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What’s New in the ECBA Certification (Effective July 2025)
- AnalysisTrends
- Aug 15
- 2 min read
The Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA) has been updated! These changes help make sure the exam matches what real business analysts do on the job.
If you're planning to take the ECBA, here’s everything you need to know — in plain English.
🧠 Why Did ECBA Change?
The job market is changing fast — business analysts need more than just theory.
IIBA updated the exam to test real-world skills, not just textbook knowledge.
🔑 Main Changes in the New ECBA
1. New Exam Content
The exam now has 9 key areas (called "domains") instead of 5.
These include:
Understanding Business Analysis
Mindset and Skills
How to apply analysis
Six core concepts (from BACCM): Change, Need, Solution, Stakeholder, Value, Context
2. More Focus on BACCM
Over 60% of the exam now focuses on the Business Analysis Core Concept Model (BACCM).
This helps test how well you understand and apply core ideas in real situations.
3. New Question Style
Still 50 questions, but now more situation-based (real-world scenarios).
You now get 75 minutes (instead of 60) to complete the exam.
4. New Study Materials
You’ll now need to study:
BABOK® Guide v3
The Business Analysis Standard
✅ What Hasn’t Changed
The certificate name stays the same.
Current ECBA holders are not affected.
The exam is still 50 multiple-choice questions.
Translated versions of the old exam are still available (for now).
📅 Important Dates
Old exam ends: July 20, 2025
New exam starts: July 21, 2025
New exam results: Available starting October 6, 2025
📝 How to Prepare for the New ECBA
What to DoWhy It MattersFocus on the 9 domainsThese are what the new exam is based onUnderstand BACCMIt’s a big part of the test nowPractice with scenariosMost questions are real-life examplesUse the right materialsBABOK + The Business Analysis StandardTry IIBA's resourcesFree guides, roadmaps, and sample questions
🚀 Final Thoughts
The new ECBA exam is designed to be more practical and job-focused. It’s not harder—it’s smarter. If you prepare using the right tools and understand how business analysis works in real life, you’ll do great.
BA Road Map Handbook
BA Roadmap Handbook This is not a textbook. It’s a mirror. A companion. A quiet mentor. Each chapter: • Begins with a realistic story scene — something you might face (or already have). • Followed by what you practiced (without realizing), key takeaways, real-life triggers, and a try-this exercise. You can read it linearly and learn with chapter that matches your current challenge. You won’t just learn BA concepts here. You’ll learn how to think like a “Business Analyst.” © 2025 by Analysistrends All rights reserved.
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