Professional Banker Certificate

We are excited to announce the relaunch of the Professional Banker Certificate qualification for 2023. 

This qualification comprises of a single course, the Foundations of Responsible Banking, which aims to develop the learner’s knowledge, understanding and skills relating to the business of banking. The course combines study of core banking principles and practice with learning about the forces that are transforming the way we bank, and how banks are responding to meet the changing expectations of customers in an increasingly competitive environment. 

The eLearning covers themes such as responsible and sustainable banking, and what it means to be a professional in banking in the current environment. The learner will be better able to apply those principles to help their bank deliver its strategy, perform well at work, and serve customers, communities, and the wider environment well.   

Note: The exam will be available to sit at the end of November 2023.

This flagship introductory banking certificate is suitable for all bank employees globally. It is of particular relevance to those new to banking, who want to expand their knowledge and understanding of the business they are in – the business of banking – and have that knowledge and understanding recognised through the award of a professional banking qualification. 

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Note:  Learners currently studying the 2019 version of the Professional Banker Certificate may choose to transition to the 2023 version of the Professional Banker Certificate where: 

• they registered for the 2019 version of the Professional Banker Certificate after 14 May 2023; 
• they request to transition to the 2023 version of the Professional Banker Certificate no later than 22 December 2023;
• the Professional Banker Certificate is not being studied as part of an apprenticeship. 

Learners choosing to transition from the 2019 version of the Professional Banker Certificate should note that the content for 2023 version of the Professional Banker Certificate has been updated from the earlier edition, so learners will need to study all units of the 2023 version before sitting the exam (study of a 2019 version of the Professional Banker Certificate unit does not provide any ‘exemption’ from studying a unit in the 2023 edition of the qualification). 

• Interactive and digital learning. 

• Learning Materials for this certificate will be sent by email, with more information on our Learning Management System (LMS) and course materials.

• Note: The exam will be available to sit at the end of November 2023.

• Assessed by an online exam comprising 40 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 60%. 

• Members will receive a digital certificate for this qualification via email usually within 5 days of successfully being awarded the qualification. To find out more about the new digital certificates, click here. 

• Registration is valid for 12 months. Learners are expected to sit and pass the examination within that time. 

• The module costs £360 which includes your first exam entry fee. Exam resits cost £145 per module. 

• In order to study the Professional Banker Certificate, you must become a member of the Institute. An annual subscription fee of £33.00 will be payable upon registration. 

On completion of this Qualification, the learner will be able to: 

• explain the purpose and function of different types of banks and banking  

• explain what is meant by responsible and sustainable banking, and how goals and other objectives are articulated through a bank’s mission, vision, and values statement 

• describe the different types of bank customers, and the products, services and delivery channels banks provide to meet their needs 

• describe the customer service environment and the impact of technology on the customer experience 

• explain the purpose of banking regulation, and the principles of good regulation and conduct   

• explain what is meant by professional and ethical banking, and describe the measures in place to ensure banks and banking professionals treat customers fairly 

This qualification will also support you in the development of a number of key skills including:  

• customer relationship management  
• cyber security 
• digital literacy 
• problem solving 
• self-directed learning 
• teamwork 

The Professional Banker Certificate comprises of a single course, the Foundations of Responsible Banking. The Foundations of Responsible Banking syllabus is made up of the following six units:

• Unit 1: Banks and banking 
• Unit 2: Responsible and sustainable banking 
• Unit 3: Bank customers 
• Unit 4: The customer experience 
• Unit 5: Financial regulation 
• Unit 6: Professional and ethical banking 

 
Assesment: 
This qualification is assessed by one online examination, lasting 60 minutes, and consisting of 40 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 60%. 

Examinations can be taken at any one of our examination centres throughout the UK and internationally. Results will be available immediately. Learners also have the option to take the exam via remote invigilation.

The exam will be available to sit at the end of November 2023.

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Note: To achieve the Professional Banker Diploma, you must complete the 2019 or earlier version of the Professional Banker Certificate and two further modules.   

Am I Eligible? 

There are no entry requirements for the Professional Banker Certificate. This certificate is suitable for all bank employees in the UK and internationally. It is mostly aimed at individuals who are new to banking, and who want to expand their knowledge and understanding of the business they are in. 

Although work experience is helpful, this is not essential as all learning materials are provided as part of registration. 

The certificate is delivered online via the Institute’s Learning Management System, which enables learners to access the learning materials anywhere, anytime. Resources include;  

• Six interactive e-learning units; 

• Case studies and online resources, including videos; 

• Recommended further reading; 

• Online knowledge checks with feedback on responses to enhance learning; 

• Mock exam 

Module Specification:

PBC Module Spec 23/24