Direct answer: PMI-PBA eligibility requirements
Eligibility for PMI-PBA includes educational qualification, specific business analysis experience, and 35 contact hours of formal education in business analysis practices.
Eligibility criteria explained
PMI defines eligibility criteria based on education level and professional experience in business analysis.
- Secondary degree + 60 months of BA experience + 35 contact hours
- Bachelor’s degree + 36 months of BA experience + 35 contact hours
- (Optional) GAC-accredited degree may reduce experience requirement
How to meet the eligibility rules
Steps to validate if you meet PMI-PBA eligibility rules.
Check education level
Determine if you hold a secondary degree or bachelor’s degree or global equivalent.
Accumulate business analysis experience
Document months of business analysis work within the last 8 years.
Earn 35 contact hours
Complete formal education in business analysis practices.
Experience requirement comparison
Comparison of experience needed based on educational background.
| Education path | Experience requirement |
|---|---|
| Secondary degree | 60 months business analysis |
| Bachelor’s degree | 36 months business analysis |
Common mistakes in eligibility assessment
Avoid misinterpreting requirements when planning to apply.
- Assuming any project work qualifies as business analysis
- Forgetting to track contact hours documentation
- Using outdated experience beyond the allowed timeframe
Eligibility readiness checklist
Use this checklist to confirm you meet PMI-PBA entry criteria.
Next steps after eligibility confirmation
After confirming eligibility, prepare application and plan exam preparation.