AAOIFI
Certified Shariah Expert (CSE)
CSE at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2023 |
| Modules | 4 |
| Practical Experience | 1 year (PER) required |
| Self-Study | Minimum 325 hours |
| Exam Centers | 65+ globally |
Program Overview
| Certified Shari’ah Advisor (CSE) | |
|---|---|
| The CSE fellowship trains professionals to ensure Shari’ah compliance in Islamic finance, aligned with AAOIFI standards. | |
| Category | Details |
| Program Objective | Train candidates to advise on Shari’ah compliance for contracts, products, and governance per AAOIFI standards. |
| Key Benefits |
– Join 2800+ AAOIFI fellows in 74 countries. – Multidisciplinary learning (Shari’ah, product development, accounting, risk management). |
| Learning Content |
– AAOIFI Shari’ah standards (scholar-endorsed). – Practical PER experience (Shari’ah boards, compliance, product development). |
| Career Opportunities |
– High demand for AAOIFI expertise. – Globally recognized benchmark qualification. |
| Language | Arabic (currently). |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s in Shari’ah & Law (or equivalent) from a reputable institution. |
| 2025 Exam Deadlines |
– April Exam: Register by 12 Mar 2025. – September Exam: Register by 20 Aug 2025. |
Key Notes
- Focus: Combines Shari’ah principles with practical finance applications.
- Recognition: Backed by AAOIFI, a leading Islamic finance standards body.
Curriculum
Exemption
Examinations
CSE Fellowship
Fee and Discount
Curriculum
| Curriculum | |
|---|---|
| CSE consists of four modules and a one-year practical experience requirement (PER). | |
| Module | Details |
| Module 1 | Shari’ah Standards (SS) – 30% |
| Module 2 | Islamic Financial Structuring and Development (IFSD) – 30% |
| Module 3 | AAOIFI Technical Standards (ATS) – 20% |
| Module 4 | Business and Regulatory Environment (BRE) – 20% |
| Practical Experience Requirement (PER) | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year |
| Place of PER | Any pre-approved institution |
| Supervisor | Any pre-approved Shari’ah scholar |
| Deliverable | Submission of periodic and final reports to AAOIFI |
| Requirement | Fulfillment of Shari’ah-related work performed for IFIs |
| Exemption | Case-by-case basis. Candidates may submit two 5,000-7,000 word research papers. |
Exemption
| Exemption | |
|---|---|
| Module exemption(s) are generally offered as follows: | |
| Module | Exemption Criteria |
| SS | CSAA or CSA fellowships |
| IFSD | No exemption |
| ATS | CIPA or CSA fellowships |
| BRE | CIPA or CSA fellowships or any professional qualification by a body recognized by IFAC |
| PER Exemption | |
|---|---|
| Partial (6-months exemption) | Full exemption |
| 3 years of experience in a Shari’ah-related field in an Islamic financial institution. | More than 3 years of experience in a Shari’ah-related field in an Islamic financial institution. |
Examinations
| Examinations | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The 2025 examination schedule is as follows: | ||||
| Module | Window 1 | Window 2 | Duration (hrs) | Format |
| IFSD | 14 April 2025 | 22 September 2025 | 3 | MCQs & scenario vignettes |
| ATS | 15 April 2025 | 23 September 2025 | 2 | MCQs & scenario vignettes |
| BRE | 15 April 2025 | 23 September 2025 | 2 | MCQs & scenario vignettes |
| SS | 16 April 2025 | 24 September 2025 | 3 | MCQs & scenario vignettes |
CSE Fellowship
| CSE Fellowship | |
|---|---|
| To become a fellow of the CSE, the candidate must: | |
| 1 | Pass all four modules (or qualify for module exemption(s)) |
| 2 | Earn a passing grade in PER |
| 3 | Meet the eligibility criteria |
| 4 | Pay any applicable dues |
|
*For latest information, visit www.aaoifi.com |
|
Fee and Discount
| Fees & Discounts | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Fees | USD 2,200 (includes registration, study texts, mock exams, exam sittings, PER fee, and certificate fee with postal expenses). |
| TAIF Group Discount |
Register with TAIF Learning
Or contact: contact@taiflearning.com |
| TAIF Group Discounted Price for Non-GCC | USD 770 |
| TAIF Group Discounted Price for GCC | USD 1,430 |
| Discounted Fee | Discounted fee does not include certificate postal charges |
First Time Applicants Apply Here
Applying For Remaining Modules Apply Here
Re-appearing Applicant Apply here
First Time Applicants Apply Here
Applying For Remaining Modules Apply Here
Re-appearing Applicant Apply here
Training and Awareness of Islamic Finance.
contact@taiflearning.com
+971543739331