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RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK: CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL | AUG 2024
© 2024 International Institute of Business Analysis.
CBAP
®
RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK
The Guide to Maintaining the Certified Business
Analysis Professional™ Designation
AUGUST 2024
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RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK: CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL | AUG 2024
© 2024 International Institute of Business Analysis.
Contents
1.0 The Recertification Program .................................................................................................. 3
1.1 Program Overview................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Requirements at a Glance ....................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Recertification Dates .............................................................................................................................. 5
1.4 Fee Payment and Submission ................................................................................................................. 5
2.0 Policies ................................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Code of Ethical Conduct and Professional Standards ............................................................................. 5
2.2 IIBA Recertification Terms and Conditions ............................................................................................ 5
2.3 Certified Status ....................................................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Dual Certification: CCBA and CBAP ........................................................................................................ 6
2.5 Failure to Recertify .................................................................................................................................. 6
2.6 Appeals ................................................................................................................................................... 7
3.0 CDU Qualifying Activities ....................................................................................................... 8
Category 1: Professional Development ......................................................................................................... 8
Category 2: Work History .............................................................................................................................. 8
Category 3: Professional Activities ............................................................................................................... 9
Category 4: Volunteer Service....................................................................................................................... 9
Category 5: Self-Directed Learning ............................................................................................................. 10
Category 6: Formal Academic Education .................................................................................................... 10
4.0 IIBA Endorsed Education and Training Providers (EEP) ........................................................ 11
5.0 Reporting CDUs in the BA Development Log ......................................................................... 12
6.0 Audits and Audit Documentation ......................................................................................... 13
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RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK: CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL | AUG 2024
© 2024 International Institute of Business Analysis.
1.0 The Recertification Program
1.1 Program Overview
Earning the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) designation is a significant
achievement. CBAP is the globally recognized credential for seasoned business analysis
professionals, including those with a CCBA designation, as well as hybrid business analysis
professionals, product managers, trainers, and non-BA consultants.
To maintain the certification, credential holders are required to demonstrate continued
competence and stay current with changes in the field. Professional activities include learning
activities to develop knowledge and skills and applying activities that give back to the
profession.
To remain certified, recipients must renew their certification every 3 years.
The purpose of recertification is to:
▪ Enable the continuing professional development and competence of certification holders
▪ Show employers that certification holders remain current and competent
▪ Encourage the efforts of certified practitioners to give back to the profession
▪ Uphold the global recognition and value of the CBAP designation
“Maintaining your certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession by ensuring
that you remain current with changes in the field through recertification” (Source: Institute for
Credentialing Excellence, ICE-CCP Recertification Guide, 2022).
The following documents outline program requirements and provide guidance on how to
record activities.
The CBAP Recertification Handbook
(this document)
The CBAP Recertification Process Guide
Purpose
Provides program overview, policies,
requirements, and categories under
which hours can be recorded.
Provides step-by-step guidance on how
to enter activities into the BA
Development Log and submit the
recertification application.
IIBA is committed to providing full access to its credentialing products and services and
complying with applicable laws and regulations, including the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
IIBA’s credentialing policies and practices are guided by the International Standards
Organization, ISO/IEC 17024, and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
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RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK: CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL | AUG 2024
© 2024 International Institute of Business Analysis.
Earn 60 CDUs
Every 3 Years
Enter CDUs
into BA
Development Log
Pay
Recertification
Fee
Submit
Recertification
Application
Get Recertified!
1.2 Requirements at a Glance
To maintain the credential, continuing competence must be demonstrated every 3 years
through 60 Continuing Development Units (CDUs.)
Credential holders may achieve CDUs in any combination of categories. They are not required
to record CDUs in all categories but must record CDUs in more than one category and adhere
to category maximums (see section 3.0 CDU Qualifying Activities for the category maximums).
CDUs earned for activities will vary. In general, 1 CDU is earned for each hour in a planned
and structured activity, with fractions of CDUs up to quarter (0.25) hour increments.
CDU activities must be aligned to the Knowledge Areas (KAs) or Domains outlined in A Guide
to the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge® (BABOK® Guide). The KA titles and numbers are
described below and in the CBAP Recertification Process Guide:
1. Business Analysis Planning and Monitoring (KA1): Describes the tasks that business analysis
professionals perform to organize and coordinate their efforts with those of stakeholders.
2. Elicitation and Collaboration (KA2): Describes business analysis tasks performed to prepare
for and conduct elicitation activities and confirm the results obtained, as well as ongoing
communication and collaboration with stakeholders.
3. Requirements Life Cycle Management (KA3): Describes business analysis tasks performed to
manage and maintain requirements and design information from inception to retirement.
This includes establishing meaningful relationships between related requirements and
designs, and assessing, analyzing, and gaining consensus on proposed changes.
4. Strategy Analysis (KA4): Describes business analysis tasks performed to identify the
business need, enable the enterprise to address that need, and align the resulting strategy
for the change with higher- and lower-level strategies.
5. Requirements Analysis and Design Definition (KA5): Describes business analysis tasks
performed to structure and organize requirements, specify and model requirements and
designs, validate and verify information, identify solution options, and estimate the
potential value of each solution option.
6. Solution Evaluation (KA6): Describes business analysis tasks performed to assess the
performance and value of a solution in use by the enterprise, and to recommend the
removal of barriers or constraints that prevent the full realization of value.
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RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK: CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL | AUG 2024
© 2024 International Institute of Business Analysis.
1.3 Recertification Dates
The recertification date begins when the certification examination is passed and ends on the
3-year anniversary of that date. CDU activities must be earned within the 3-year cycle (e.g., after
the certification date and before the recertification date).
For example, if the CBAP exam is passed on June 30, 2025:
Certification is Valid for 3 Years
June 30, 2025 to June 30, 2028
Certification Must be Recertified By
June 30, 2028
1.4 Fee Payment and Submission
Recertification consists of an online process via the IIBA website. The Recertification Fee is
non-refundable and must be paid by the recertification date.
Upon payment of the recertification fee and submission of the recertification application, an
IIBA email confirms status of Certified (for the new maintenance term) or Recertification in
Audit. See section 6.0 for the recertification audit process.
2.0 Policies
2.1 Code of Ethical Conduct and Professional Standards
Credential holders have an ongoing responsibility to the business analysis profession and
must agree to abide by the Code of Ethical Conduct and Professional Standards, when
applying for recertification.
2.2 IIBA Recertification Terms and Conditions
The IIBA Recertification Terms and Conditions outline the terms for submission and payment
of the recertification application. It is each credential holder’s responsibility to be aware of
their recertification date and to comply with requirements on time or risk losing their
certification.
Recertification reminder emails will be sent by IIBA, unless an individual opts out from
receiving IIBA emails. It is strongly recommended to keep the primary email address with
IIBA up to date.
Note: Email communications from IIBA may be inadvertently blocked or forwarded to spam
filters. Adding [email protected] to a personal email address book may help ensure that
credentialing information from IIBA is received.
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2.3 Certified Status
Credential holders who recertify every 3 years continue to be certified, hold a Digital Badge
and remain listed in the Certified Professional Directory, if they have consented to have their
name listed. Opting into or out of the directory is part of the online certification and
recertification process.
2.4 Dual Certification: CCBA and CBAP
Holders of both CCBA and CBAP certifications will only have to recertify for CBAP, and CCBA
will be covered. When the CBAP recertification is completed, the CCBA recertification is
automatic and follows the CBAP recertification term dates.
2.5 Failure to Recertify
Credential holders who do not recertify on time are officially no longer certified and cannot
represent themselves as certified. Their name and digital badge are removed from the listing
in the IIBA Certified Professional Directory.
Suspended Status
Credential holders who do not recertify on time are given a 1-year grace period to record their
CDUs, pay the recertification fee and submit the application without penalty.
For candidates who recertify in suspended status, the length of the next term, including start
and end dates, remains the same.
For Example:
If the active term was Jan 1/2021 to Jan 1/2024, your next term after you recertify in
suspend status will be Jan 1/2024 to Jan 1/2027.
For activities with start dates after your recertification Due Date, do the following:
1. In the Activity Title field, after the activity name, enter in parentheses the actual start date
and end date for the activity.
2. In the Start Date field, enter a date that is 1 day before the last day of the term.
This is a crucial step. You must enter 1 day prior to the maintenance Due Date in order for
the system to accept your entry.
3. In the End Date field, enter the activity end date.
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RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK: CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL | AUG 2024
© 2024 International Institute of Business Analysis.
For Example:
The term that is now in suspension ran from April 18, 2024 to April 18, 2027.
The credential holder in Suspended status is entering CDUs earned from
May 10, 2027 to May 11, 2027.
Activity Title: Activity abc (May 10, 2027 to May 11, 2027)
Start Date: April 17, 2027
End Date: May 11, 2027
Credential holders who do not meet the requirements within the 1-year suspension period
become Uncertified.
Uncertified Status
Uncertified candidates who wish to reinstate their certification can do so within 5 years of their
original certification date or last successful recertification date.
To reinstate and pay fees, contact certificatio[email protected].
Reinstatement is not allowed after the time period and candidates will be required to re-apply
for certification and re-take the exam.
IIBA reserves the right to revoke the certification at its discretion and to conduct random
audits.
2.6 Appeals
Appeals can be requested by contacting certification@iiba.org.
IIBA will have up to 90 business days to review the appeal. During that time, further
information may be requested by IIBA. IIBA will make a final, binding decision and notify the
individual by email.
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RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK: CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL | AUG 2024
© 2024 International Institute of Business Analysis.
3.0 CDU Qualifying Activities
The CBAP Recertification Process Guide provides step-by-step instructions on entering hours
into the BA Development Log.
Activities must align with business analysis activities and the knowledge areas within the
BABOK Guide and activity dates must be before the recertification due date.
Category 1: Professional Development
Description
Max 30 CDUs
Categories include:
Classroom Course
Chapter Event
(See list IIBA Chapter Events)
Chapter Study Group
(Search “Study Group” in IIBA Chapter Events)
Conference Workshop (Conference days)
Online Course (includes live webinars)
For information about requirements and pre-
approved courses, see IIBA Endorsed Education
Providers (EEP) in Section 4.0.
Learning activities include
instructor-led classroom
learning, instructor-led
online learning, chapter
events, chapter study groups
and conference workshops.
Being mentored through an
official IIBA Chapter
Mentoring Program.
Required documentation for
non-IIBA conferences: event,
provider, date, full
description, hours, and proof
of attendance.
1 hour of
structured
activity
= 1 CDU
Up to 15 CDUs
per mentoring
relationship
Category 2: Work History
Description
Max 25 CDUs
CDUs can be earned by doing business analysis work
that is aligned with the domains in the BABOK
Guide.
Include your supervisor’s
name and work email
address.
Gmail and Outlook personal
addresses will not be
accepted.
For recertification in audit,
the CDU value and alignment
of your work experience will
be reviewed by IIBA to
determine acceptance
status.
200 hours of
business
analysis work
experience
= 1 CDU
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RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK: CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL | AUG 2024
© 2024 International Institute of Business Analysis.
Category 3: Professional Activities
Description
Max 30 CDUs
3A. Author or co-author of an article published in a
refereed journal.
No minimum or maximum
length defined.
Content must be minimum
80% aligned with the
BABOK Guide.
30 CDUs per
article
3B. Author or co-author of an article published in a
non-refereed journal.
15 CDUs per
article
3C. Speaker/instructor at a conference,
symposium, workshop, formal course or IIBA
chapter meeting.
Content must be aligned
with the BABOK Guide.
10 CDUs per
activity
3D. Member/moderator of a panel discussion at a
conference, symposium, workshop, or formal
course.
Content must be aligned
with the BABOK Guide.
5 CDUs per
activity
3E. Author or co-author of a textbook.
Content must be minimum
80% aligned with the BABOK
Guide.
30 CDUs per
book
3F. Developer of content for a structured learning
program that includes learning objectives,
interactivity, and assessment to ensure that learning
has taken place.
May include content used for
classroom delivery, online
instructor-led delivery, or
online self-paced delivery.
15 CDUs per
program
Category 4: Volunteer Service
Description
Max 30 CDUs
Board member with IIBA or an IIBA Chapter
Must attend 50% or more of
the scheduled meetings.
1 hour
= 1 CDU
Committee member with IIBA or an IIBA Chapter
Must attend 50% or more of
the scheduled meetings.
1 hour
= 1 CDU
Volunteer with IIBA or IIBA Chapter
Blog writer, editor, item
writer, translator etc.
1 hour
= 1 CDU
Mentor a business analysis professional through an
official IIBA Chapter Mentoring Program
Follow procedures and
report progress as outlined
by your chapter.
1 hour
= 1 CDU
Up to 15 CDUs
per mentoring
relationship
Volunteer with a non-employer community or
charitable group
Organization must be a
legally recognized not-for-
profit.
1 hour
= 1 CDU
Participate in a formal IIBA-led initiative or survey
that awards CDUs (e.g. Practice Analysis)
This applies only when noted
in the survey.
CDUs will vary
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RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK: CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL | AUG 2024
© 2024 International Institute of Business Analysis.
Category 5: Self-Directed Learning
Description
Max 15 CDUs
Personally designed research or study activities that
meet a specified purpose and use knowledgeable
resources
Learning through books,
articles, online resources,
and archived webinars.
Informal discussions or
coaching with co-workers,
clients, or consultants.
Content must be aligned
with the BABOK Guide.
1 hour of
activity
=1 CDU
Category 6: Formal Academic Education
Description
Max 30 CDUs
Programs offered by an accredited post-secondary
institution for degree or diploma credit. 1 academic
course credit is typically earned for each 3 hours of
class/contact time and qualifies for 1 CDU.
Courses/programs that automatically qualify include
university or college Endorsed Education and
Training Providers courses/programs if content is
aligned with domains as discussed in the BABOK
Guide.
Example: a typical 15 credit
academic course qualifies
for 15 CDUs (although the
actual number of
class/contact hours = 45
hours).
All courses must be started
after the credential has
been awarded, with a
passing grade received.
3 hours of
academic
course
= 1 CDU
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RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK: CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL | AUG 2024
© 2024 International Institute of Business Analysis.
4.0 IIBA Endorsed Education and Training Providers (EEP)
IIBA Endorsed Education Providers
A listing of IIBA’s Endorsed Education and Training Providers (EEPs) and their endorsed
courses are published on the IIBA website.
Not all courses offered by an EEP are endorsed by IIBA. Only endorsed courses automatically
qualify in this category for CDUs for recertification because they have already been assessed
to ensure they meet the professional development criteria.
Non – IIBA Endorsed Education Providers
CDUs may also be earned by attending educational programs offered by non-IIBA Endorsed
Education Providers whose course offerings directly relate to business analysis and the
BABOK Guide.
For courses not listed as endorsed
To qualify, a course must be:
▪ Delivered by a facilitator or instructor who leads participant(s) through the content
▪ Designed with measurable learning objectives that describe desired performance
outcomes such as changing behavior or improving skills applicable to business analysis
▪ Designed with opportunities for participants to interact with the material, ask questions,
and have meaningful dialogue that supports learning
▪ Designed so that participants can practice tasks and be assessed accordingly
Should your application be randomly selected for audit, IIBA will require a copy of the
certificate of completion for the professional development course(s) you listed in your BA
Development Log.
Full course description and proof of attendance (certificate) will be required and must include:
▪ Course provider
▪ Course title
▪ Date of the course
▪ Hours of attendance
▪ Course description including learning objectives and assessment measurements
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RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK: CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL | AUG 2024
© 2024 International Institute of Business Analysis.
5.0 Reporting CDUs in the BA Development Log
Credential holders are responsible for recording their activities in the BA Development Log.
Review the CBAP Recertification Process Guide for how to enter the hours online.
Hours entered cannot be changed after 7 days. After this time, you will need to create a new
entry with the correct information and request that IIBA delete the incorrect entry.
The following additional rules apply:
▪ CDU activities completed prior to obtaining the designation will not be accepted for
recertification.
▪ Participation for the same course/activity cannot be claimed more than once and cannot be
claimed in more than 1 category.
▪ It is the credential holder’s responsibility to request a receipt of attendance (from their
Chapter, etc.) for applicable events/meetings attended.
Transfer of CDUs
Credential holders who earn more than the required 60 CDUs in the final year of their current
3-year cycle will have up to 20 of their excess CDUs transfer to the next 3-year cycle.
The transfer is done automatically by the system and is only for excess CDUs earned in the
third year and not used for that recertification term. For example, if a recipient’s cycle ends
on December 31, 2025, excess CDUs earned during 2025 will transfer to the next three-year
cycle which begins on January 1, 2026.
Note: For the CDUs to transfer to the next cycle, they must be recorded in the BA
Development Log before the recertification application is submitted.
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RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK: CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL | AUG 2024
© 2024 International Institute of Business Analysis.
6.0 Audits and Audit Documentation
Audits are conducted on a random basis, and it is strongly recommended that recertification
supporting documents are saved for 3 years following the recertification cycle. If audited,
proof of continuing education and activities will be required and will become the property of
IIBA. Credential holders are encouraged to keep a copy of all materials submitted to IIBA.
Documents that are provided for the audit must clearly match the entries submitted for
recertification. Failure to do so will delay the process.
Credential holders selected for an audit will be notified by email and will have 60 days from
the date of the email to comply with the audit terms. Once IIBA receives and reviews all
requested audit materials, the credential holder will receive the audit results by email.
Until the audit has been completed, certification status will show as Recertification in Audit.
Category
Audit Documentation Required for each CDU Category
Professional
Development:
▪ Classroom Course
▪ Chapter Event
▪ Chapter Study Group
▪ Conference
▪ Online Course
IIBA EEP: A certificate of achievement or email confirming attendance.
Non–EEP: A certificate of achievement or email confirming attendance and hours.
Course outline or lesson plan showing content covered.
IIBA Chapter Event/Study Group/Conference: Email confirming attendance for
meetings. A receipt for events.
For official IIBA Chapter Mentoring Program only, a copy of the documentation
submitted to your chapter.
Non IIBA Event/Study Group/Conference: Copy of or link to event description, and
proof of or email confirming attendance.
Work History
Contacts listed for each work entry will be emailed to validate work experience,
hours, and dates.
The contact must be the direct supervisor for the work history listed for the reference
to be accepted.
The direct supervisor’s contact information must be a work email address and phone
number.
Gmail and Outlook personal addresses will not be accepted.
Professional Activities
Link to publications, sample educational materials, course agenda, and/or
description of the activity.
Volunteer Service
An email or certificate acknowledging the credential holder’s volunteer service and
dates.
For official IIBA Chapter Mentoring Program only, a copy of the documentation
submitted to your chapter.
Self-Directed Learning
Documentation is not required for this category.
Formal Academic
Education
An official transcript or equivalent (i.e. a notarized copy), and a brochure or course
materials outlining the subject matter covered and length of time.
Terms are subject to change.
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RECERTIFICATION HANDBOOK: CERTIFIED BUSINESS ANALYSIS PROFESSIONAL | AUG 2024
© 2024 International Institute of Business Analysis.
For over 20 years, the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) has helped shape the
practice of business analysis to achieve better enterprise outcomes. A professional association
with 30,000 members, 120 chapters, 1,500 volunteers, and 500 partners worldwide, IIBA
supports the recognition of business analysis within organizations. It enables networking and
community engagement, provides foundational standards and resources, and offers
internationally recognized certification programs for career advancement. For more information,
visit iiba.org.
