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The Global Standard for Business Development
Setting the World’s
Professional Standard
for Business Development
The Business Development Association (BDA®) is the global authority empowering professionals and organisations worldwide through internationally recognised certifications, institutional accreditations, and the definitive BDA Body of Competency & Knowledge.
About BDA®
The Global Authority in
Business Development
Whether you are an individual professional, a training provider, an academic institution, or a corporate organisation — BDA has a structured pathway designed for you. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, BDA operates in over 90 countries worldwide.
Professional Certifications
Validate your BD expertise with globally recognised credentials
Global Membership
Join a worldwide network of BD professionals across 90+ countries
Institutional Accreditations
Align academic programmes with the global BDA BoCK™ standard
Strategic Partnerships
Partner with BDA to expand your global reach and BD capability
90+
Countries Worldwide
BDA® Certifications
Two Levels. One Global Standard.
Both certifications are built on the same BDA BoCK™ framework and examine the same 14 competency domains — the difference lies solely in the depth and strategic complexity of the questions.
FOUNDATIONAL — INTERMEDIATE
BDA-CP™
Certified Professional
The globally recognised entry-to-mid level certification for business development practitioners. Validates your proficiency across all 14 BDA BoCK™ competency domains.
- 120 Questions · 4 Hours
- 14 BDA BoCK™ Competency Domains
- Foundational to Intermediate Level
- Globally Recognised Credential
ADVANCED — STRATEGIC
BDA-SCP™
Senior Certified Professional
The advanced-level certification for senior BD leaders and strategists. Examines the same 14 BDA BoCK™ competency domains at the Advanced to Strategic level.
- 120 Questions · 4 Hours
- 14 BDA BoCK™ Competency Domains
- Advanced to Strategic Level
- Senior Leadership Recognition
Global Presence
A Truly Global Standard
Across Every Continent
United Kingdom & Europe
United Kingdom · Romania · Turkey · Canada
Middle East & North Africa
UAE · Saudi Arabia · Qatar · Kuwait · Bahrain · Oman · Egypt
Asia Pacific
Singapore · Malaysia · Hong Kong · Indonesia · Vietnam · Thailand
Africa
Nigeria · South Africa · Egypt
Your Pathway
Get the Globally Recognised
BDA Certification
01
Study the BDA BoCK™
Master the 14 competency domains and 7 performance domains in the 2026 Global Edition.
Explore BoCK™02
Prepare for the Exam
Self-study or enrol with an Endorsed Certification Partner (ECP™) for guided preparation.
Exam Preparation03
Register & Sit the Exam
120 questions over 4 hours. Choose BDA-CP™ or BDA-SCP™ based on your experience level.
View Certifications04
Earn Your Credential
Receive your globally recognised BDA certification and join the international BD community.
Get CertifiedBDA Membership
Join a Worldwide Network
of BD Professionals
Joining the Business Development Association (BDA) connects you to a global network of professionals dedicated to advancing business development practices. Access the KnowledgeHub, exclusive resources, and connect with peers across 90+ countries.
Global Network
Connect with BD professionals across 90+ countries
BoCK™ Access
Full access to the 2026 Global Edition BDA BoCK™
Certification Discounts
Exclusive discounts on BDA-CP™ and BDA-SCP™ exams
Research & Insights
Access exclusive reports and professional research
Global Partnership Framework
Partner with BDA to Raise
the Global BD Standard
The Business Development Association (BDA) partners with leading global organisations to raise the standards of business development.
Endorsed Certification Partner
Deliver BDA exam preparation programmes with full institutional alignment
Learn More
Professional Development Provider
Offer BDA-endorsed CPD programmes and professional development pathways
Learn More
Academic Knowledge Partner
Align university curricula with the global BDA BoCK™ standard
Learn More
Strategic Alliance Partner
Align your national BD function with international professional standards
Learn More
Insights & Research
Insights, Research & Global Perspectives
News
January 2026
BDA Releases the 2026 Global Edition of the BDA BoCK™
The Business Development Association officially publishes the 2026 Global Edition, Version 2.0 of the Business Development Body of Competency & Knowledge.
Case Study
October 2025
Business Development in Facilities Management: Qatar Market Insights
A professional perspective on the evolving role of BD in the facilities management sector across the GCC region.
Membership
July 2025
BDA Welcomes Al-Fateh Institute of Health Sciences as a University Member
The Business Development Association is pleased to announce a new University Member joining the global BDA community.
FAQ
Everything You Need to Know About BDA
Whether you are exploring certification for the first time or considering an institutional partnership, we have compiled the most common questions.
What is the Business Development Association (BDA®)?
The Business Development Association (BDA®) is the global authority in business development, setting international professional standards through globally recognised certifications, institutional accreditations, professional memberships, and strategic partnerships. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, BDA operates in over 90 countries worldwide.
Are BDA certifications internationally recognised?
Yes. BDA certifications (BDA-CP™ and BDA-SCP™) are globally recognised credentials built on the BDA BoCK™ — the world’s first comprehensive professional framework for business development. They are accepted by professionals and organisations across 90+ countries.
What is the difference between BDA-CP™ and BDA-SCP™?
Both certifications examine the same 14 BDA BoCK™ competency domains, with the same 120-question format and 4-hour duration. The sole difference lies in the complexity and strategic depth of the questions: BDA-CP™ tests at the Foundational to Intermediate level, whilst BDA-SCP™ tests at the Advanced to Strategic level.
What is the BDA BoCK™?
The BDA Body of Competency & Knowledge (BDA BoCK™) is the world’s definitive professional framework for business development. Developed through a multi-year Global Practice Analysis with 1,500+ professionals across 90+ countries, it defines 14 core competency domains and 7 BD performance domains. The 2026 Global Edition (251 pages) serves as the foundational reference for all BDA certifications.
What are the requirements to join BDA as a member?
BDA membership is open to all business development professionals worldwide. You can join as an Individual Member, Professional Member, or Institutional Member depending on your profile and objectives. Visit the Membership section for full eligibility criteria and benefits.
How can organisations partner with BDA?
Organisations can partner with BDA through several pathways: as an Endorsed Certification Partner (ECP™) to deliver exam preparation programmes, as an Academic Knowledge Partner for universities and research institutions, or as a Strategic Alliance Partner for corporations seeking to align their BD function with global standards. Explore all partnership models →
Join the Global Standard
Shape the Future of
Business Development
Whether you are an individual professional seeking global recognition, an organisation building BD capability, or an institution advancing the discipline — BDA is your global partner.
