All course materials are graduate level. IBF certification program materials were developed internally; all course electives use textbooks that are currently used by graduate schools throughout the country. The textbooks are supplemented by IBF study guides and sample questions.

Credit for each certification program (4-5 required) is dependent on passing three multiple-choice exams plus a 1-2 page case study. Each elective course (2-3 required) includes two multiple-choice exams.

Once enrolled, students have up to five years to complete the MSFS program. Some students have completed the program in as little as 18 months; most enrollees take 24-28 months to finish.