Membership
The Membership journey
The first stage to becoming a Chartered Secretary is to study the qualifying scheme and pass the relevant exams. Once you have successfully completed the exams and paid your graduate fee you will be given the grade 'graduate' and designated the title GradICSA which you can use after your name.
To become a full Member of ICSA and a Chartered Secretary you also need to demonstrate a certain level of work experience.
To achieve the Associate grade (ACIS) you must be able to demonstrate a minimum of six years’ relevant work experience. This can be reduced by up to three years for graduates and holders of other relevant qualifications. Many Chartered Secretaries study while in employment, which can count towards Associate status.
To achieve Fellowship (FCIS) you must demonstrate career progression to a senior level in a top organisation with at least eight years’ relevant work experience or equivalent.
Benefits of Membership
A Chartered professional status can help you open the door to a new and varied career. When you join us, some of the benefits you will receive are:
- An enhanced professional identity
By becoming a full Member of ICSA, you will receive Chartered status which is recognised internationally and, from 2010, will be officially classified by the UK’s Office of National Statistics (ONS).
- Support for your career progression
As a Member, you will receive support for your CPD. You will also be able to attend a variety of targeted training courses (with a 10% Membership discount). You will also have access to our recruitment service helping you to secure new job roles and ensure your CV and interview technique is up-to-the minute.
- The latest news and information
You will receive monthly copies of ICSA’s industry-leading Chartered Secretary magazine. This contains news and features on subjects of professional interest as well as a wide selection of job advertisements. You can also sign up to receive our weekly Newswire updates, which help to keep you up-to-date with the latest news and regulatory development.
- Technical help and support
You will have access to a dedicated telephone enquiry service providing technical advice on a range of subjects to help you throughout your career. You will also have access to specialist software for company secretaries and board performance evaluation services.
- Networking opportunities
You will be able to join Member, sector and regional groups as well as attend a range conferences and events (at discounted prices).
- A collective voice
As a Member, you will have a platform to share your voice in shaping the policy agenda and evoking change. You will be able to participate in consultation activities and exercise your voice to support, inform and influence legal and regulatory frameworks.
Costs of Membership
Annual graduate and Membership fees:
Graduate £267
Associate fee £267
Fellow £299
The above fees are valid until 31 July 2012.