IBP SUPERIOR QUALIFICATION (ISQ)

IBP Superior Qualification (ISQ) is the only recognized professional qualification for bankers in Pakistan, which is recognized both, locally and internationally. The Central Bank has endorsed this qualification and it is also acclaimed by the banking and financial sector as well. ISQ is a professional qualification program which is aimed at empowering the present and potential management-level bankers with the practical knowledge about the banking industry and its functions.
ISQ is a three-level, self-study program designed to equip entrants of the banking industry with necessary skills and knowledge to become well-rounded banking professionals. Unlike academic qualifications, the ISQ is both market-based and practical. Through a carefully designed course structure and subject matter, participants are able to accelerate their learning process and acquire the relevant banking knowledge of regulations, products, lending, marketing, operations and management which they would otherwise only acquire informally over an extended period in their professional banking careers.

The ISQ comprises of three stages which are Junior Associateship of IBP (JAIBP), Associateship of IBP (AIBP) and Fellowship of IBP (FIBP). The JAIBP and AIBP qualifications are both recognized by the Chartered Banker Institute (UK).

Benefits of the ISQ program:

1. An internationally recognized qualification accredited by CBI (UK).
2. A cross-functional knowledge base designed to educate the candidate about best practices and banking technicalities.
3. A flexible course structure to suit both working professionals and full time students.
4. An affordable and cost-effective qualification.
5. Structured curriculum linked to banking practices.
6. Cash rewards to employees from banks.
7. Faster career growth including possible promotions.
8. Self study module.

Teaching & Testing Methodology:

• Learning Aids

•  Self-Study Program
• Coaching classes available
• Customized Reference Books
• Syllabus Guides is available
• Mentoring, counseling and support material available

  Testing Methodology:

• Written exams
• 2-3 Hours examination for each subject
• The Assessment Scheme for each subject is available in the specific Syllabus Guides

Program Structure:

ISQ allows maximum flexibility to participants to pace out and manage their studies even with their full-time professional routines. The modular multi-stage structure enables participants to select their own workload and sequence their choice of courses in order of their own interest, preferences and professional needs.

Eligibility Criteria

• Graduate in any discipline with a minimum 2nd Division
• Minimum 07 years of banking experience along with experience letter(s) is required

Fee Structure

• Registration fee (one-time): PKR 15,000/-
• Examination fee: PKR 1500/- (per course)

Junior Associateship of IBP (JAIBP):

Stage-1

• Business Communication for Financial Services
• Introduction to Financial Systems and Banking Regulations
• Information Technology in Financial Services
• Branch Banking

Stage-2

• Accounting for Financial Services
• Lending: Products, Operations and Risk Management
• Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior
• Economics

Stage-3

• Marketing of Financial Services
• Finance of International Trade & Related Treasury Operations
• Management Accounting for Financial Services

Specialization Subjects (any one subject to be selected)

• Microfinance
• Agricultural Finance
• Islamic Finance
• SME Banking

All Junior Associateship of IBP (JAIBP) qualified candidates are eligible to apply in this course. The Associateship of IBP (AIBP) will be awarded to those who:

• Have minimum 3 years of total banking experience.
• Have a record of Continual Professional Development (CPD) through receiving or imparting training or other knowledge related activities. Minimum CPD required is 60 hours

Registration:

To complete the registration process, the prospective ISQ candidate must follow the below steps:
1. Fill out a Registration Form

• To obtain the registration form:
  • Graduates, please click here
  • Non-Graduates, please click here

•  To obtain the examination form, click on the relevant level:
  • PROFESSIONAL BANKER
  • JAIBP
  • AIBP 
  • SPECIAL 

• To obtain the exemption form, click here

Registration Forms are also available, free of charge at
› all IBP Offices
› all SBP Offices
2. Mail or drop off a pay order along with the registration form to any of the IBP offices in the country along with:

• 3 Photos
• Attested copy of CNIC
• Attested copy of educational documents
• Documentation Required (non-graduates): Non-graduate candidates are required to submit a letter from their Academic Institutions confirming their enrollment in the graduating program stated in their Registration Form

ISQ Enrollment Last Date of Form Acceptance:

Examinations Session	Last Date of Form Acceptance
ISQ Exam-Summer 2018	16 March, 2018

Fee Structure

JAIBP

Break-up	Cost
One time registration fee	*PKR 15,000
Per subject fee	PKR 1,500

   
AIBP

Break-up	Cost
Per subject fee	PKR 1,500

* Partial reimbursement of ISQ Registration fees by leading Pakistani banks:
In order to motivate bankers to enroll, leading banks in Pakistan have decided that the increase in the ISQ Registration fees of PKR. 5,000 would be reimbursed by the banks after registration. The following banks have agreed to reimburse fees:
1. Bank Alfalah Limited
2. Faysal Bank Limited
3. Habib Bank Limited
4. Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited
5. Meezan Bank Limited
6. Soneri Bank Limited
7. Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) Limited
8. United Bank Limited
Reimbursement Amount: PKR. 5,000
Reimbursement Process:

• Candidate will pay the full registration fees (PKR. 15,000) to IBP

• IBP will process all registrations and handover the list of accepted registrations to respective banks (with unique identifier CNIC numbers) by 13 April, 2018. 

• Candidates of the above mentioned banks may then approach their HR department for reimbursement of PKR. 5,000.    Candidates may contact their bank’s HR department for details regarding the reimbursement requirements.

Important Notice:

 Time Limitation policy for completion of JAIBP (Effective from Winter-2015):

• Candidate will be given a time frame of 08 years from the date of registration to complete JAIBP.

• If the candidate is unable to complete the JAIBP program in 08 years, all of the complete and incomplete stage(s) will be lapsed and the candidate(s) will be required to enroll in JAIBP again as a fresh candidate.

• Candidate registered prior to Winter-2015 will be allowed 08 years from Winter-2015 to complete their JAIBP. If the candidate is unable to complete the JAIBP program by Summer-2023, all of the complete and incomplete stage(s) / part(s) will be lapsed and the candidate(s) will be required to enroll in JAIBP again as a fresh candidate.

Unfair Means/Misconduct:

A candidate’s conduct must be according to the exams rules of the institute. Non-compliance to any exam rules will lead to cancellation of the paper as per IBP examination rules for unethical practices. (Details are available in the ISQ handbook). IBP will be the sole judge regarding any foul acts committed by any candidate. In addition to the punishments prescribed in ISQ Handbook, IBP will also have the right to convey the information of punishment imposed on any candidate to his/her employer and/or State Bank of Pakistan.