Certified Islamic Professional Accountant (CIPA)
The Certified Islamic Professional Accountant (CIPA) is one of AAOIFI’s two flagship fellowship qualifications. First launched in 2006, the qualification has undergone comprehensive restructuring, with the revised framework coming into effect in November 2025.
CIPA remains the only internationally recognised professional qualification in accountancy specifically designed for Islamic financial institutions, serving the Islamic banking, investment, and Takaful sectors. It equips candidates with advanced technical competence and applied professional capability grounded fully in AAOIFI standards.
Under the restructured scheme, CIPA is awarded to candidates who successfully complete three independent modules:
The modular structure allows the candidates to complete each module separately. Upon passing a module, the candidate is awarded the corresponding Certificate of Proficiency, thereby obtaining formal recognition for that stage. After successful completion of all three modules, the academic component of the CIPA qualification is satisfied. The candidate who has also fulfilled the Practical Experience Requirement (PER) becomes eligible to apply for the CIPA fellowship designation.
Entry Requirements and Pre-Requisite Competencies
Admission to the CIPA qualification requires appropriate academic background. Entry is granted to candidates holding a four-year university degree from an AAOIFI-recognised institution that includes coursework in accounting, auditing, business or management, and finance. Where a candidate’s academic background does not meet these requirements, he or she is required to sit a pre-requisite competency examination. This examination comprises a single module designed to assess foundational knowledge in basic accounting and reporting, basic audit and assurance, and the business and regulatory environment. AAOIFI maintains and publishes a list of recognised universities whose graduates qualify for exemption from the pre-requisite requirement.
Training Requirement (CIPA)
The Practical Experience Requirement (PER) forms an integral part of the CIPA fellowship. A standard training period of two years is required and must be supported by appropriate evidence. This period may be reduced to one year where the experience is directly relevant, such as training undertaken within a financial institution or consulting firm under qualified supervision and evidenced through proper documentation, including a work diary or similar records.
Why Become an AAOIFI Fellow?
By joining a global network of more than 2,800 fellows across 74 countries, AAOIFI Fellows become part of a professional framework grounded entirely in AAOIFI standards. The fellowship integrates accounting, Sharīʿah, audit, governance and ethics within a structured pathway supported by supervised practical experience. AAOIFI qualifications are widely recognised by regulators, Islamic financial institutions, professional accounting bodies and training centres, and as regulatory authorities increasingly adopt AAOIFI standards, demand continues to grow for professionals capable of correctly interpreting and implementing them.
Upon completion of all requirements, CIPA fellows benefit from:
