The Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ) is a ground-breaking qualification that covers Islamic finance from both a technical and Sharia’a perspective, providing the first international benchmark in the area of Islamic finance. Aimed at new and existing investment professionals specialising in Sharia’a compliant finance, trade, investment and insurance, the IFQ is primarily a practical Islamic banking qualification, but also covers the legal aspects of Sharia’a which underpin all Islamic contracts.

Many analysts are estimating growth in the Islamic Finance industry and expect to see Islamic Finance spread beyond Muslim countries - as seen in Europe where it has already made considerable headway in the UK, Germany and Switzerland.

Aims

• To provide an international benchmark qualification that will equip candidates with a practical understanding of Islamic finance, including Sukuk, Takaful, Mudaraba, Musharaka, Murabaha - and much more;
• To provide professional recognition for employees and customers, which will demonstrate that successful candidates have undergone rigorous training and sat a professional examination to reach their level of competence;
• To provide candidates with an understanding of the influence of Sharia’a in a business context and prepare them to hold key positions in the Islamic finance and Takaful (Islamic Insurance) industries.

Key features

• The qualification is reviewed annually to reflect developments in the fast-changing world of Islamic financial services.
• The syllabus, workbook, and other teaching materials and examinations have been developed with the support and collaboration of a panel of internationally-recognised experts in Islamic finance.
• The IFQ is on the wholesale banking and financial advice section of the Financial Services Skills Council Recommended Examinations list
• The qualification is available internationally.

SII and ESA Partnership

SII and the Lebanese Ecole Supérieure des Affaires (ESA), formally launched their specialist Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ) - the first global benchmark examination covering Islamic Finance on 31 October 2006.

The IFQ was initiated by the Central Bank of Lebanon (Banque du Liban) and is overseen by the Advisory Council for Islamic Finance (ACIF), a group of technical experts.

Information in French and Arabic for candidates in the Gulf and Middle East can be found in the Finance Islamique section of ESA's website. Candidates in Lebanon are recommended to sit their examination at the SII CBT Testing Centre at ESA which handles registration for the qualification and booking for the examination in Lebanon. Please contact Sandra Abboud by email: abboud.s@esa.edu.lb for details.

What next for holders of the IFQ?

Additional Exam Information The Current Syllabus for the IFQ has been developed by the Advisory Council for Islamic Finance (ACIF). NEW Syllabus examinable from 1 October 2009. The pass mark is set at 70%. Upon successful completion, candidates will receive an award badged by SII and ESA. Factsheet

Studying, Training, Booking your exam The IFQ workbook has been written by a group of senior practioners and approved by the ACIF panel of experts. Order your book and start studying NOW In addition to using the workbook, candidates can train at one of our Accredited Training Centres, click here to find your nearest training centre The IFQ is examinable via Computer Based Testing (CBT). Candidates sit their exams at one of the many CBT test centres located worldwide. Candidates receive instant results upon leaving the test centre.

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