Experience Requirements

Before becoming an IBF designee, all students must have at least 2,000 hours or more work experience in the financial services industry or a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Students may take IBF courses and examinations prior to completing a bachelor's degree or 2,000 hours of work experience, but a designation will not be granted until the required minimum number of hours has been fulfilled or a bachelor's degree has been granted.

Once the student has passed all three examinations and has successfully completed the written case study, he or she will then be required to provide a job title, dates of employment, name of employer(s), a description of work-related responsibilities and duties, hours per week devoted to financial services, and educational background including attendance dates and degree(s) granted. IBF may verify employment records, qualifications and disciplinary history through FINRA's Central Registration Depository (CRD) or by contacting a college or university registrar's office.