Frequently Asked Questions for IBF Certification Application
Individuals who successfully complete an eligible IBF-STS accredited assessment programme* and meet the relevant criteria may apply for IBF Certification.
| IBF Certification Title | Criteria | |
|---|---|---|
| IBF Qualified (Level 1) | 75% of TSCs within benchmark role, including: • Industry Rules & Regulations (1 TSC)# • Product Knowledge (1 TSC)# #Technical Skills & Competencies (TSCs) for industry rules & regulations and product knowledge can be fulfilled through either industry/regulatory exams or IBF-STS accredited programme(s). | |
| Industry Experience Requirement: NIL | ||
| IBF Advanced (Level 2) | 75% of TSCs within benchmark job role | Industry Experience Requirement: > 3 years of relevant experience |
| IBF Advanced (Level 3) | 75% of TSCs within benchmark job role | Industry Experience Requirement: > 8 years of relevant experience |
* IBF-STS accredited Core Competency Skills (previously known as Generic Skills) and Future-Enabled Skills programmes will not be considered for IBF Certification. Only technical skills and competencies (TSCs) will be counted towards certification.
Technical skills and competencies (TSCs) required for IBF Certification for your current job role
The list of technical skills and competencies (TSCs) can be found in Skills Framework for Financial Services . You will need to select from one of the following sub-sectors to access the skills required of your job role.
- Asset Management
- Corporate Banking
- Insurance
- Investment Banking
- Private Banking & Wealth Management
- Retail Banking
Individual Applications
You will need the following documents for application:
- Certificate(s) of Completion
- Experience Requirement Form (for IBF Advanced Level 2 and 3) (form can be downloaded in application page)
- Resume / CV (for IBF Advanced Level 2 and 3)
For Group Applications (by Financial Institutions / IBF Accredited Training Providers)
You will need the following documents for application:
- Certificate(s) of Completion
- Experience Requirement Form (for IBF Advanced Level 2 and 3) (form can be downloaded in application page)
- Group Applicants’ Details (for group applications) (form can be downloaded in application page)
- Resume / CV (for IBF Advanced Level 2 and 3)
For group applications submitted by Financial Institutions or Training Providers, you will have to create your individual IBF Portal account to view the status and to retrieve your e-certificate.
For Individuals
Please click here to apply for an individual IBF Portal Account. You may proceed to login with your Username and Password to apply for IBF Certification after you have created the account.
For Financial Institutions / IBF Accredited Training Providers
Please click here to apply for an IBF Portal Account. You may proceed to login to apply for IBF Certification after IBF approves the account opening application.
You will need the following documents / information for application:
- Name and emails of two management representatives who will manage the account
- For MAS Licenced Financial Institutions (FI) and exempt entities, be listed on MAS FI directory
- For FinTech firms, obtained Singapore FinTech Association (SFA) Certification
- Company UEN number
- Bank’s endorsed Direct Credit Authorisation form
- ACRA Bizfile (for all non-MAS Licenced FI/entities)
- The process will take 1 to 4 weeks depending on the completeness of documents submitted.
Please refer to the IBF Certification Terms and Conditions for the artwork and colours of the certification / mark.
Frequently Asked Questions for CPD Obligations
Illustration
An individual obtained his IBF Certification in July 2021. He will be required to fulfil a minimum of 15 CPD hours from 1 January 2022 onwards.
The annual CPD activities (both internal and external) prescribed should cover content that is directly relevant to the financial industry, which may include:
- Ethics / Market Conduct requirements;
- Product knowledge;
- Skills / competencies; and/or
- Rules and Regulations / Compliance-related matters.
A wide variety of CPD activities will be recognized under the following broad categories and as described in the table below:
- Training & Education
- Instruction
- Leadership
- Research & Publication
Publication
To be reported in blocks of 0.5hrs
(e.g. conventions, conferences & seminars)
(at least 30 mins and with assessment)
(exam duration in the year of passing)
Teaching Assignments
Panel Discussion
or Speaking at Events
Committee /
Working Group
(up to 5 hrs granted for each mentoring assignment)
Publication
(up to 5 hrs will be granted for each published article)
(up to 5 hrs will be granted for each case study)
The IBF Certified Individual is required to maintain and submit supporting documents (e.g. certificate of attendance/ completion, appointment letter or copy of published article etc.) for all CPD activities undertaken and records on how the required CPD hours are met. IBF reserves the right to conduct an audit on IBF Certified Individuals to ensure fulfilment of the IBF CPD requirements.
The IBF Certified Individual is also expected to observe the Terms and Conditions, Code of Ethics, and Standards of Professional Conduct during the tenure of the certification status, failing which the certification status might stand to be revoked.
Want to register for IBF Certification?
Candidates must create an account in the IBF Portal to apply.
