Exam Information
BDA® Certification
Exam Details
Everything you need to know about the BDA® certification exams — format, duration, scoring, policies, and what to expect on exam day.

Online Proctored
120 MCQs
70% Passing Score
Sit from Anywhere
3-Year Validity
Exam Specifications
Know What to Expect
BDA® offers two globally recognised certification exams. Select your certification to view the full exam details.

Foundational Level
Business Development Certified Professional — BDA-CP™
Format
Online Proctored
Multiple Choice Questions
Duration
4 Hours
240 minutes total
Questions
120 MCQs
All multiple choice
Passing Score
70%
84 correct out of 120
Language
EN & AR
English and Arabic
Validity
3 Years
Recertification required
| Exam Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Delivery | Online via secure proctored platform |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) — single best answer |
| Number of Questions | 120 questions |
| Exam Duration | 4 hours (240 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% — 84 correct answers out of 120 |
| Available Languages | English and Arabic |
| Knowledge Framework | BDA Body of Competency & Knowledge (BDA BoCK™) 2026 |
| Competency Domains | 14 Core Competency Domains (7 Knowledge-Based + 7 Behavioral) |
| Certification Validity | 3 years from date of passing |
| Recertification | Required before 3-year validity expires |
| Digital Badge | Issued upon passing — verifiable and shareable |
| Official Certificate | Issued upon passing — recognised in 90+ countries |
| Prerequisites | None — open to all who meet experience criteria (1–4 years) |
| Retake Policy | Candidates may retake after a waiting period — see Certification Handbook |

Advanced Level
Senior Business Development Certified Professional — BDA-SCP™
Format
Online Proctored
Multiple Choice Questions
Duration
4 Hours
240 minutes total
Questions
120 MCQs
All multiple choice
Passing Score
70%
84 correct out of 120
Language
EN & AR
English and Arabic
Validity
3 Years
Recertification required
| Exam Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Delivery | Online via secure proctored platform |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) — single best answer |
| Number of Questions | 120 questions |
| Exam Duration | 4 hours (240 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% — 84 correct answers out of 120 |
| Available Languages | English & Arabic |
| Knowledge Framework | BDA Body of Competency & Knowledge (BDA BoCK™) 2026 — Advanced Level |
| Competency Domains | 14 Core Competency Domains assessed at strategic and leadership level |
| Certification Validity | 3 years from date of passing |
| Recertification | Required before 3-year validity expires |
| Digital Badge | Issued upon passing — verifiable and shareable |
| Official Certificate | Issued upon passing — recognised in 90+ countries |
| Prerequisites | BDA-CP™ or equivalent recognised BD credential required |
| Experience Required | Minimum 5 years of BD experience at senior level |
| Retake Policy | Candidates may retake after a waiting period — see Certification Handbook |
Exam Policies
Exam Day Guidelines
Important policies and guidelines to ensure a smooth and fair exam experience for all candidates.
Secure Online Proctoring
All BDA® exams are delivered through a secure online proctoring platform. You will need a computer with a working webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection. The exam environment is monitored to ensure integrity.
Permitted Materials
The BDA® exam is closed-book. No reference materials, notes, or external resources are permitted during the exam. All questions are based on the BDA BoCK™ 2026 framework and your professional knowledge.
Exam Scheduling
After registration, you will receive instructions to schedule your exam at a time that suits you. Exams are available year-round. Please schedule your exam well in advance of your preferred date.
Retake Policy
Candidates who do not pass may retake the exam after a mandatory waiting period. The number of retake attempts and associated fees are outlined in the BDA Certification Handbook. Review the handbook for full details.
BDA Certification Handbook
The complete guide to BDA® certification policies, exam procedures, candidate responsibilities, and the full retake policy. Required reading for all candidates.
Ready to Register for Your Exam?
You know what to expect — now take the next step and register for your BDA® certification exam today.

