Qualifications and Membership Opportunities for those working in Islamic Finance

Our Islamic finance professional qualifications have been specifically developed to provide financial services professionals with specialist knowledge and expertise to foster strong careers in all areas of Islamic finance including Islamic Economics, Islamic Business Ethics, Shariah and Islamic Commercial Jurisprudence, Sukuk Market, Islamic Insurance – Takaful and Islamic Corporate Governance.

Remote exams now available

Why choose CISI Qualifications?

Follow a progressive study route consistent with career paths in the financial services sector. New entrants to the Islamic finance profession are encouraged to start with the new Level 2 Fundamentals of Islamic Banking and Finance and as they gain knowledge and experience pursue higher level, specialist areas of study to demonstrate their expertise.

Our Islamic Finance study pathway has been developed in conjunction with the Bahrain Institute on Banking and Finance (BIBF) and l’Ecole Supérieure des Affaires (ESA) and is supported by the Central Bank of Lebanon.

CISI Islamic Finance Qualifications Pathway

Level 2
Fundamentals of Islamic Banking and Finance +
Level 3
Islamic Finance Qualification +
Ofqual regulated qualifications are marked +


A PDF version of all Qualifications pathways is also available.

Hear from others

Mehdi Hassayoune, General Inspection – Markets and Models, BNP Paribas

Overall Islamic Finance Qualification Winner - CISI Awards Ceremony 2014

My interest in Islamic Finance grew from working within Corporate and Investment Banking for many years. I wanted to change my career orientation towards Islamic finance business, with particular interest on financial engineering of Shariah compliant products. I chose the CISI’s Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ) to achieve this goal and to obtain a global overview on this type of business. Upon completion, I want to move to a financial engineer position within Islamic banking.

The IFQ workbook and the interactive e-learning helped me to prepare for this qualification.

Stella Cox‎, Managing Director‎, DDCAP group

Since its launch over a decade ago, the Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ) has become established as a leading qualification for Islamic financial services professionals.

The Qualifications Pathway is a much welcomed development that will now enable practitioners to build towards the IFQ, through entry level study of market fundamentals and, post qualification, expand their knowledge through specialist study relevant to their individual careers and personal interests.

Given the IFQ's acknowledged international relevance, it is encouraging to see this further collaboration between BIBF and CISI. It proactively endorses a more standardised approach across borders to professional education and qualification within the professional sector, in parallel to similar initiatives also taking place throughout Islamic financial services' operational infrastructure

Membership Opportunities

CISI membership is a compelling marker of professionalism in the financial services sector. Whatever stage of your career you are at, CISI membership highlights to colleagues, clients and the wider professional sphere a commitment to professionalism and the highest standards of knowledge, skills and behaviour. We now have over 47,000 members in 116 countries who take advantage of membership.

GROW YOUR

NETWORK

CISI members have extensive opportunities to make connections and share knowledge. Including an international network of 47,000 financial practitioners

DEVELOP

YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Members' professional development is at the heart of everything the CISI does

FURTHER YOUR

PROGRESS

Whatever stage of your career you are at – there is always potential for growth and progression.

Islamic Finance Focused Benefits

  • Designatory Letters - When you join the Institute you will be able to use designatory letters gained from achieving your Islamic finance qualification and set yourself apart from other practitioners in today's competitive market.
  • Join our Professional Forums - Over 1400 practitioners meet regularly in London to network and discuss relevant sector topics.
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events - Enjoy exclusive and free attendance at Islamic finance focused seminars and events worldwide.
  • Professional Refresher elearning Modules - Free access to the Institute’s online learning system to test your knowledge on topics, such as Islamic Banking, Integrity and Ethics, Inducements and Dealing Commissions, European Market Infrastructure Regulation, Corporate Actions and Data Protection.
  • CISI TV - Free access to our online library of past CPD events including videos, Heaven’s bankers: inside the hidden world of Islamic finance and Islamic finance: the dawn of a new era?
  • Exams available online via remote invigilation or at one of our global test centres
View the full range of membership benefits
We are withdrawing our Fundamentals of Islamic Banking and Finance exam in both English and Arabic, on the 31 May 2024. If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Support Team.