PMI-PBA vs CBAP – Which certification is suitable for you?

The CBAP from the IIBA and the PBA from the PMI are the two most widely recognised Business Analyst credentials in the business world today. Despite the fact that there are a variety of additional certificates available, these two appear to be the most desirable. Here is the complete comparison between PMI-PBA vs CBAP.

The IIBA-CBAP (International Institute of Business Analysis) or PMI-PBA (Project Management Institute – Professional in Business Analysis) certification exams are excellent ways to advance your professional development and employment chances. Both certification examinations will provide you with a new level of qualification that will help you stand out from the crowd and be more attractive to potential employers.

Checkout – CBAP Certification Course From Techcanvass

What is PMI-PBA?

A business analyst who works with project teams and manages requirements or product development, as well as project and programme managers who undertake business analysis in the course of their jobs, are the primary beneficiaries of the PMI-PBA certification. Specifically, it focuses on the interaction between the project manager and the business analyst in order to maximise the contribution of each function to the project’s overall success.

According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), “business analysis has evolved into a competency of essential importance to project management.” Because of this, the PMI-PBA certification highlights your ability to collaborate with stakeholders in the definition of requirements, the shaping of project outputs, and the achievement of desired business objectives. This certification will demonstrate to employers that you have the ability and skills to function efficiently in an environment that requires these competencies.

What does the PMI-PBA Exam cover?

Specifically, you’ll be evaluated in the following domain:

• Evaluation of Requirements (18%)
• Making a plan (22%)
• Observation and evaluation (35%)
• Traceability and monitoring are important considerations (15%)
• Observation and evaluation (10%)

What do you need to know about the CBAP Exam?

The Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) programme has been in existence for more than a decade, and the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) continues to work to maintain worldwide standards for the continued development of Business Analysis practice and certifications.

As a CBAP, you are recognised for your expertise in a variety of business domains, including your ability to take on more complex projects, collaborate with stakeholders to define and manage the business needs, drive systems and processes, oversee the BA effort, and discover an opportunity to better business results are all responsibilities of a business analyst. Furthermore, according to the IIBA, there are more opportunities to pursue senior positions and advance in the Business Analysis career path in general.

There are several levels preceding the CBAP qualification that persons who wish to advance their careers in this profession can pursue through the International Institute of Business Administration (IIBA). A typical career path for CCBA certification holders includes consulting, process improvement, requirements management or analysis (including requirements management and analysis), and systems analysis.

It is necessary to meet the following requirements before you may sit for this examination:

• At least 3,750 hours of BA work experience in the last seven years; at least 900 hours in two of the six knowledge areas; or at least 500 hours in four of the six knowledge areas; or a combination of the two and four.
• Having completed at least 21 hours of professional development in the last four years is required for this position.
• Having a high school or equivalent qualification.
• Two references from clients, career managers, or other CBAP recipients must be provided. In addition, you must sign a code of conduct.

More importantly, this is one exam that cannot be prepared for by simply cramming. Because the test is also application-based, candidates will need to have a deeper understanding of the subject matter than just the fundamentals.

Read More – ECBA Exam Tips from Techcanvass

Comparison of PMI-PBA and IIBA Certification

The remaining elements appear to be more or less similar; please see the exact apple-to-apple comparison below for more information.

Qualifications in the field of education

IIBA CBAP

• No Criteria Mentioned

PMI PBA

• Secondary education: 7,500 hours (5 years) of work experience is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree: 4500 hours (3 years) of work experience required for a bachelor’s degree.

Hours of Operation

IIBA CBAP

• 35 PDU

PMI PBA

• 35 contact hours

Eligibility / Experience

IIBA CBAP

• In the last ten years, I have accumulated 7,500 hours (five years) of BA job experience.

PMI PBA

• 7,500 hours for a secondary degree (5 years) In the last eight years, I’ve gained BA experience.
• Bachelor’s degree requires 4,500 hours of work (5 years) In the last eight years, I’ve gained BA experience.
• 2,000 hours of this experience can be gained by participation in project teams.

Application Processing Timeline

IIBA CBAP

• Instant

PMI-PBA

• Online – up to five calendar days
• Ten business days for paper orders (individuals).
• Printed paper (corporations) – 20 working days

References

IIBA CBAP

• Two letters of recommendation from a career manager, a client, or a CBAP

PMI PBA

• Not required.

Certification Fees

IIBA CBAP

• Computer-based
• Membership Fees vary depending on the country of residency.
• Application Fee (non-refundable): $145
• Exam Fees- $350 (For IIBA members) & $505 (For non-members)

PMI-PBA

Testing on a computer system (CBT)

• Membership dues are $129 per year.
• Fee for certification – $405

Testing on a piece of paper (PBT)

• Membership dues are $129 per year.
• Fee for certification – $250

Re-examination

IIBA CBAP

• Members receive a $250 discount.
• Non-Members pay $375 each year.
• Once after the first examination within one year after approval, with no need to wait for a second test.

PMI-PBA

• Testing on a computer system (CBT)
• Membership dues are $129 per year.
• Fee for re-examination – $275
• Testing on a piece of paper (PBT)
• Membership dues are $129 per year.
• Fee for certification – $150
• For the purpose of passing the examination, you have one year from the date of registration to do so. You may retake the examination up to three times throughout the eligibility period by paying the re-examination fees for the second and third attempts.

Learn More – CBAP Recertification Course

Question Pattern

IIBA CBAP

• Based on the BABOK Guide, there are 120 multiple-choice questions.
• Time allotted for the examination – 3.5 hours
• Passing Score- Neither the cut score nor the passing rate for just any exam that is administered by the IIBA Certification Body is made publicly available.

PMI-PBA

• of Corrected Questions -175
• of Corrected Questions (Unscored) Questions – a total of 25
• 200 questions were asked in total during the examination.
• 4 hours are allotted for the examination.
• Passing Score-PMI consults with subject matter experts from across the world in order to determine the point at which each candidate should pass the examination(s) and the level of difficulty of the examination(s) in question. In order to verify that the point of difficulty on each test is healthy, data that shows how candidates actually fared are cross-referenced with subject matter experts.

Renewal

IIBA CBAP

• Once every three years,
• 60 CDU are required for renewal.
• Non-members pay $125,
• while members pay $85 each.

PMI-PBA

• Once every three years
• you’ll need 60 PDUs to renew your membership.
• Non-members are charged $150

Checkout – A Guide To CBAP Exam Preparation

Why more certification options is a good thing for business analysts?

The decision by PMI to enter this arena, The fact that this is true even with more restricted knowledge of the business analyst function is a sign of many positives to take for business analysts. The power of the Project Management Institute (PMI) behind the business analyst function, I believe, will lead to more adoption of business analysis as a distinct role from project management on an increasing number of projects. PMI will raise awareness of the role of project business analysts around the world through the new practice guide and PMI-PBA certification, something that IIBA® has simply not had the means to do. This is a positive development since it means more jobs, even greater business analyst compensation, and less time spent trying to sell our services.

People Also Look For – Business Analyst Certifications

But it does not appear like PMI will define and promote the next generation of business analysts — the types of chances that excite me about being a business analyst and that make it an appealing career for senior-level professionals seeking leadership positions. That is where the IIBA® comes in. This activity is significantly more difficult, and the road to achievement will unavoidably be more time-consuming. Despite the fact that the number of PBA credential holders is rapidly surpassing the number of CBAP® and CCBA® recipients, the IIBA® will require our support, strength, and resources to lead the charge on our behalf and keep it continuing in the future.

Is the PMI-PBA or IIBA® CBAP® or CCBA® right for you?

For professionals with limited time and resources, you may be considering whether the PMI-PBA is a better option than the IIBA® CBAP® or CCBA® certification. However, while it is far too early to tell how each certification will affect your employment prospects and career aspirations in the long run, there are some criteria you may use to determine which certifications are most beneficial to you in the short term.

• If you are currently employed in a project-focused business analyst capacity and are content to remain in that position, and your company is a member of PMI, the PMI-PBA certification could be an excellent alternative for you to increase your internal credibility.
• If you are in a project-focused business analyst capacity and are dissatisfied with your current position and desire a larger seat at the table (or even a seat at all), consider pursuing the CBAP® certification. As a result of the certification process, you will gain a more comprehensive understanding of your own strengths and discover new methods to contribute even more value to your firm.
• Continuing on the CBAP®/CCBA® path is recommended if your organisation currently supports it or if your certification process is already underway. You can always go back and get the PMI-PBA certification if it turns out to be advantageous.
• If you are looking for project-focused business analyst positions, earning the PMI-PBA, IIBA® CBAP®, or CCBA® certifications could help you get a leg up on the competition in your business analysis job search. It is too soon to say whether the PMI-PBA will considerably outperform the CBAP® or the CCBA® from the standpoint of employers looking to hire business analysts in the future.
• If you are content with your current position in your work or detest certificates, then just do what you would have done otherwise and ignore them altogether!

Of course, many professionals have already made the decision to combine the two credentials by adding the PMI-PBA to their existing CBAP® or CCBA® certification. Because each certification has a different meaning, that is unquestionably a legitimate path to take.

Conclusion

This is a question that comes up in the minds of a lot of experts. The CBAP has been in operation for more than a decade at this point. However, the Project Management Institute (PMI) as an institution has been around for much longer and is held in high regard in the project management community.

The good news is that the significance of business analysis is now recognised throughout the world. A new participant will almost certainly increase the size of the market and the demand for business analysis. The Project Management Institute (PMI) has finally created a new certification to suit the demands of the project business analysis community. Because project managers are often required to conduct business analysis functions as well, business analysis has become a very valuable talent to learn in recent years, particularly for those in the project management community.

The IIBA has dominated the certification sector for the business analyst community with its certifications, which include the CCBA (basic level) and CBAP qualifications (Advanced level). In fact, CIO.com considers the IIBA certificate as one of the top ten certifications to pursue in order to further your business administration (BA) career.

PMI has just introduced a business analyst certification, the PMI-PBA, for those who work in the field. And we are all aware of the market share held by the Project Management Institute (PMI) for its most popular credential in the project management stream, the PMP.