PMI-PBA® FAQ — Common Questions (Answered)

Is PMI-PBA more about “business” or “IT”?

Both. PMI-PBA focuses on business analysis as a delivery discipline: define the need and outcomes, translate them into requirements, and keep scope and value coherent through delivery and change.

How many questions and how long is the exam?

PMI states the exam contains 200 multiple-choice questions with 4 hours to complete the exam, including 25 unscored pretest questions randomly distributed.

Are there breaks?

There are no scheduled breaks. You may take an unscheduled break if needed, but the timer continues.

What domains matter most?

The largest domain is Analysis (35%). That usually means: elicitation, modeling, requirement quality, prioritization, acceptance criteria, and impact analysis.

What experience/training do I need?

PMI requires 35 contact hours of business analysis training and business analysis experience earned within the last 8 years (the required months depend on education level). Confirm the latest requirements on the official PMI certification page.

What should I study first?

Start with Overview (to internalize the weights and pitfalls), then follow the Study Plan and Syllabus.

Do I need to memorize every model?

No. The exam tends to reward:

• picking the right model/technique for the scenario
• using it to reduce ambiguity and drive a decision
• keeping outputs testable, traceable, and aligned to outcomes

What’s the fastest way to improve my score?

Build a miss log and fix the underlying objective:

1. Drill by domain in Practice.
2. For every miss, write the “rule” you violated (definition, technique choice, traceability step, formula).
3. Re-drill until you can explain the best answer in one sentence.

What’s a common trap in PMI-PBA questions?

Choosing a solution action before clarifying the need. In many scenarios the best answer is to:

• confirm objectives and success criteria
• identify stakeholders and constraints
• select an elicitation/modeling technique to reduce uncertainty

Where are official PMI links?

See Resources for the official certification page, standards portal, and primary references.