How and where to study
How long does the qualification take?
How can I study for CSQS?
You can study for CSQS via a variety of routes:
- self-study;
- distance learning delivered by independent tuition providers; including BPP Business School's online classroom and face-to-face revision sessions
- part-time attendance at classes delivered by independent tuition providers;
- full-time attendance on collaborative Masters courses at partner universities (for joint ICSA/university postgraduate masters awards only). These post-graduate collaborative courses mean you gain the university's post-graduate award in addition to the ICSA graduate status (GradICSA).
Self study
Students studying CSQS are required to purchase their own study texts. Study texts are available to purchase for Levels 1 and 2 from the ICSA bookshop and from other sellers. To find out more, visit the ICSA bookshop.
Our registered tuition providers
ICSA has designated BPP Business School as its preferred supplier for tuition. For a list of other Registered Tuition Providers, download our Find a tuition provider list.
Our collaborative Masters courses
Our collaborative courses combine a Masters degree offered by one of our selected universities with ICSA's Chartered Secretaries Qualifying Scheme. On completion of the course you will be awarded a Masters degree from your chosen university and also GradICSA from ICSA. We offer courses in collaboration with several universities and to find out more about this study option, visit our Find a collaborative Masters course section.
How long does the qualification take?
Due to the flexibility of study options available, the timeframe in which the status of GradICSA is achieved can vary. However, qualification typically takes between one and three years. Once you achieve GradICSA status, you can apply for full Associate Member status, once you can demonstrate relevant work experience (see the Membership section for further information).
To register for self-study or distance learning via a tuition provider visit the How to register section.
Exams information
Exam centres are located worldwide. Exam entry closing dates are as follows:
1 April – Summer exam session
1 October – Winter exam session.
Download the CSQS exam timetable 2012 for further information.
If you decide to study with one of our tuition providers, you will also be required to pay course fees directly to the provider. Please check with your provider for further details.
How much will it cost?
The fees for CSQS are as follows:
|
|
Full rate
|
Overseas reduced rate
|
|
Initial registration fee (non-refundable) |
£100 |
£50 |
|
Annual subscription fee |
£150
|
£110 |
|
Standard exam entry fee per module |
£185 |
£130 |
|
Exemption fee per module |
£185 |
£130 |
|
Chartered Secretaries Case Study fee |
£250 |
£200 |
Please note the above fees are subject to periodic changes. Overseas reduced rate fees are available to students living in selected countries outside the EU as per the conditions stated in the student rules and regulations. Information on this and full fee details including late entry fees and re-sit fees can be found in our fee sheet. All fees are payable in sterling only.
Which of the above fees will I have to pay and when?
- Initial registration fee – upon registration you need to pay the initial registration fee of £100. This is non-refundable.
- Annual subscription fee – you will also need to pay this on registration. (If you register at any time between 1 August and 31 January, you will pay the full-year fee of £150. If you register between 1 February and 31 July, you will pay a half-year fee of £75).
- Subsequent annual subscription fees – a fee of £150 is payable for each additional year that you are registered as a student with ICSA. Our subscription year runs from 1 August to 31 July, so your annual fee will be payable by 1 August each year.
- Exam entry fee – you need to pay the standard exam entry fee of £185 each time you enter an exam
- Exemption fee – if you have been awarded any exemptions, you will need to pay the exemption fee of £185 for each module you are exempt from. You must pay this fee within six weeks of the date your exemptions are awarded.
- Chartered Secretaries Case Study fee – when you enter the Chartered Secretaries Case Study exam, you will need to pay the £250 fee instead of the £185 standard exam entry fee.
- Fees also apply if you have to re-sit your exams or if you enter the exam session after the relevant closing date. For full details of all fees see the fee sheet.