PMI-PBA^® Certification Information & Resources

What is PMI-PBA Certification?

There are several certification options available when you want to go into business analysis or enhance your analysis skill set. However, if your goal is to work in project management, the PMI-PBA may be exactly what you need.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers a Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA) certification. It can help you prove that you have these additional skills, and that you’re capable of utilizing them to lead teams and engaged stakeholders more effectively.

This is a fast-growing certification and becoming certified in this area is one of the top ways to differentiate yourself when searching for a job or hoping for a promotion.

If you’re ready to get your PMI-PBA certification but you aren’t sure where to begin, below is a short guide on what’s required to get this desirable credential.

What Are the Requirements for the PMI-PBA Certification?

Here’s a basic breakdown of the steps you’ll need to take to earn your PBA certification:

1. Fulfill the prerequisites set forth by PMI

According to the PMI-PBA Handbook, you can qualify for this certification by taking one of the following routes.

The first option is to prove that you have:

• A secondary degree, which can be a high school diploma, an associate’s degree, or the global equivalent
• 60 months of business analysis experience, earned within the last eight years
• 35 contact hours of education in business analysis

The second option is to prove that you have:

• A bachelor’s degree or higher, or the global equivalent
• 36 months of business analysis experience, earned within the last eight years
• 35 contact hours of education in business analysis

A third option is to prove that you have:

• A bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate degree from a GAC accredited program (a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or the global equivalent)
• 24 months of non-overlapping business analysis experience
• 35 contact hours of formal education (you might be able to use GAC coursework for this requirement)

RMC offers PMI-PBA exam prep course options that satisfy 100% of the 35 contact hours required for eligibility.

2. Apply to take the PMI-PBA certification exam

Once you have your prerequisites complete, you can submit your application to PMI online. They’ll review your application, and if it’s approved, you’ll be asked to pay a fee to take the certification exam.

When calculating your business analyst certification cost, be sure to include the exam fee:

• If you are a member of PMI, the exam fee will be $405
• If you aren’t a member, the exam fee will be $555

Note: If you fail the exam the first time, you have one year to take it up to three times. If you fail every attempt, you’ll need to wait a year from the date of your last exam before you can try again. Also, every time you retake the test, you’ll need to pay a fee ($275 if you’re a member or $375 if you’re a non-member), so it’s definitely worth trying your hardest to pass the first time!

3. Maintain your certification by earning the required number of PDUs

Once you’ve passed the PBA exam, you can celebrate! But don’t forget that you also have to maintain this certification by getting the right number of professional development units (PDUs).

• Earn 60 PDUs in business analysis every three years

Tip: Check out the courses offered by RMC to see if they can give you the PDUs you need to keep this certification.

Enroll in the Right Business Analyst Training to Pass the Exam

The PMI-PBA exam is challenging. It covers a lot of topics, and it consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, which you have to complete in four hours. So, it’s wise to take a course that teaches you what’s on this exam.

Prepare yourself as much as possible by enrolling in the right business analysis certificate program. That way, you can confidently take the PMI-PBA exam, pass on your first try, and be on your way to taking your career to new heights.