CCBA Practice Test

The CCBA is the International Institute of Business Analysis credential for business analysts who already have hands-on experience and want to show they can apply the BABOK Guide at work. This page gives you free practice sets for each knowledge area, worked explanations of sample questions, the main exam rules from IIBA, and a study plan that connects them.

CCBA Exam at a Glance

What changed for CCBA in 2026

• Oct 25, 2026: Number of questions changed to 130 multiple-choice questions (previously 130 multiple-choice, scenario-based questions).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility changed to 3,750 work hours in 7 years; 21 PD hours in 4 years; 2 references (previously 3,750 work hours in seven years; 21 PD hours in four years; two references).^[3]
• Oct 25, 2026: Delivery changed to Online proctored or PSI test center (previously Online remote proctoring or PSI test center).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Registration deadline changed to Schedule at least 48 hours ahead (previously Schedule at least 48 hours before the exam).^[5]
• Oct 25, 2026: Score release changed to On-screen pass/fail; email within 48 hours (previously On-screen pass/fail immediately; email within 48 hours).^[3]
• Oct 25, 2026: Retake policy changed to Up to 3 attempts within the one-year approved term (previously Up to three attempts within the approved one-year term).^[3]
• Oct 25, 2026: Renewal changed to 60 CDUs every 3 years; 20 transferable; 1-year grace (previously 60 CDUs every three years; up to 20 transferable; one-year grace period).^[4]

What the CCBA is and how it works

According to International Institute of Business Analysis, “consists of 130 multiple-choice, scenario-based questions formulated from the BABOK Guide”^[1]

The Certification of Capability in Business Analysis (CCBA) shows that you can apply the BABOK Guide in real project situations. The exam has 130 multiple-choice, scenario-based questions drawn from the BABOK Guide, and you have 180 minutes to finish. It is computer-based. You can take it online with a remote proctor or at a PSI test centre, and you must book it at least 48 hours ahead.

IIBA does not publish a numeric passing score. Instead of scores or percentages, it gives performance indicators. You see a pass or fail result on screen when you finish, and IIBA emails a confirmation within 48 hours.

To apply, you need 3,750 hours of business analysis work experience within the last 7 years, 21 professional development hours within the last 4 years, and 2 references. The application fee is US$145 at the IIBA member rate. The non-member rate is different, so check the current amount on the official CCBA page before you pay.

Once your application is approved, you have a one-year term with up to 3 exam attempts. The certification is valid for three years. To renew it, you earn at least 60 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) every 3 years. Up to 20 can carry over to the next cycle, and there is a 1-year grace period. Policies can change, so confirm the details in the IIBA CCBA handbook.

CCBA content outline and where to practise each area

The content areas below are copied from the official CCBA content outline published by International Institute of Business Analysis. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.

Worked examples: how to reason through CCBA questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: What is the key difference between a 'push' and 'pull' communication strategy?

1. Push communication is formal; pull communication is informal
2. Push communication sends information to stakeholders; pull communication allows stakeholders to access information on demand
3. Push communication is used with executives; pull communication with end users
4. Push communication requires face-to-face delivery; pull communication is digital

Answer: B. Push communication sends information to stakeholders; pull communication allows stakeholders to access information on demand

Explanation:

B is correct. With push communication, the sender delivers information to stakeholders through emails, reports or presentations. With pull communication, the information is placed somewhere stakeholders can get it when they need it, such as a portal, wiki or shared repository.

A is wrong because formality is not the difference. A formal status report can be pushed, and an informal team wiki is pulled. C is wrong because the audience does not decide the method. An executive may pull figures from a dashboard. D is wrong because push does not need to be face to face. Email is digital and is still push.

Rule to remember: ask who starts the exchange. If the sender starts it, it is push. If the receiver goes to get the information, it is pull.

Example 2

Question: What type of requirements document typically outlines the functionality of the system?

1. Design specification.
2. Functional requirements document
3. Test plans.
4. Risk analysis report.

Answer: B. Functional requirements document

Explanation:

B is correct. A functional requirements document describes what the system must do: its behaviours, how it responds to user input, and the features users will see. It stays on the what and does not prescribe how the solution is built.

A is wrong because a design specification describes how the solution will be built, so it sits on the design side, not the requirements side. C is wrong because test plans explain how the solution will be checked against requirements. They do not define the functionality. D is wrong because a risk analysis report lists threats to the project or solution and how to respond to them, not system behaviour.

Rule to remember: requirements describe the need and the behaviour (what). Designs describe a way to meet that need (how). The BABOK Guide keeps this line clear.

Example 3

Question: When a business analyst facilitates a workshop and must manage group dynamics, resolve conflict, and build consensus, which underlying competency is primarily being applied?

1. Communication Skills
2. Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
3. Interaction Skills
4. Behavioral Characteristics

Answer: C. Interaction Skills

Explanation:

C is correct. In the BABOK Guide, Interaction Skills cover facilitation, leadership and influencing, teamwork, negotiation and conflict resolution, and teaching. Running a workshop where you manage group dynamics, resolve conflict and build consensus uses exactly these skills.

A is wrong because Communication Skills are about how a message is sent and received: verbal, non-verbal and written communication, and listening. They support a workshop, but they do not cover guiding a group to agreement. B is wrong because Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving is about how you process information, through creative thinking, decision making and systems thinking. D is wrong because Behavioral Characteristics are personal qualities such as ethics, accountability, trustworthiness and adaptability.

Rule to remember: when a scenario centres on working with a group to reach a shared outcome, think Interaction Skills.

How to use these practice tests

Start by reading the IIBA CCBA handbook and the official CCBA page so you know the eligibility rules, booking steps and exam format. Then do one practice set for each knowledge area in the table above without checking your notes. Write down every question you got wrong or guessed, along with the knowledge area it came from.

Use that list to choose your reading. For each weak area, read the matching BABOK Guide chapter. Pay attention to the tasks, their inputs and outputs, and the techniques each task uses. The exam is scenario-based, so for every task ask yourself when a business analyst would do it and what they would produce.

Next, go back to the sets for your weak areas and work through them again. Read every explanation, including the ones for questions you got right. After that, add the related sets, such as stakeholder engagement, business rules analysis and underlying competencies, so you also see the topics that cut across knowledge areas.

Close to test day, take a timed mixed session and practise pacing yourself for 130 questions in 180 minutes. Book your exam at least 48 hours ahead, and if you are testing online, check your room and equipment against IIBA's online proctoring requirements.

Sources & last verified

1. International Institute of Business Analysis — number of questions, time limit, exam fee, validity (official source). “consists of 130 multiple-choice, scenario-based questions formulated from the BABOK Guide” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 19, 2026.
2. International Institute of Business Analysis — passing score (official source). “Rather than provide scores or scoring percentages for our certification exams, IIBA provides performance indicators.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 19, 2026.
3. International Institute of Business Analysis — retake policy, eligibility, score release, other (official source). “This is the one-year term in which you have up to three exam attempts.” Verified Oct 28, 2026.
4. International Institute of Business Analysis — renewal (official source). “you must earn a minimum of 60 Continuing Development Units (CDUs) every three years.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 19, 2026.
5. International Institute of Business Analysis — registration deadline (official source). “You must schedule your exam at least 48 hours in advance” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 19, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.