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I-MAC

About Certified Sharia Expert (CSE)

CSE 

ASPECTS  DETAILS
Launch Year2023 
 Modules4
Practical Experience 1 year (PER) required
 Self-study Minimum 325 hours
Exam Centers 65+ Globally

Overview

The CSE fellowship trains professionals to ensure Shari’ah compliance in Islamic finance, aligned with AAOIFI standards.

 CategoryDetails 
 
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 recognised 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.
Curriculum
Exemption
Examinations
CSE Fellowship
Fee and Discount
Curriculum

Curriculum
CSE consists of four modules and a one-year practical experience requirement (PER).

ModuleDetails
Module 1
Shari’ah Standards (SS) – 30%
Module 2
Islamic Financial Structuring and Development (IFSD) – 30%
Module 3
AAOIFI Technical Standards (ATS) – 20%
Module 4Business and Regulatory Environment (BRE) – 20%

Practical Experience Requirement (PER)

Duration1 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:

ModuleExemption
 Criteria
SS
CSAA or CSA fellowships

ISFDNo Exemption
ATS
CIPA or CSA fellowships

BRECIPA or CSA fellowships or any professional qualification by a body recognised 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

Examination
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 20253 
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).
 
I-MAC Group Discount
 Register with I-MAC
Or contact: info@i-mac.org
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