CSE

Certified Shariah Expert (CSE)

CSE at a Glance

Exam Centers Globally

Self Study (Hours)

Modules

Passing Percentage

CSE Program Overview

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

What is the objective of CSE program?

  • Train candidates to advise on Shari’ah compliance for contracts, products, and governance per AAOIFI standards.

Powerful learning content

  • AAOIFI Shari’ah standards (scholar-endorsed).
  • Practical PER experience (Shari’ah boards, compliance, product development).

Excellent career opportunities

  • Join 2800+ AAOIFI fellows in 74 countries.
  • Multidisciplinary learning (Shari’ah, product development, accounting, risk management).
  • High demand for AAOIFI expertise.
  • Globally recognized benchmark qualification.

Language

  • Currently offered in Arabic Only

2026 Exam Registration Deadlines

  • Register before 31 August 2026

Benefits of CSE Program

  • Focus: Combines Shari’ah principles with practical finance applications.
  • Recognition: Backed by AAOIFI, a leading Islamic finance standards body.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Bachelor’s in Shari’ah & Law (or equivalent) from a reputable institution.

CSE Exam Registration Fee

The AAOIFI Standard fee is USD 1350, and this price is all-inclusive, covering the Registration fee, the necessary Study text, a Mock exam for preparation, the actual Examination sitting, and the issuance of the CSE certificate and shipping of CSE certificate.

TAIF Discounted Fee for CSE Exam Registration


$ 945 only

Discounted Fee does not include certificate shipping charges.

CSE Examinations
Schedule

Last Date for CSE Registration is 31st August 2026

IFSD

21 September 2026

ATS

22 September 2026

BRE

22 September 2026

SS

23 September 2026

Curriculum

Curriculum

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



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

Practical Experience Requirement (PER)


Duration1 year
Place of PERAny pre-approved institution
SupervisorAny pre-approved Shari’ah scholar
DeliverableSubmission of periodic and final reports to AAOIFI
RequirementFulfillment of Shari’ah-related work performed for IFIs
ExemptionCase-by-case basis. Candidates may submit two 5,000-7,000 word research papers.        

CSE Exemptions

What exemptions will current CSE candidates receive?

Module: SS

CSAA or CSA fellowships

Module: IFSD

No exemption

Module: ATS

CIPA or CSA fellowships

Module: BRE

CIPA, CSA, or IFAC-recognized professional qualification.

PER Partial Exemption

For PER Partial Exemption (6-months), 3 years of experience  in a Shari’ah-related field in an Islamic financial institution.

PER Full Exemption

For PER Full Exemption, More than 3 years of experience in ia Shari’ah-related field in an Islamic financial institution..