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The Business Development Association

BDA Standards

The reference point for a business development profession built on shared knowledge, clear competencies, ethical practice and globally relevant assessment.

Global Reference
01
A unified foundation for professional business development practice.
A common language

BDA standards create a clear, consistent basis for professionals, employers, educators and institutions to define, develop and recognise excellence in business development.

The Standards

The architecture of professional practice.

Explore the frameworks and governance principles that establish the global BDA standard.

01 / Knowledge Standard

BDA BoCK®

The Business Development Body of Knowledge: the core reference framework for the principles, methods and practices that define modern business development.

Explore the framework 02 / Capability Standard

Business Development Competencies

The competency framework identifies the knowledge-based and behavioural capabilities required for professional BD practice.

View competencies 03 / Practice Frameworks

Business Development Frameworks

Structured models that translate sound BD principles into coherent analysis, planning and execution.

Explore frameworks 04 / Assessment Standard

What Does the BDA Exam Cover?

Understand the scope of the certification exam and how it assesses the standards of professional business development practice.

Review exam coverage 05 / Governance

Standards Governance Framework

How BDA standards are established, maintained, reviewed and protected to safeguard their relevance and integrity.

Explore governance 06 / Professional Ethics

BDA Code of Conduct

The ethical principles and professional responsibilities expected of BDA members, certified professionals and partners.

Read the code
Knowledge Hub

Knowledge that puts the standard to work.

Practical resources, research and reference tools for every stage of the business development journey.

Business professionals collaborating
From knowledge to practice

Explore resources that turn the BDA standard into informed decisions, stronger capability and professional progress.

Knowledge HubThe BDA collection of learning resources, professional insight and development tools.Browse the hub Articles and ResearchProfessional insight, thought leadership and research on business development practice and standards.Read articles Case StudiesReal-world perspectives on business development challenges, decisions and strategic outcomes.View case studies New to Business Development?A clear starting point for understanding business development as a profession and building a structured path into it.Start here Business Development GlossaryAn authoritative guide to the terms and concepts used across BDA standards, certification and professional practice.Explore the glossary Business Development Capability Maturity Model (BD-CMM®)A framework for assessing and improving organisational business development capability.Explore BD-CMM®

Professional standards are most useful when they are understood, applied and shared. Start with the BDA standards governance framework.

Explore governance