Simpler Steps, Greater Efficiency
The New and Improved ECBA Process
Receive free IIBA updates and exclusive content!
You may have heard the exciting news, IIBA® recently announced changes to the Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA™) application process. The Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA™) recognizes individuals ready to develop their business analysis knowledge, skills and behaviours as practicing business analysis professionals.
We have streamlined the ECBA certification process, eliminating the separate application fee and the 21 Professional Development (PD) hours required for eligibility. The price of the application is now combined with the exam fee. Prospective candidates can purchase the new ECBA exam fee priced at $195 USD (for Members), $350 USD (for Non-Members), and $150 USD (for Corporate Members). Find more certification pricing here.
This blog will discuss the changes to the ECBA certification process, including exam fees, and some preparation options if you are considering obtaining your ECBA.
New ECBA Eligibility Requirements
The streamlined process reduces the steps required for a candidate to schedule their exam, making it easier and more efficient. The new ECBA eligibility requirements include:- registering for an account with IIBA
- agreeing to the Code of Conduct
- agreeing to the Terms and Conditions
Benefits of the Streamlined Process
By simplifying and streamlining the ECBA application process, the steps required for a candidate to schedule their exam are reduced, making it easier and more efficient. With these process improvements, candidates can focus on the most important aspect of the exam process, which is studying for the exam!
How to Purchase the New ECBA Exam
To purchase the new ECBA exam at the new combined price, candidates should navigate to IIBA.org and log in using their IIBA credentials or create a new account:- From the profile page, open the “Certifications” menu.
- Click on the “My Certifications” option.
- Select “ECBA”, purchase the exam, and follow the next steps.
ECBA Exam Competencies and Preparation
The good news is the ECBA competencies and the ECBA exam have not changed. To view the ECBA exam competencies, click here. Ready to start prepping for your exam? There are many options available to help you prepare for your ECBA exam, including enrolling in an IIBA endorsed course or program, participating in a Chapter Study Group, or self-study.
IIBA endorses education and training delivered by Endorsed Education Providers (EEPs) and Academic Members to support the ongoing development of business analysis professionals. You can find an IIBA endorsed course or program by searching for “ECBA” within theEndorsed Education and Training directory and filtering by format: virtual or in-person.
IIBA Members are worldwide Chapter Members and can attend Chapter events. Chapter Study Groups are held either virtually or in person and can be found by searching for “Study Groups” within IIBA Chapter Events.
For those who prefer self-study, IIBA Members have free access to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK®) Guide andIIBA’s KnowledgeHub. IIBA’s KnowledgeHub provides online, searchable access to BABOK® Guide along with supporting materials to boost your study.
ECBA Certification Resources
ECBA exam candidates can prepare for and take the ECBA exam in several languages, including English, Chinese, French Standard, French Canadian, and Japanese. Download supportive information such as the ECBA Certification Handbook, IIBA’s Guide to Online Proctored Exams, and ECBA Roadmap brochure or review the ECBA Sample Exam Questions to get more familiar with the next steps in your certification journey.
Your Business Analysis Journey Starts Here
Professional certification, like ECBA, improves your marketability, your employability, and your earning potential. IIBA certifications validate the foundational knowledge and competencies that business analysis professionals should possess based on their work experience and skill sets. Plus, business analysis professionals who hold at least one certification earn 15% more than non-certified peers.
To learn more about the changes to the ECBA Application Process Update read IIBA’s Frequently Asked Questions here.
Approach Your ECBA Exam with Confidence
We believe in second chances! If you are not successful on your first ECBA exam attempt, we invite you to take advantage of IIBA's Member-exclusive free ECBA exam re-write offer.
No special codes are required, simply purchase the ECBA exam re-write fee during the promotional period and a full rebate will be applied. This offer applies when you purchase the ECBA exam re-write fee by May 31, 2023.*
*Terms & Conditions: The ECBA exam re-write rebate offer applies to IIBA® paid Members in good standing with an ECBA in progress, who purchase the ECBA exam re-write fee from April 26 to May 31, 2023, 11:59 PM ET. The rebate applies to the ECBA exam re-write fee and the re-write exam can be completed anytime during the active ECBA term. The full rebate will be applied to the original payment in USD and may take up to July 31, 2023, to be processed. Currency exchange rates fluctuate daily so the amount refunded may differ from the purchase price. The offer does not apply to bulk purchasing. This offer is subject to change without notice.
About The Author:
Isabel Feher-Watters is the Certification Programs Manager at IIBA® and has 25+ years' experience working in corporate, not for profit, association, and IT industries. Isabel compliments her BA in Psychology and post-graduate diploma in Human Resources Management with several certifications including being a Certified Credentialing Professional (ICE-CCP®), Certified Association Executive (CAE®), Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP®) and ITIL® certified. Isabel is passionate about human potential and delighted by the difference that certifications can make in the lives of business analysis professionals.
