Q1. What are OpenCerts?

Q2. Is the OpenCerts file an official document?

Yes, once the OpenCerts file has been verified through the IBF Verifier webpage or the OpenCerts website, there is no need to seek further confirmation from IBF regarding the authenticity of your IBF Certification or Examination Results, as they have already been verified.

Q3. What are the benefits of qualifications issued in the ‘OpenCerts’ standard?

Qualifications issued in the ‘OpenCerts’ standard are secure and instantly verifiable by anyone with access to the credentials.

Q4. How do I know that the OpenCerts file sent to me is authentic/has not been tampered with?

If the file can be successfully opened in the renderer on the IBF Verifier webpage or the OpenCerts website without any error messages, it is considered verified and authentic.

Q5. I dropped the OpenCerts file in the OpenCerts website, but there is an error message/it did not show anything. What has happened?

Q6. The OpenCerts file cannot be opened on my personal computer.

The file will display readable information only when opened in the renderer on the IBF Verifier webpage or the OpenCerts website.

Q7. How can a third party verify my IBF Skills Badge, IBF Certification or IBF Examination Result Slip?

You can allow a third party to verify your IBF Skills Badge, IBF Certification or IBF Examination Result Slip by sharing a direct link to your credentials. If you have displayed your credentials on your LinkedIn profile, it is publicly viewable and verifiable by anyone who clicks on “Show Credential”. 

To view or verify an OpenCert's authenticity, please follow these steps: 

1. Save the OpenCert file attachment found in your IBF Portal Account   

2. Visit OpenCerts website or IBF Verifier webpage

3. Upload or drag and drop the OpenCert file into the certificate renderer. 

Q8. After my IBF Examination Result Slip is uploaded in the IBF Verifier page, there is a grey box which states that the document is verified and it “does not expire”. Does this mean that the IBF Examination that I took will not expire?

The "Expires On" information on the IBF Verifier page indicates when the digital certificate's validity period ends. If a date is indicated, the digital certificate is considered invalid after that date and should not be trusted for verification or authentication. 

Please note that this date does not refer to the validity of your IBF examination results.

You may refer to the MAS Notice SFA 04-N22 Competency Requirements for Representatives of Holders of Capital Markets Services Licence and Exempt Financial Institutions for CMFAS examinations or the Private Banking Code of Conduct for CACS Papers examination validity. 

For specific guidance, please consult your company’s Compliance and/or Human Resources.

The OpenCerts document is attached in the email sent from IBF to your email account used in the IBF Portal registration. A copy of your OpenCerts document is also available in your IBF Portal Account under MySkills Portfolio.

In addition, issued OpenCerts can also be retrieved via your Accredify Passport account.

Q10. What is an Accredify Passport?

An Accredify Passport is a secure, digital wallet web app that allows you to store all your verifiable credentials in one place. It is a platform provided by Accredify. You may access your Accredify Passport account here.

Q11. Are there any fees involved in using Accredify Passport?

No, it is free.

Q12. Why are my IBF Skills Badge, Certification and my examination result slip(s) not displaying in my Accredify Passport account?

If you have successfully attained your IBF Skills Badge, IBF Certification or passed your examination and cannot find your credentials in your Accredify Passport account, please check the email address you have used to register for an IBF Portal account. It could be that your Accredify Passport account is registered under a different email address from the one that you have used to submit/apply/register for your IBF Skills Badge, IBF Certification or examination in the IBF Portal or with the IBF-accredited Training Provider.   

Please note that IBF Certification and IBF Exam Result Slips issued prior to 12 Oct 2024 with complete information provided during IBF Portal account creation would be progressively migrated to your portal accounts. No emails would be sent for these migrated IBF Certifications or IBF Examination Result slips. 

Q13. What if my IBF Skills Badge, Certification and examination result slip(s) do not appear in my Accredify Passport account?

Please send an email to [email protected] for their verification with the following information:

• Your name

• Type of certification

• Email address that was used to register for your Accredify Passport account 

Q14. How do I share my IBF Skills Badge, IBF Certification or IBF Examination Result Slip?

When you receive your IBF Skills Badge, Certification or Examination Result Slip via email, there will be a link for you to directly display your credentials on your LinkedIn profile. You may also share your credentials via a direct link in your Accredify Passport account.

Q15. I have other questions pertaining to IBF Skills Badges, IBF Certifications, IBF Examination Result Slips and OpenCerts. Who can I contact?

For queries relating to IBF Skills Badges, IBF Certifications or IBF Examination Result Slips, please contact IBF here. 

For technical queries relating to OpenCerts, please contact Accredify at [email protected]. For additional information, please visit the OpenCerts website.