Eligibility
Am I Eligible for
BDA® Certification?
Review the eligibility requirements for the BDA-CP™ and BDA-SCP™ certifications and confirm you meet the criteria before applying.

Open to All Nationalities
Recognised in 90+ Countries
No Academic Degree Required
Experience-Based Criteria
Eligibility Requirements
Requirements for Each Certification
BDA® certifications are open to BD professionals worldwide. Review the requirements for each level below.

Level 1 — Foundational
BDA-CP™ Eligibility
Professional Experience
1–4 Years in Business Development
Candidates must have a minimum of 1 year and up to 4 years of professional experience in business development, sales, partnerships, or a related field.
Education
No Specific Degree Required
BDA® does not require a specific academic degree. The certification is based on professional competency and experience.
Prerequisite Certification
None Required
The BDA-CP™ is an entry-level certification with no prerequisite credentials. It is the starting point of the BDA® certification pathway.
Nationality
Open to All Nationalities
The BDA-CP™ is available to BD professionals from any country. The exam is available in English and Arabic.

Level 2 — Advanced
BDA-SCP™ Eligibility
Professional Experience
Minimum 5 Years at Senior Level
Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in business development, with at least a portion of that experience at a senior or leadership level.
Education
No Specific Degree Required
BDA® does not require a specific academic degree for the SCP. The certification is based on senior professional competency and experience.
Prerequisite Certification
BDA-CP™ or Equivalent Required
Candidates must hold a current BDA-CP™ certification or an equivalent recognised BD credential. The BDA-CP™ must be valid (within the 3-year validity period) at the time of application.
Nationality
Open to All Nationalities
The BDA-SCP™ is available to senior BD professionals from any country. The exam is available in English.
Side-by-Side Comparison
BDA-CP™ vs BDA-SCP™ (Senior Certified Professional)
A clear comparison of the eligibility requirements and exam details for both BDA® certifications.
| Criteria | BDA-CP™ (Certified Professional) | BDA-SCP™ (Senior Certified Professional) |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Foundational | Advanced |
| Experience Required | 1–4 Years | 5+ Years (Senior) |
| Prerequisite Certification | None | BDA-CP™ Required |
| Academic Degree | Not Required | Not Required |
| Open to All Nationalities | Yes | Yes |
| Exam Questions | 120 MCQs | 120 MCQs |
| Exam Duration | 4 Hours | 4 Hours |
| Exam Language | English & Arabic | English & Arabic |
| Passing Score | 70% (84/120) | 70% (84/120) |
| Certification Validity | 3 Years | 3 Years |
| Digital Badge | Included | Included |
| BDA Members Directory Listing | Included | Included |
Who Should Apply
Who is BDA® Certification For?
BDA® certifications are designed for a wide range of business development professionals across industries and geographies.
BD Practitioners
Professionals working in business development, partnerships, growth, or sales who want to validate and formalise their expertise with a globally recognised credential.
BD Team Leaders
Senior BD leaders and managers looking to demonstrate strategic leadership competency and advance to the BDA-SCP™ level.
Corporate Professionals
Employees of organisations seeking to upskill their BD teams with internationally recognised certifications that align with global best practices.
Recent Graduates
Graduates and early-career professionals with 1+ year of BD experience who want to differentiate themselves in the job market with a recognised BD credential.
International Professionals
BD professionals from any country looking for a globally recognised credential that is respected by employers and organisations in 90+ countries worldwide.
Consultants & Advisors
Independent BD consultants and advisors who want to demonstrate their expertise and credibility to clients with a formal, internationally recognised certification.
Quick Eligibility Check
Check Your Eligibility
Answer two quick questions to find out which BDA® certification you are eligible for.
Quick Eligibility Checker
Answer the questions below to see which certification you qualify for.
1. How many years of BD experience do you have?
2. Do you currently hold a valid BDA-CP™ or equivalent BD credential?
Ready to Apply for BDA® Certification?
You meet the requirements — now take the next step and register for your BDA® certification exam today.

