The Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) exam, administered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA), is undergoing significant changes starting July 21, 2025. These updates are designed to make the certification more relevant for today’s business analysis professionals and to better align with industry expectations for job readiness.
Key Changes in the 2025 ECBA Exam
- New Structure: The ECBA exam will now feature 50 multiple-choice, situation-based questions to be completed in 75 minutes. This change reflects a shift from knowledge recall to the practical application of business analysis concepts in real-world scenarios.
- Nine Domains: The exam blueprint has transitioned from five knowledge areas to nine domains. These include:
- Understanding Business Analysis (20%)
- Mindset for Effective Business Analysis (14%)
- Implementing Business Analysis (6%)
- Change, Need, Solution, Stakeholder, Value, Context (each 10%).
- BACCM Emphasis: There is a stronger focus on the Business Analysis Core Concept Model (BACCM™), which now accounts for about 60% of the exam content. The BACCM’s six core concepts—Change, Need, Solution, Stakeholder, Value, and Context—are central to the updated assessment.
- Updated Study Materials: Candidates must now study both The Business Analysis Standard and the BABOK® Guide v3. The exam draws from these references, with a particular emphasis on how concepts are applied, not just memorized.
- Enhanced Job Readiness: The update aims to ensure that certified professionals can demonstrate practical, job-ready skills, addressing past criticisms that the ECBA was too theoretical.
How to Prepare for the New ECBA Exam
- Align Study Plans: Focus on the nine new domains and the BACCM framework. Break your study into weekly goals, emphasizing active learning and regular review.
- Practice Situation-Based Questions: The exam now tests your ability to apply knowledge in realistic scenarios, so practice with sample questions and simulation exams.
- Utilize Official Resources: Use the ECBA Exam Blueprint, Reference Map, and sample questions provided by IIBA to guide your preparation.
- Join Study Groups: Engage with the IIBA community and participate in study groups to deepen your understanding through discussion and mentorship.
- Take Advantage of the Free Retake: For a limited time (June 1-July 20, 2025), candidates who do not pass on their first attempt will receive a free re-write, reducing the risk of taking the updated exam.
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