The BDA certification standards are designed in alignment with international best practices for professional certification bodies, including ISO 17024, ensuring fairness, consistency, and global credibility.

BDA’s certification framework defines the policies, processes, and professional expectations that govern the BDA-CP™ (Certified Professional) and BDA-SCP™ (Senior Certified Professional) credentials. Each standard is built to reflect competence, integrity, and measurable performance in the field of Business Development.

Key Principles of the BDA Certification Standards

• Developed and reviewed by a diverse panel of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across industries and regions, ensuring global relevance and professional rigor.

• Each certification level clearly outlines the required knowledge, abilities, and experience aligned with the BDA-BoCK™ framework.

• Includes a structured recertification system that requires ongoing professional learning and contribution to maintain active certification status.

• Built on a non-commercial, peer-reviewed body of knowledge (BDA-BoCK™), developed through an objective and transparent process.

• Periodically conducted to ensure the competencies reflect the evolving realities of the business development profession.

• Assessment items undergo blind expert review, psychometric validation, and controlled visibility to maintain exam security and impartiality.

• The passing score and ongoing monitoring processes are established using statistically valid and transparent methodologies.

• Certification and recertification applications are reviewed objectively, ensuring no candidate has an unfair advantage.

• Exams are securely administered and proctored, available both virtually and in authorized testing centers worldwide.