OVERVIEW
IBF Standard training schemes (IBF-STS)
The IBF Standards Training Scheme (IBF-STS) offers funding for training and assessment courses that equip individuals with key skills in the financial sector, as outlined in the Skills Framework for Financial Services (SFwFS). This scheme is open to both self-sponsored individuals and those sponsored by their companies, providing opportunities for professional development and growth.
Certification Application Process
Identify Your Role & Skills
- Select your job role from the Skills Framework for Financial Services (SFwFS) to see the required skills. Choose IBF-STS accredited courses that fit your training needs.
Complete Accredited Courses
- Get certified after completing eligible IBF-STS assessment courses and achieving the required skills for your chosen industry and function.
Apply for Certification
- Submit your IBF Certification application within 5 years of completing your accredited course(s).
Course application submission
Application Evaluation
- IBF will review your application based on the set certification criteria.
IBF CERTIFICATION APPLICATION
FOR WHOM
CRITERIA
IBF Qualified (Level 1)
For new entrants with less than 3 years of financial services industry experience
75% of TSCs within job role, including:
- Industry Rules & Regulations
- Product Knowledge
*TSCs for Product Knowledge and Rules & Regulations can be attained through either regulatory exams or training courses
Industry Experience Requirement: NIL
IBF Advanced (Level 2)
For practitioners with 3 to 7 years of relevant experience in selected industry segment
75% of TSCs within job role
Industry Experience Requirement: applicants must currently be in the selected job role with at least 3 years of relevant experience in the selected industry segment
IBF Advanced (Level 3)
For practitioners with at least 8 years of relevant experience in selected industry segment
75% of TSCs within job role
Industry Experience Requirement: applicants must currently be in the selected job role with at least 8 years of relevant experience in the selected industry segment
IBF Certification Titles
- Successful applicants will be awarded an IBF Certificate carrying a corresponding Certification Title.
CPD Requirements
- Maintain your certification by fulfilling your annual Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
Obtaining The IBF Skills Badge for
sustainable finance
The IBF Skills Badge serve as an industry benchmark to recognise individual's skills mastery and support skills based hiring and promotion by employers.
Accorded to individuals who complete IBF-STS sustainable finance courses.
Proficient
(Skills Proficiency Level 3)
Intermediate
(Skills Proficiency Level 4)
Advanced
(Skills Proficiency Level 5)
IBF Standards CPD
Individuals who have attained IBF certification should continue to invest in professional development, and ensure that their knowledge and skills are kept current with industry and regulatory developments.
Effective Date
The IBF CPD requirement takes effect from the year following the year of certification.
Who is Covered?
All IBF-Certified Individuals are required to fulfil the annual CPD requirements in order to maintain their certification status.
CPD Requirements
All IBF-certified individuals are expected to achieve a minimum of 15 Continuing Professional Development ("CPD") hours annually.
CPD Reporting
IBF certified individuals should maintain records (e.g. certificate of attendance/ completion, appointment letter or copy of published article etc.) of all CPD activities. IBF may conduct an audit on certified individuals from time to time to review if the IBF CPD requirement has been fulfilled.
Have you met the criteria for IBF Certification?
Once you meet the certification criteria, you may apply for IBF certification, and IBF will evaluate your application.
Upon successful IBF
Certification application
Successful applicants will be awarded an IBF Certificate carrying a corresponding Certification Title.
Want to register for IBF Certification?
Candidates must create an account in the IBF Portal to apply
