Once I submit an application and I am admitted, how long must I wait to receive course materials?
Once the application is reviewed and approved, course materials can be sent out immediately. Applications are usually reviewed and approved or rejected within one business day. Materials are sent out within a day of application approval. No final exams can be taken prior to IBF receiving your undergraduate transcript.

How do I get college or university transcripts?
Contact the Registrar's Office of each college and university attended. A Registrar's Office will usually require a nominal fee to process your request ($10-$20). Some offices require a written request along with a check; others can process your request over the phone.

What should I do once I receive a copy of my transcript?
Send the copy directly to IBF. Make sure that you send the original copy that you received from the Registrar's Office (a photocopy is not acceptable).

Do you offer financial aid or any type of scholarship?
No.

Can I still go through your MSFS program if I am not a member of the financial services community?
Yes. You will also be able to use the IBF certification marks you gain along the way. There are two requirements for use of IBF certification marks: undergraduate degree from an accredited school or 2,000 hours of employment in the financial services industry. Like any other graduate degree, there are no special requirements (other than successful graduation) for the use of the letters, MSFS.

How do I get help if I have any questions about the course materials or IBF procedures?
Each MSFS student is assigned a school counselor. You may contact your counselor during normal business hours by e-mail or telephone. If the counselor is unable to address any concern or question you might have, e-mail IBF and a faculty member will respond within a few hours.

How long have you been offering an MSFS program?
Five years. IBF has been offering certification programs for over 19 years.

How does your pricing compare to other MSFS programs?
IBF is a non-profit organization, recognized as an educational charity by the IRS and state of California. The executive director, faculty, founder, and board of directors receive no compensation or salary.

IBF has reviewed several dozen Master's programs and has found that its MSFS graduate-degree program costs less than any of the other programs reviewed. The reason for this lower cost is twofold. First, a number of people serve IBF without compensation. Second, IBF does not have to show a profit in order to satisfy public shareholders or private owners. No individual or company owns IBF. Perhaps the best way to understand an IRS-recognized charity is that it is "owned" by U.S. taxpayers.

How are classes and course materials selected?
IBF believes that course materials should be as practical as possible. The required 4-5 certification programs are proprietary materials developed by IBF or in conjunction with a publisher who specializes in course materials designed for practitioners and their support staff. All of the certification programs contain extensive materials and ideas that can be incorporated into an advisor's daily practice immediately.

The electives are reflective of graduate business courses that are common to business schools. The list of electives has been narrowed down to topics that are the most practical possible, given the nature and restrictions of a graduate-level business curriculum. The textbooks for the electives are the same as those used by MBA and MSFS programs throughout the country. The books for the 2-3 electives are updated on a regular basis; materials for the 4-5 required IBF certification programs are updated quarterly.