The Certificate in Investment Banking (CIIB) is Equalifi’s exam-based qualification for professionals who want structured, specialised knowledge of investment banking. It recognises a disciplined, systematic understanding of how to analyse and value listed and unlisted companies in the context of mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, IPOs, fund raising, restructuring and other investment decisions.
The Certificate follows the full syllabus of the Equalified Investment Banking Strategist (EIB), covering investment banking basics, the regulatory framework, financial statement analysis, financial modelling, valuation principles and cost of capital, discounted cash flow analysis, comparable companies and precedent transactions, specialised valuations, IPOs, listing and equity capital markets, debt capital markets and fund raising, private capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, transactions analysis, deal structuring, documentation and tax, takeovers, buybacks and delisting, leveraged buyouts, corporate actions and restructuring, due diligence, cross-border transactions, pitching and execution, and ethics and emerging trends.
The Certificate in Investment Banking is assessed through a single MCQ examination, which is also Level 1 of the Equalified Investment Banking Strategist (EIB) designation.
Pathway to the EIB designation
| Award | Assessment | What it recognises |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Investment Banking (CIIB) | MCQ Examination | Structured knowledge across the full EIB syllabus |
| Equalified Investment Banking Strategist (EIB) | MCQ Examination, plus Project and Viva | The ability to apply that knowledge to a real transaction, with sound professional and ethical judgement |
Holders of the Certificate in Investment Banking may continue to the project and viva at any time to earn the EIB designation, without retaking the examination.
Who should take the exam?
Aspiring and practising investment banking analysts, private equity and venture capital professionals, corporate development and corporate finance professionals, transaction advisory and valuation professionals, chartered accountants, company secretaries and lawyers involved in transactions, entrepreneurs, and graduates seeking to enter investment banking.
Candidates benefit from strong accounting, finance, quantitative and business analysis skills.
Important
The Certificate in Investment Banking is an educational qualification awarded by Equalifi. It does not constitute a regulatory licence or authorisation to act as a merchant banker or investment adviser, or to provide valuation services as a registered valuer.
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 Investment Banking (CIIB) | MCQ | 2 hours | 100 | 60% | 20% per incorrect answer |
Validity
The Certificate in Investment 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. The programme uses interactive learning tools, including case studies, projects and hands-on exercises. For stronger exam readiness, candidates are also encouraged to attend Equalifi’s executive education programmes and masterclasses on investment banking. Access Pass holders receive a 10% to 50% fee waiver based on their pass category.