst. They are listed in no particular order and are all here based on merit. It’s hard to go wrong with any of them.

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10 Best Business Analyst Certification Options

Now we’ll take a closer look at the business analyst certifications listed above. You’ll learn about the courses and what they cover, any required prerequisites, how much they cost and much more. Let’s dive right in.

1. Business Analysis Fundamentals Certification

udemy
The Business Analysis Fundamentals course is perfect for those
exploring the business analyst role.

More information about Business Analysis Fundamentals Certification:

Pros:

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Covers the basics
  • 2 certificates on completion 

Cons:

  • Not as widely recognized as other certifications

The Business Analysis Fundamentals course and certification offered by Udemy is the perfect choice for individuals wanting to start their business analyst journey. This entry-level course will teach you basic role concepts, how to use common tools and techniques, how to group, prioritize and validate business requirements, where to find jobs and more.

The course, which offers four hours of on-demand video, six articles and 94 downloadable resources, comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. There are no prerequisites. The course can be completed quickly and will provide you with a certificate upon completion. If you want to explore the business analyst role, this course is for you.

2. Entry Certification in Business Analysis (ECBA)

iiba
The Entry Certification in Business Analysis is respected worldwide.

More information about Entry Certification in Business Analysis (ECBA):

Pros:

  • Highly respected certification
  • No yearly renewals
  • Online testing

Cons:

  • Steep price increase for non-IIBA members.

Offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), the Entry Certification in Business Analysis (ECBA) is based on the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK). Those wishing to sit for the exam, which covers key concepts, underlying competencies, techniques, and more, can prepare by enrolling in a prep course or by self-studying.

The ECBA exam has 50 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in one hour. Two more advanced certifications offered by the IIBA, the CCBA and the CBAP (covered below), will be required if you want to hold more senior business analyst roles. For those looking for ground-level business analyst positions, the ECBA certification is for you.

3. Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA)

ccba
The Certification of Capability in Business Analysis is for experienced
business analysts wishing to further their careers.

More information about the Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA):

Pros:

  • Proven analysis acumen
  • Exams can be taken online

Cons:

  • 3-year renewal required
  • Higher fees for non-members

The Certification of Capability in Business Analysis will prove to a potential or current employer that you have the required abilities and knowledge to work successfully as an advanced business analyst. Before registering for the exam, you must prove you have 3,750 hours of business analysis experience and robust BABOK knowledge.

Like the preceding ECBA course, individuals can take a preparation course or self-study for the exam. The exam covers planning and monitoring, elicitation and collaboration, lifecycle management, strategy analysis, requirements analysis and design definition, and solution evaluation. Be prepared to answer 130 multiple-choice questions over three hours.

4. Simplilearn Business Analyst Master’s Program

simplilearn
The Simplilearn Business Analyst course was designed
with IBM and is accredited by the IIBA.

More information about the Simplilearn Business Analyst Master’s Program:

Pros:

  • Accredited by the IIBA
  • Globally recognized
  • Offers multiple electives

Cons:

  • Expensive

Accredited by the IIBA, the Business Analyst Master’s course by Simplilearn is ideal for those looking to change careers. The course is divided into multiple steps and covers all business analyst concepts and fundamentals. It also features numerous electives that let you earn a CCBA certification and certifications in Python, Agile Scrum and the Digital Transformation Course for Leaders.

The course fee is higher at $1,499, but will allow you to go from zero to a respected business analyst in one swoop. Completing the course will award you with 25 professional development units (PDUs) and 35 IIBA credits. The one-year course awards participants with individual certifications in all competencies and offers practice exams and access to teaching assistants.

5. Professional of Business Analysis Certification (PBA)

pmi-pba
The PMI-PBA certification might interest you if you’re ready to prove you have the knowledge and skills for a top business analyst job.

More information about the Professional of Business Analysis Certification (PBA):

Pros:

  • Highly respected certification
  • Helps demonstrate business analyst competencies

Cons:

  • Expensive for non-members
  • 3-year renewal required
  • Numerous prerequisites

The Project Management Institute offers experienced business analysts the Professional of Business Analysis certification. To qualify for the certificate, you must apply and prove that you have the required experience and knowledge to sit for the exam, which covers needs assessment, planning, analysis, traceability and monitoring, and evaluation.   

The exam features 200 multiple-choice questions and lasts four hours. Interestingly, the Project Management Institute does not publish the minimum passing grade for this certification.

If you want to pay less for the exam ($405), you can become a PMI member. Non-members will be asked to pay $555. The certificate must be renewed every three years. To renew, you must obtain 60 PDUs and pay a fee. The PMI does not list the fee.

6. Foundation-Level Business Analyst Certification (CFLBA)

cflba
The CFLBA, offered by the International Qualification Board for Business Analysis,
has no prerequisites.

More information about Foundation-Level Business Analyst Certification (CFLBA):

Pros:

  • Affordable
  • No experience needed 

Cons:

  • Few exam providers
  • Most partners are EU-based

The Foundation-Level Business Analyst Certification (CFLBA) is geared toward current business and systems analysts, product managers, product owners (check out our roundup of Scrum certifications), marketing managers and others who want to enter the business analysis field or prove their current knowledge. 

Numerous training partners offer CFLBA preparation services, and there are a couple of exam providers. The exam covers topics such as fundamentals of business analysis, strategy definition, business analysis process management, requirements engineering in business analysis, and solution evaluation and optimization.

The 60-minute exam gives non-native speakers 25% extra time to finish. You are required to answer 65% of the questions correctly. If you want an affordable certification that will help you land entry-level business analyst roles, check out the CLFBA. Once you hold the CLFBA, you can sit for the advanced Certified Advanced Level Business Analysis (CALBA) exam.

7. IIBA Certification in Business Data Analytics (CBDA)

cbda
The CBDA is an advanced course offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis.

More information about IIBA Certification in Business Data Analytics (CBDA):

Pros:

  • No prerequisites
  • Internationally recognized

Cons:

  • Steep price for non-members
  • Yearly renewal required

Per the IIBA’s website, the Certification in Business Data Analytics is ideal for individuals who want to show that they have the “ability to effectively execute analysis-related work in support of business analytics initiatives.” In other words, this certification proves you have a solid grasp of key competencies and skills needed to be successful in this field.

Following the entry-level ECBA certification, the CBDA certification takes things one step further by challenging your ability to source and analyze data and identify research questions. It also looks to see if you can read and interpret reports, use results to influence business decision-making and guide company-level strategies.

You can quickly find CBDA preparation courses to help prepare you for the exam. The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions and must be finished within two hours. The CBDA certification must be renewed yearly for $30 for IIBA members or $50 for non-members. If you’re ready to take the next step in your business analytics career, this course is for you.

8. Agile Analysis Certification (AAC)

iiba-aac
The IIBA-AAC is the ideal certification for those wanting to be an Agile business analyst. 

More information about Agile Analysis Certification (AAC):

Pros:

  • Co-made with Agile Alliance
  • Covers business analysis in Scrum, Extreme XP, Lean & Kanban frameworks

Cons:

  • Yearly renewal

If you want to be a business analyst in the world of Agile project management, the IIBA Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC) is for you. This certification will help you work with Kanban and Scrum, Lean, Extreme Programming and other project management methodologies. The certificate will prove that you can transform and deliver projects within Agile frameworks.

There are preparation courses that cost roughly $300 that you can take to help you prepare for the certification, or you can self-study. The exam covers four competencies: Agile mindset, strategy horizon, initiative horizon and delivery horizon. Needless to say, this course has been designed for individuals already familiar with business analysis and Agile frameworks.

The live online exam, which is based on the Agile Extension (co-developed with the Agile Alliance) and the BABOK, has 85 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. If you’re already a member of an Agile team and wish to move into a new role, this certification will help you do that.

9. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

cbap
The CBAP certification is for those who want to move into
senior management and analyst roles.

More information about Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP):

Pros:

  • Highly respected
  • Can be completed online

Cons:

  • Must renew every 3 years
  • Numerous prerequisites 

The Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification, offered by the IIBA, is one of the most prestigious — and hardest to obtain — certificates for analysts. The prerequisites of 7,500 hours of work experience over 10 years and near-perfect knowledge of BABOK competencies show that this course is only for highly experienced analysts.

Like the other IIBA certifications listed here, you can enroll in one of many preparation courses or use your experience and self-study for the examination. Be prepared to study business analysis planning and monitoring, elicitation and collaboration, lifecycle management, strategy analysis, requirements analysis and design definition, and solution evaluation.

When you sit for the final exam, you’ll face 120 multiple-choice questions over three and a half hours. If you’re ready to prove that you have senior management potential and start earning significantly more money, this globally recognized certification CBAP should be on your radar.

10. Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)

cap
The CAP certification offers independent verification and is highly sought after.

More information about Certified Analytics Professional (CAP):

Pros:

  • Highly wanted certification
  • Independent verification of technical expertise

Cons:

  • Renewal after 3 years

The CAP certification is for business analysts who wish to prove they can make sound business decisions from highly complex data sets. There isn’t a required CAP business analysis course as you are expected to have the knowledge and skills required before applying, but INFORMS offers one. The course fee is $630 for INFORMS members and $720 for non-members.

The CAP examination is based on the Job Task Analysis (JTA), which was developed by subject matter experts. There are seven areas in which applicants should be proficient. The areas are business problem framing, analytics problem framing, data, methodology selection, model building, deployment and lifecycle management.

Once accepted, applicants can take the examination at a test center or online. You’ll face 100 multiple-choice questions and will need to score roughly 70% to pass. To renew the certification, you must obtain 30 professional development units over three years and pay a fee. The CAP certification is not easy to obtain, but is worth the effort if you wish to enhance your career.

Why Are Advanced Business Analysis Certifications Beneficial For Your Career?

A business analysis certification will show employers that you are passionate about business analytics and have business analysis skills. The benefits of being certified include more job opportunities, enhanced pay and the respect of your peers. Pursuing and obtaining a certification is the best thing to do if you want to further your business analysis career.

Final Thoughts: Getting Your Business Analysis Certification

If you want to get ahead in the field of business analysis, there’s no better way than pursuing personal and professional development. Fortunately, there are numerous certifications and business analyst courses that will help you show prospective employers that you have the passion and the skills needed to join their teams.

If you want to earn the respect of those around you, open up numerous job opportunities and enhance your earning potential, take a closer look at the courses we have covered. Do any of the listed courses stand out to you? Have you taken a business analyst course that we haven’t covered? Let us know in the comments, and as always, thanks for reading. 

FAQ: Analyst Certifications

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