For detailed information about BDA-SCP accreditation, explore BDA BoCK from BDA
BDA-SCP
BDA Senior Certified Professional
BDA-SCP is the global certification for business development leaders. It reflects your strategic capabilities in growth leadership, innovation, and high-impact partnerships fully aligned with the BDA-BoCK framework.
What is the BDA Senior Certified Professional BDA-SCP Certification?
The Business Development Senior Certified Professional (BDA‑SCP) is a prestigious international certification awarded by the Business Development Association (BDA) to experienced executives in business growth and strategic partnerships. It is specifically designed for professionals such as Business Development Heads, Partnership Directors, Growth Managers, and Business Unit Leaders with over 6 years of experience in business development, innovation, or corporate expansion. The certification is based on the BDA Body of Competency & Knowledge (BDA-BoCK™), making it a global benchmark for professionals striving for excellence in strategic business development leadership.
The certification is based on the BDA Body of Competency and Knowledge (BDA BoCK™), making it an international benchmark for professionals in the field of business development and for anyone seeking excellence in strategic business leadership.
Who is a BDA‑SCP Candidate?
The BDA-SCP certification is suitable for professionals with 5+ years of experience in business development or related leadership roles. They have often led strategic initiatives, managed multidisciplinary teams, negotiated large, high-value deals, and represented their organizations in executive forums. They are prepared to demonstrate excellence in all of the in-depth behavioral and cognitive components of the BDA BoCK™.
BDA‑CP or BDA‑SCP? What’s the Difference?
Although the BDA-CP and BDA-SCP certifications are based on the same BDA BoCK™ framework of knowledge, they are designed for different stages of professional growth.
BDA‑CP is intended for professionals in the early to mid-stages of their career in business development, with one to four years of experience. This certification focuses on core competencies and provides a solid foundation in behavioral and cognitive aspects.
The BDA-SCP is intended for senior professionals with more than five years of experience and leadership responsibilities. This certification requires an advanced level of strategic thinking, executive decision-making, and the ability to lead in complex and volatile environments.
Your choice between the two certifications depends on your current role, level of experience, and future career aspirations.
Why Earn the BDA‑SCP?
Earning the BDA‑SCP demonstrates your advanced capability to lead business development at a strategic level.
It signals to employers, partners, and stakeholders that you possess the executive mindset, decision-making ability, and leadership maturity needed to drive complex growth initiatives.
The credential validates that you're not just executing strategies—but shaping them.
It reflects your readiness to operate at the highest levels of business development and influence outcomes across functions, markets, and industries.
Choose Your Certification Path: Self-Study or Partner-Led
Applicants for the BDA-SCP certification can choose one of the following: Two flexible paths to certificationAdapted to their learning style and professional context, the track is ideal for experienced professionals who prefer independent learning and flexibility. You receive official materials, study at your own pace, and then register for the exam directly through the BDA portal. The track is offered through exclusive certification partners (ECPs) and includes structured training, one-on-one mentoring, and exam registration support. The partners use the official curriculum approved and aligned with the BDA BoCK™ framework. Both tracks lead to the same globally recognized certification, built entirely on the BDA-BoCK™ framework.
- Four hours in length.
- 120 questions
- Computer-based testing experience.
You can take the BDA-CP exam online.
