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Z ZIBFS Zambia Institute of Banking & Financial Services

The professional qualification for banking in Zambia

Certificates, diplomas and professional certifications in banking and financial services — set, examined and awarded by the Institute since 1992.

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Common tasks

From school leaver to senior banker

Start with the Certificate after Grade 12, or join at the professional level if you already work in the sector. Each qualification is a step towards the next — and ZIBFS diplomas earn up to two years’ exemption on banking and finance degrees.

  1. Step 1 Certificate in Banking & Finance 12 months
  2. Step 2 Diploma in Banking & Finance 12 to 18 months
  3. Step 3 Professional Diploma in Banking & Financial Services 12 to 18 months
  4. Step 4 Advanced Professional Diploma in Banking & Financial Services 12 to 18 months
  5. Step 5 Postgraduate Certificate in Retail Banking 6 to 12 months

Key dates

  1. Entries close for December final examinations

    Professional Diploma, Advanced Professional Diploma and Postgraduate Certificates.

  2. Strategic plan survey closes

    Have your say on the Institute’s 2027–2029 plan.

  3. Late entries close for December final examinations

    Late entry penalty applies.

  4. Bankers’ Executive Golf Tournament

    Lusaka Golf Club, tee-off 08:00.

  5. Membership renewal deadline

    Unpaid members are deregistered after this date.

Examination calendar

5 November 2026

CPD workshop: credit risk in agricultural lending (demo)

A one-day CPD workshop used to demonstrate online event registration and payment. Not a real event.

ZIBFS Training Room, Lusaka

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Year the Institute was established
1992
Accredited colleges teaching ZIBFS programmes
16
Examination sessions every year
4
Degree exemption available to ZIBFS diploma holders
2 years

Welcome to the Institute

Welcome to the Zambia Institute of Banking and Financial Services. Since 1992 the Institute has trained, examined and certified the people who run Zambia’s banks and financial institutions.

We offer academic and professional qualifications, short certification programmes and continuing professional development, with enrolment open throughout the year. Our student management system lets members register, enter for examinations, check results and pay online.

Whether you are leaving school or leading a branch, there is a programme here for the next step in your career.

Mrs Victoria Chanda MumbaChief Executive Officer

Training for your institution

Certification programmes and CPD courses for banks, microfinance institutions, fintechs and regulators — run as open courses or delivered for your own staff. Corporate members receive 10% off CPD courses.

Corporate training Talk to us

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