Written by

Jennifer Carlson

August 28, 2024

Edited by

Tamatha Hazen

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

CBAP certification exam cost

CBAP certification costs include a $145 application fee and a CBAP exam cost of $350 for IIBA members or $505 for non-members. Joining IIBA can reduce the fees, making the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification cost more manageable. Overall, candidates spend $450 to $650 for certification, not including test prep.

What is CBAP certification?

A Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) certification is a type of accreditation for professionals in the business analysis field. The International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), an international nonprofit, grants this certification. A CBAP certification lasts 3 years.

Having a CBAP certification can improve your salary expectations, job prospects, and skill sets. Employees with a CBAP earn 13% more than their uncertified colleagues on average and are less likely to be unemployed.

CBAP requirements

While the CBAP cert is geared towards senior analysts, it’s also appropriate for project managers, quality assurance professionals, testers, or consultants. To take the CBAP exam, you’ll need to meet the following minimum requirements first:

• At least 7,500 hours of relevant work experience within the past 10 years

• At least 3,600 hours of that time must fall within 4 of the 6 Business Analyst Body of Knowledge (BABOK) areas, or 900 hours per category.

• At least 35 hours of professional development over the last 4 years

Exam components

The CBAP exam has 120 questions and covers six different subjects with the following proportions:

Renewal

CBAP renewal costs $85 to $120 every 3 years. To maintain your certification, you must earn at least 60 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) during that time. These credits may include training courses, creating relevant content, business analysis work, or coaching sessions.

CBAP certification cost factors

The total cost of obtaining CBAP certification extends beyond just the application and exam fees. Study materials, prep courses, and missed work can all add to the total expense. For candidates that rely on prep courses rather than self-study, certification costs can easily reach $750 to $3,000+.

Factors affecting CBAP certification costs may include:

• IIBA membership: Joining IIBA is optional but can provide significant savings on exam fees. Membership costs $139 per year for professionals and $65 per year for students.

• Study materials: Candidates should budget for study materials, which can include the BABOK Guide priced between $40 and $60, exam prep books costing $30 to $100 each, and practice tests costing $10 to $50 each.

• Exam prep courses: Many candidates choose to enroll in exam prep courses. Self-study courses typically cost between $300 and $800, while instructor-led courses can cost $1,000 to $2,500.

• Travel expenses: If you plan to take the exam at a test center, consider travel expenses, which may include transportation costs and potential lodging if you need to travel a significant distance.

• Time investment: Preparing for the CBAP exam requires a considerable time commitment. Candidates often spend between 100 and 200 hours studying, and some may need to take time off work to sit for the exam.

• Recertification: To maintain your certification, you will incur recertification fees every three years, which typically range from $85 to $120. Additionally, you may need to invest in continuing education courses to earn the required Continuing Development Units (CDUs).

• Exam retake fees: If you need to retake the exam, the fees are $295 for IIBA members and $450 for non-members.

FAQs about CBAP certification

How difficult is CBAP certification?

The CBAP exam is challenging, especially for entry-level professionals. You need to have a solid grasp of business analysis to pass. However, you’re more likely to pass the exam if you complete practice exams first.

How long does it take to get a CBAP certification?

Getting a CBAP certification can take months or years, depending on how much relevant experience you already have. If you’re new to the business analysis field, you’ll have to complete 7,500 hours of related work experience before you can apply, which equates to about 5 years.

If you’re worried about getting everything done on time, remember that you have one full year from the time your application is approved to take the exam.

How long is the CBAP exam?

The CBAP exam has 120 questions and takes 3.5 hours to complete. This means you’ll need to allocate less than 2 minutes for each question.

Is CBAP certification worth it?

Though your employer probably won’t require a CBAP certification, it may be beneficial in the following ways:

• Salary increase or higher earning potential

• Growth and advancement in your career

• Recognition

• High return on investment

What to look for in a CBAP tutor

When choosing a CBAP or business tutor, follow these guidelines:

• Look for tutors with verifiable experience in CBAP preparation.

• Research their track record and read reviews on Tutors and Google.

• Consider the teaching style of the tutor and whether it’s structured or flexible.

• Make sure their availability aligns with your preferences and schedule.

• Look for tutors that monitor your progress and give feedback.

Questions to ask a CBAP instructor

Ask these questions to help make the most of your time with a tutor:

• How will you test my knowledge as we progress?

• In which areas do you think I need the most improvement?

• Can you help make a personalized study plan?

• Can you give me an overview of the CBAP exam or test question examples?

• What are the hardest sections of the CBAP test?

• Can you give me some tips for time management during the exam?

• How much time should I devote to independent study?

• Will you be available for questions or support between classes?