Routes into governance

Which qualifying route is best for me?

Qualifying as a Chartered governance professional or Chartered company secretary shows that you have the knowledge, skills and experience to take on a job with significant and wide-ranging responsibilities.

Chartered status is the benchmark governance qualification, recognised and valued by employers across the world. There are two ways in which you can become Chartered. You can take the Institute’s Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme, which consists of seven examination modules or study a dual-award postgraduate course in governance at one of our partner universities. Both options can be combined with work and are typically completed over two or more years.

The Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme takes you on a learning journey through various subjects at three levels. It begins with the Foundation Programme at Level 4 (the equivalent of a first-year undergraduate degree) to ensure that you are familiar with the key commercial and legal concepts that underpin governance. You will progress to Part One at Level 6 (the equivalent of a final year of an undergraduate degree) taking modules in governance, law, finance and compliance. You will then complete your learning at Part Two with modules in risk, strategy and board dynamics at Level 7 (postgraduate degree level study).

You don’t need to have any specific prior qualifications to become a governance professional. However, those with approved qualifications which include relevant degrees issued by UK universities or qualifications with equivalent status to a UK qualification (as defined by the UK National Recognition Information Centre) may be eligible for exemptions from some modules. Exemptions enable you to use prior learning to achieve your professional goals more quickly.

• The Foundation Programme

  This is the first step to becoming qualified and will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to study the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme.

  The Foundation Programme is mandatory for those without degree-level qualifications in law or finance. It provides you with a thorough grounding in the key principles and concepts needed to start the Qualifying Programme.

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• The Qualifying Programme

  The Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme is our flagship offering and provides you with everything you need to know to embark on a career in governance.

  If you already hold a degree level qualification in law and/or finance or have experience in a governance or compliance-related role, you will not be required to take the Foundation Programme and can start your studies here.

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• Law or Finance Degree

  If you hold an approved law or finance degree you will not be required to complete all of the modules in the Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme.

  Your degree in law will offer you an exemption from the Company Law module and a degree in Finance willprovide you with an exemption from:

  • Interpreting Accounting and Financial Information

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• Professional Entry: Law

  If you are a member of the Bar or Law Society for your jurisdiction, or compliant with the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Regulations you may be eligible to receive exemptions from:

  • Company Law
  • Development of Strategy

  This route is ideal for those with up to 5 year’s relevant experience.

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• Professional Entry: Finance

  If you are a qualified member of a recognised accountancy body (ICAEW, ICAS, ICAI, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA), you may be eligible to receive exemptions from the following modules:

  • Interpreting Accounting and Financial Information
  • Development of Strategy

  This route is ideal for those with up to 5 year’s relevant experience.

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• Professional Entry: Fast Track

  If you are a qualified law or finance practitioner with more than five years’ experience, you could quickly become Chartered with our Fast Track Professional route.

  This means you will only need to complete the following modules:

  • Corporate Governance (in Part One)
  • Risk Management (in Part Two)

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