Is IIBA Certification or Membership Really Worth It?

Hey there!

I’ve been working as a Analyst for nearly 2 years, and I’m exploring whether to invest time and money into certifications like ECBA or CCBA from IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis).

I also noticed they offer annual membership that gives access to the BABOK guide, discounts on exam fees, and some career resources.

But here’s my situation:

I already have hands-on experience and have taken some BA courses on platforms like Udemy.

I'm looking to grow internationally and possibly start freelancing or shift to higher roles.

These certifications are quite expensive (especially in INR), so I want to be sure they actually add value before jumping in.

What I’m trying to figure out:

Does having ECBA/CCBA actually make a difference in getting better jobs or international projects?

Has IIBA membership helped anyone with networking, job access, or resources?

Or is it better to build a strong portfolio and focus on project work instead?

I’d love to hear real experiences from those who took the certification path — or skipped it and still succeeded.

Thanks in advance!