The Certificate in Banking is Equalifi’s exam-based qualification for professionals who want a structured, comprehensive understanding of banking. It recognises knowledge of how banks are regulated and run, the products they offer, how they manage credit, liquidity and operational risk, and how digital banking and fintech are reshaping the industry.
The Certificate follows the full syllabus of the Equalified Banking Strategist (EBS), covering banking fundamentals, central banking and monetary policy, banking regulation and supervision, the Basel framework and capital management, bank business models and strategy, bank financial statements and performance analysis, deposits and liability management, retail banking and lending, MSME, agriculture and priority sector lending, corporate and commercial banking, trade finance and transaction banking, credit risk management and asset quality, treasury, liquidity and asset liability management, operational risk, compliance and internal controls, KYC, AML and financial crime, wealth management and third-party products, digital banking and fintech, customer experience and consumer protection, financial inclusion, bank governance and leadership, ethics, and sustainable banking and emerging trends.
The Certificate in Banking is assessed through a single MCQ examination, which is also Level 1 of the Equalified Banking Strategist (EBS) designation.
Pathway to the EBS designation
| Award | Assessment | What it recognises |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Banking | MCQ Examination | Structured knowledge across the full EBS syllabus |
| Equalified Banking Strategist (EBS) | MCQ Examination, plus Project and Viva | The ability to apply that knowledge to a real banking situation, with sound professional and ethical judgement |
Holders of the Certificate in Banking may continue to the project and viva at any time to earn the EBS designation, without retaking the examination.
Who should take the exam?
Bankers early in their careers and those moving into new roles, professionals in NBFCs, co-operative banks, small finance banks and payments banks, fintech professionals working with banks, consultants, auditors and analysts covering the banking sector, and graduates seeking a career in banking.
Important
The Certificate in Banking is an educational qualification awarded by Equalifi. It does not replace any certification that a bank or regulator may require for specific roles.
Exam details
Equalifi offers the examination through an external, remote-proctored platform. Once registration and payment are confirmed, candidates receive an exam link by email. Candidates may schedule and take the exam within one year of registration, from any location, subject to the platform’s requirements.
Candidates need a reliable internet connection and a computer with a working camera. Please read the technical and exam-day instructions before starting the exam.
| Sr. No. | Name of Module | Type of Questions | Test Duration | No. of Questions | Passing Criteria | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certificate in Banking | MCQ | 2 hours | 100 | 60% | 20% per incorrect answer |
Validity
The Certificate in Banking does not expire.
Candidate audit
Equalifi randomly audits a percentage of applications on a regular basis. Candidates are responsible for providing the requested supporting documentation to verify the education and professional background stated in their registration form. Equalifi does not contact employers or educational institutions to obtain verification documents on a candidate’s behalf.
Candidates selected for audit will be notified by email and will have 10 business days to respond. They must meet the audit requirements before receiving the certificate.
Failure to comply with the audit, falsification or misrepresentation of information, or any unprofessional conduct will result in denial or cancellation of the registration and/or revocation of the certificate, and all fees will be forfeited. A candidate who does not comply with an audit will also be subject to audit when reapplying in future.
Fee details
Exam fee: INR 3,540
Fee is inclusive of GST. The exam fee applies to each attempt.
Access Pass benefits
Fee waiver: Equalifi Chartered, Professional and Virtual Pass holders receive a 50% waiver on the exam fee.
Learn more about the Equalifi Access Pass.
Exam preparation: Access Pass holders receive access to exam preparatory material on the Equalifi portal. For stronger exam readiness, candidates are also encouraged to attend Equalifi’s executive education programmes and masterclasses on banking, credit and risk management. Access Pass holders receive a 10% to 50% fee waiver based on their pass category.