ECBA Exam Update:
What You Need to Know
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ECBA: Evolving for Success in a Changing World
The Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) is a globally recognized certification that marks an important first step for those starting their business analysis career.
The ECBA exam is evolving to better align with the needs of today’s business analysis professionals. With a stronger emphasis on the Business Analysis Core Concept Model (BACCM), a revised structure, and a focus on real-world application, the updated exam is designed to better prepare candidates for job readiness while addressing current industry expectations.
What's Changing?
- Real-World Alignment: Greater focus on tasks and challenges that business analysis professionals face in the workplace, aligning with employer expectations.
- Shift to Application-Based Questions: The exam now emphasizes situational and practical business analysis applications, testing your ability to apply concepts in real-world scenarios.
- Expanded Domains: The exam has expanded from five knowledge areas to nine domains, integrating the BACCM and addressing foundational business analysis skills.
- Updated Format: The new ECBA exam will still contain 50 questions, consisting of both situation-based and standard multiple-choice formats, with candidates now having 75 minutes.
What’s Not Changing
At launch, the new ECBA exam will be available in English only, while the existing translated exams will remain accessible. The current translated versions will continue to be offered beyond July 21, 2025, in their respective languages. Once translation work for the new exam is complete and ready for publication, we will announce the launch dates. For more details, visit the Multilanguage Resources page.
New Support Resources
The new ECBA exam tests candidates on foundational business analysis practices supported by The Business Analysis Standard and the BABOK Guide. Below are resources to help further understand the areas that will be covered.
- ECBA Exam Blueprint: Shows the nine domains and the percentage of questions in each domain.
- The Learning Outcomes: List the activity statements for each domain and provide examples of what candidates can demonstrate when performing these activities.
- The ECBA Syllabus Map: Links each activity statement to references within The Business Analysis Standard and the BABOK Guide, for focused study.
- The ECBA Sample Exam Questions: Provide examples of the two question types on the exam - situation-based and standard multiple-choice - and help test your knowledge.
New Resources to Support You
ECBA Exam Blueprint
The ECBA Exam Blueprint outlines the core competencies that will be tested in the updated exam. There are nine domains, of which 1 to 3 are foundational and 4 to 9 focus on practical application of the Business Analysis Core Concept Model (BACCM) from The Business Analysis Standard. The knowledge areas and business analysis tasks from the BABOK Guide are organized and expressed through domains 4 to 9. Familiarize yourself with the blueprint to understand the scope of the exam and the areas you should focus your study efforts on.
Download the Blueprint
ECBA Learning Outcomes
The ECBA Learning Outcomes outlines the domains, activity statements, and learning outcomes relevant to this exam. Learning Outcomes are what candidates can measurably demonstrate when performing the activities within each domain. Note that the learning outcomes are illustrative, not exhaustive, and are provided to help candidates demonstrate their competency in a given domain.
Download the ECBA Learning Outcomes
ECBA Syllabus Map
The ECBA Syllabus Map is designed to support comprehensive ECBA exam preparation. This resource outlines the domains and activity statements identified through the practice analysis and connects them to relevant sections of The Business Analysis Standard and the BABOK Guide, enabling focused training and study for candidates.
Download the ECBA Syllabus Map
ECBA Sample Exam Questions
Get a feel for the new exam format with the sample questions. These will help you understand the structure of the questions, including the mix of situation-based and standard multiple-choice queries. Use these as a resource to test your knowledge and identify areas for further study.
Candidate Q&A
The new ECBA exam introduces several changes, including a shift to nine domains and a greater focus on applying the BACCM to real-world scenarios. For more details and answers to common questions, download the full FAQ guide.
Additional Resources for Your Professional Development
Business Analysis Education and Training
IIBA endorses education and training delivered by education and academic partners to support the ongoing development of business analysis professionals from early career to senior levels.
Learn More
The Business Analysis Standard
The Business Analysis Standard provides a simplified, inclusive view of business analysis and includes the foundational concepts in an easy-to-use format. It delivers a comprehensive view of the foundation for effective business analysis.
Access Your Free Copy
ECBA Handbook
ECBA is the globally recognized entry certificate to the business analysis profession. The ECBA Handbook guides professionals pursuing their ECBA. It provides the necessary information for candidates to get started.
- For exams on or before July 20, 2025, refer to the current ECBA Handbook.
- For exams on or after July 21, 2025, refer to the new ECBA Handbook.