Certification FAQs

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Certification FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions for IBF Certification Application

What is IBF Certification?

IBF Certification is an industry endorsed mark of quality for finance professionals in Singapore. It is awarded to practitioners who have acquired the relevant core competencies required for jobs in their respective industry segments.

The IBF Certified Individual will be accorded with one of the following professional Certification Titles upon successful application and is expected to uphold values of professional excellence, integrity and commitment to the industry.

(a) IBF Qualified (for new entrants with 0 – less than 3 years of experience);

(b) IBF Advanced (for senior practitioners and specialists with 3 – 15 years of experience);

What are the benefits of obtaining the IBF Certification?

IBF Certification provides individuals with a form of industry recognition.

IBF Certified Individuals will also have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders who have been conferred the IBF Fellows or IBF Distinguished Fellows award at exclusive IBF platforms.

What are the eligibility criteria to apply for IBF Certification?

Individuals who successfully complete an eligible IBF-STS accredited assessment programme* and meet the relevant criteria may apply for IBF Certification.

Table 1: IBF Certification criteria

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:

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)

75% of TSCs within benchmark 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-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.

How can I find the list of technical skills and competencies (TSCs) required for IBF Certification for my current job role?

How do I calculate the number of technical skills and competencies (TSCs) required for IBF Certification application?

I have completed eligible IBF-STS accredited programme(s), how do I apply for IBF Certification?

What documents do I need to apply for IBF Certification?

Can I apply for more than one IBF Certification title?

What is the processing time of my IBF Certification application?

Are there any fees payable for my IBF Certification application?

How do I view the electronic copy of my IBF Certificate?

How do I request for a hard copy of my IBF Certificate?

Where can I check the status of my IBF Certification application?

How do I update my personal information and training records to apply for IBF Certification?

How do I apply for an IBF Portal Account to submit my IBF Certification application?

Can I use my IBF Certification Title in my business card, email signature and social media?

Frequently Asked Questions for CPD Obligations

Will I be required to fulfil any Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours to maintain my IBF Certification status?

IBF Certified Individuals are required to fulfil a minimum of 15 CPD hours annually which will commence from the year following the year of certification. Details on eligible CPD activities can be found here: IBF Certification Terms and Conditions.

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.

What are the CDP activities recognised by IBF for IBF Certified Individuals?

Do I need to renew my IBF Certification status annually?

What is the retention period of my CPD records for renewal of my IBF Certification status?