You’re BDA Certified. What’s Next?
Maintaining your professional credential is an essential part of your journey as a Business Development Association (BDA) certified professional.
Recertification demonstrates your ongoing commitment to professional growth and ensures that your competencies remain aligned with the BDA Body of Competency & Knowledge (BDA BoCK™) — the global benchmark for excellence in business development.
Whether you plan to earn 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) or prefer to recertify by examination, BDA provides all the tools, resources, and guidance you need to renew your certification through the BDA Certification Portal.
Two Ways to Recertify
Earning 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs)
earning 60 Professional Development Credits (PDCs) within your three-year recertification cycle. These credits can be collected by engaging in activities such as attending business development training programs, , leading strategic projects in your organization, or actively participating in BDA Membership programs . By completing these activities, you demonstrate your commitment to continuous professional growth while keeping your certification active and globally recognized.
Retaking the certification exam
This option allows you to re-certify your knowledge and competencies in accordance with BDA BoCK™ FrameworkCandidates must take the exam at the same level (BDA-CP™ or BDA-SCP™). If they pass, they are eligible for renewal for an additional three years. If they fail, their certification is revoked and they must reapply as a new candidate.
What Are Professional Development Credits (PDCs)?
PDCs are the official measurement units for professional learning and continuing education aligned with BDA’s global competency framework. Each verified training hour equals one (1) PDC.
You can earn PDCs through:
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Participation in BDA-approved training and workshops.
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Attendance at webinars, conferences, or seminars focused on business development.
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Accredited instructor-led or self-study programs offered by BDA-PDP™ partners.
Every approved program has a unique Program ID, which must be entered when recording your PDCs in the certification portal.
PDCs Providers (PDPs)
The Business Development Association (BDA) works with a wide network of accredited partners around the world to support the recertification process. When a professional sees the logo BDA Professional Development Provider (PDP) For any training or consultancy organisation, this means that this body is officially recognised by the BDA as a trusted provider of competency development and accrual of Professional Development Hours (PDCs).
