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About this exam

The Agile Analysis Certification (IIBA-AAC) is one of the specialized credentials listed in IIBA's certification portfolio, sitting alongside the CBDA, CCA and CPOA rather than in the core ECBA–CCBA–CBAP progression. The source page frames IIBA's credentials as covering "every stage" of a business analysis career, with specialized certifications positioned for practitioners who want to deepen capability in a particular domain. In that framing, AAC is aimed at business analysts working in agile contexts - iterative delivery, evolving requirements, and continuous stakeholder collaboration - who want a credential that reflects analysis practice adapted to those environments rather than a generalist certification. The exam is delivered in English and, per IIBA's site structure, is governed by the published exam information, certification handbook, fees, and recertification requirements pages; those pages are the authoritative place to confirm item count, time limit, passing score, price, and renewal obligations, none of which the source text states. Preparation typically combines structured study of agile analysis concepts with practice applying them to scenarios, plus review of IIBA's handbook for logistics. Members get reduced exam and renewal pricing, and IIBA lists endorsed training and exam-prep providers. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by IIBA.

What you'll study

Common questions

About IIBA-AAC preparation

What is the IIBA-AAC exam actually testing?

It is IIBA's specialized credential for business analysis performed in agile settings. Expect scenario-based questions about how analysis work - understanding needs, shaping solutions, supporting delivery - changes when requirements emerge iteratively rather than being fixed up front. The source page only lists AAC among seven certifications; confirm the detailed content outline in IIBA's exam information and handbook pages before you build a study plan.

How many questions are on the exam and how long do I get?

The source text does not state an item count, time limit, or passing score for the AAC, so treat any figure you see elsewhere as unverified until you check IIBA's own exam information page. IIBA publishes exam information, certification handbooks, and fees as separate resources linked from its certification section; those are the authoritative sources for format and timing.

What does the exam cost, and is there a discount?

The source shows a limited-time promotion: "Save 20% on Certifications" and "20% Off · Through December 31." No base exam fee appears in the source text, so the discounted price cannot be calculated from it. Check IIBA's certification fees page for the current list price and member rate, and note that the promotion is time-bound and may not apply after its end date.

How hard is the AAC compared with ECBA, CCBA or CBAP?

IIBA positions ECBA as foundational with no prior experience needed, CCBA for roughly two to three years of experience, and CBAP for experts with five-plus years. AAC is grouped with the specialized credentials rather than the experience ladder, so difficulty comes from depth in agile analysis rather than from a stated experience threshold. The source does not publish a pass rate or difficulty rating.

If I fail, can I retake it, and how long is the certification valid?

The source text does not state a retake policy, waiting period, or validity period for the AAC. IIBA maintains a certification handbook plus separate recertification requirements and "Maintain & Renew" pages, and those govern retakes and renewal. Read them before booking so you know the cost of a second attempt and the continuing development units renewal will require.

Should I study agile frameworks first or business analysis concepts first?

Start with business analysis fundamentals, because the credential assumes you already know how to elicit needs, model information, and reason about stakeholders; then study how those activities shift under iterative delivery. Practise on scenarios rather than memorising terminology, since applied judgement is what separates a specialized agile credential from a general agile certificate.

What trips people up most on agile analysis exams?

Two recurring failure modes: answering as if a full requirements baseline must be signed off before work starts, and treating agile as the absence of analysis. Specialized agile questions usually reward incremental, collaborative elaboration with continuous feedback. Also watch for questions where the "most agile" answer is not the "most thorough" one - pick the option that fits the context described.

Does membership help, and where do I find prep providers?

IIBA states members get certifications and events at member rates and "Pay less at every step, with member pricing on exams and renewals." The site also links an IIBA Exam Prep Providers directory and endorsed training partners, so you can compare courses that use licensed IIBA materials. Membership and prep are optional; neither is required to sit the exam.