PMI-PBA vs CBAP: Which Certification is Better to Choose?

When weighing the options of Project Management Institute-Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) and Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certifications, professionals often find themselves contemplating which certification is better. PMI-PBA vs CBAP, both certifications help individuals advance their careers in the field of Business Analysis.  

According to PMI, as job opportunities for BAs are expanding with changing times becoming certified as a Business Analysis (BA) Specialist can help you advance your career. While various other certifications are available for pursuing a career in Business Analysis, these two are considered the most desirable. This blog will assist you in comparing the IIBA CBAP and PMI-PBA certifications in terms of market recognition, target audience, cost, and eligibility. 

Table of Contents

1) All about PMI-PBA 

2) All about CBAP 

3) Differences between PMI-PBA and CBAP 

4) PMI-PBA or CBAP, which is better? 

5) Conclusion 

All about PMI-PBA 

The PMI-PBA certification is designed for Business Analysts involved in Program and Project Management, engaging in daily Business Analysis activities. By obtaining the PMI-PBA certification, professionals can demonstrate their ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders and ensure that projects achieve successful business outcomes. 

Eligibility criteria for PMI-PBA 

To be eligible for the PMI-PBA certification, candidates must meet the following criteria:  

a) They must have at least three years (or 4,500 hours) of work experince in Business Analysis within the last eight consecutive years, with a bachelor's degree. Candidates should have five years (or 7,500 hours) of experience without a bachelor's degree. 

b) Have a track record of 2,000 hours of project team experience within the last eight consecutive years. 

c) Complete 35 contact hours of Business Analysis education. 

Exam format 

The PMI-PBA exam is a computer-based exam consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions. Among the 200 questions, 175 are scored questions, while the remaining 25 questions are considered pretest questions and are not scored. Pretest questions are randomly placed throughout the exam and are used by PMI to gather statistical information about their validity.



 

All about CBAP 

The CBAP certification is a widely renowned certificate in the field of Business Analysis. The provider of this course is the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), a worldwide professional organisation committed to helping Business Analysts. The CBAP certification is designed for experienced Business Analysts who want to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and expertise. It validates their ability to perform Business Analysis tasks and responsibilities effectively. 

Eligibility criteria for CBAP Certification 

The eligibility criteria for the CBAP Certification are as follows: 

a) You must have at least 3,750 hours of work experience in the last seven years. This work experience should be related to the field of Business Analysis. 

b) You must possess a minimum of 900 hours of experience in at least four of the six knowledge areas defined in the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK) guide. The BABOK guide provides a comprehensive framework that outlines the knowledge areas, tasks, techniques, and competencies required for effective Business Analysis. 

c) You must have at least 21 hours of Professional Development in the last four years. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and that you're updated with the latest practices and trends in Business Analysis. 

Exam format 

The CBAP exam is a multiple-choice exam consisting of 120 questions. The exam time allotted is 3.5 hours. The questions are based on the BABOK guide and assess the candidate's understanding of Business analysis concepts, techniques, and best practices. 

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Differences between PMI-PBA and CBAP  

PMI-PBA and CBAP are two professional certifications for Business Analysts. While both certifications are recognised in the industry, they differ in several ways, including:
 

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PMI-PBA or CBAP, which is better?

PMI-PBA benefits Business Analysts who work within Project Management teams and want to enhance their knowledge of Project Management methodologies and techniques. This certification is also useful for individuals who want to specialise in agile methodologies or work in industries that require Project Management skills.  

On the other hand, CBAP is beneficial for Business Analysts who want to focus on the broader aspects of Business Analysis, including strategy, requirements management, and solution assessment. This certification is ideal for individuals who want to work in industries that require strong business analysis skills, such as finance, healthcare, and telecommunications.  

In terms of benefits, both certifications provide recognition in the industry, which can lead to career advancement and higher salaries. Additionally, both certifications require ongoing professional development to maintain certification, which helps ensure that certified professionals remain up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices.   

Ultimately, the choice between PMI-PBA and CBAP depends on your career goals and the skills and knowledge you want to gain as a Business Analyst. It is recommended to thoroughly research both certifications and consider which aligns best with your career objectives before pursuing one. 

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Conclusion 

We hope this blog helps you spot the differences between PMI-PBA vs CBAP. CBAP or PMI-PBA have their own perks and benefits. Choosing either of them completely depends on your career goals, your current job role and work experience. They will help you upgrade your career options leading to better employment prospects in Business Analysis.   

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