Certified Finance Specialist® (CFS®)

World’s Most affordable Finance certification

CFS designation after your name signifies a commitment to excellence and professionalism, increasing trust and confidence in your expertise.

Certified Finance Specialist® (CFS®) designation is aimed at aspiring and practicing finance professionals. CFS certification covers a comprehensive range of topics, equipping professionals with up-to-date knowledge and skills in finance, accounting principles, financial analysis and strategies. CFS develops your knowledge in corporate finance, capital budgeting, financial accounting, working capital management, capital markets and business combinations. Certified Finance Specialist designation sets an expertise-benchmark for financial management.

CFS certification gives you the opportunity to develop the analytical tools and skills required for the success in your business and finance career. This is accredited on the UK’s national qualifications framework and benchmarked against EQF. With the CFS designation after your name, you will be able to stand out from the crowd. To achieve the CFS designation, you need to pass a computer-based MCQ exam.

Entry Requirements

If you have a minimum one year of working experience at any level of finance, accounting or related role, then you are eligible to sit for the CFS exam. One year experience is the only eligibility requirement. We will require you to provide your experience details (such as name and address of your current/previous organization) at the time of your exam registration.

To become a CFS designation holder, a candidate must fulfil the following requirements;

  • Register and start preparation with Meantoir Global Academy in India.
  • Once your preparation is complete, you can take CFS exam any time of the year. Pass an examination by having at least 30 (60%) correct answers out of 50 multiple choice questions.

Top Reasons to Join

  • Demonstrate your competence and confidence in finance to employers and stakeholders.
  • Earn an affordable qualification recognized in UK framework (SCQF).
  • Enhance global acceptance through a qualification benchmarked against European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
  • Gain a global qualification that is jointly awarded by two reputed brands: International Qualifications Network (IQN) & Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

Duration & Preparation

Total time to complete the CFS qualification will depend on your background and willingness. Exams can be taken any time of the year. Our recommended time is 2 – 4 months only. Hence, you can take whatever time you feel appropriate for your preparation. Our course book is sufficient to ensure exam success. Our practice questions are important to evaluate your own progress and preparation.

Accreditation of CFS Certification

CFS certification is accredited as a Level 7 qualification within the UK’s national qualifications framework, aligning with the SCQF standards.

In accordance with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), CFS certification is categorized as a Level 5 qualification.

CFS certification has received external accreditation from the University of the West of Scotland.

Syllabus

  • Understanding Financial Statements
  • Interpretation of Financial Statements
  • Costing Systems 
  • Budgeting
  • Standard Costing
  • Cost Volume Profit (CVP) Analysis
  • Financial Decision Making Techniques
  • Pricing
  • Investment Appraisal
  • Working Capital Management
  • Sources of Finance
  • Islamic Finance

The CFS Exam

Exam Overview

  • Number of Exams: You just need to pass only one (1) exam.
  • Duration: The CFS exam lasts for 90 minutes.
  • Question Format: The exam comprises 50 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs).
  • Scoring: Each MCQ carries two marks. That is, a total of 100 marks for the exam.
  • Passing Score: To pass the exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 60%.
  • Answering Method: Each MCQ will have one correct or best answer.
  • No Negative Marking: There will be no penalty for selecting incorrect answers.

Authorized Use of CFS Post-nominal Letters

By successfully passing the CFS exam, you gain authorization to use the CFS post-nominal letters after your name for a duration of 15 (fifteen) years.

UWS (University of West of Scotland)

University of the West of Scotland aims to have a transformational influence on the economic, social and cultural development of the West of Scotland and beyond. UWS is officially recognised by Times Higher Education in top 600 of universities worldwide (2020 World University Rankings) and in top 130 of universities worldwide under 50 years old (2021 Young University Rankings). The Times/The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 ranked UWS as a top 100 UK university and as the highest ranked post-1992 university in Scotland for both teaching quality and student experience.

SCQF (Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework)

Certified Finance Specialist qualification is recognized on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). The SCQF is one of the national qualifications frameworks in the UK and is managed by the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Partnership. The SCQF Partnership includes members from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), College Development Network (CDN), the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) and Universities Scotland. It ensures that the Certified Finance Specialist qualification is recognized not only in Scotland, the United Kingdom, or Europe, but worldwide as well.

Level & Credit

CFS qualification has received SCQF credit points through the credit rating process, which show how much learning has been achieved, and a SCQF level which shows how demanding the learning is.

Criteria

CFS qualification is recognised on the SCQF by meeting criteria of learning outcomes, a minimum 10 notional learning hours, formal assessment, quality assurance etc.

SCQF Level 7 characteristics of CFS qualification

Knowledge & Understanding

An overall appreciation of body of knowledge. An awareness of the dynamic nature of knowledge and understanding.

Applied Knowledge & Skills

Apply knowledge, skills and understanding in using basic and routine professional skills, techniques and practices.

Generic Cognitive Skills

Present and evaluate arguments, information and ideas and use a range of approaches to address defined issues.

EQF (European Qualifications Framework)

Qualifications recognised under SCQF are aligned with European Qualifications Framework (EQF). The EQF was formally adopted by the European Parliament and the European Council in 2008. CFS certification is benchmarked as Level 5 qualifications in the EQF.

EQF Level 5 characteristics of CFS qualification

Knowledge

Comprehensive, specialised, factual and theoretical knowledge within a field of work or study and an awareness of the boundaries of that knowledge.

Skills

A comprehensive range of cognitive and practical skills required to develop creative solutions to abstract problems.

Responsibility & Autonomy

Exercise management and supervision in contexts of work or study activities where there is unpredictable change; review and develop performance of self and others.

IQN (International Qualifications Network)

A leading international certification and examination body, IQN (International Qualifications Network) offers qualifications designed to meet today’s professional needs through design, assessment, and awarding. As a leading provider of high-quality certification programs, IQN enables individuals to excel in their careers while balancing their other responsibilities.

IQN qualifications that are not only approved under the UK’s national qualifications framework but also recognised globally by esteemed employers and organisations worldwide.

IQN qualifications are benchmarked against the European Qualifications Framework (EQF). In collaboration with esteemed global learning brands like the University of the West of Scotland, bring you qualifications that are backed by industry expertise and academic rigour.

Upon successful completion of your qualification, IQN issue digital badges and verifiable digital certificates through Credly, leveraging cutting-edge blockchain technology. This ensures that your achievements are securely and transparently recorded, allowing you to showcase your skills and credentials with confidence in today’s competitive job market.

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