The qualifying scheme
In this section, you will find all you need to know about our Chartered Secretaries Qualifying Scheme (CSQS) including an overview of the modules, modes of study and how to register.Click on the links below to find out more.
Introducing the scheme
Who can register for the scheme?
Modules (including module summary, syllabus information and pilot papers)
Studying CSQS
Registering for CSQS
Order a CSQS information pack
Introducing the scheme
CSQS is one of the most broad-based qualifying schemes available, equipping you for a variety of different career paths. Valued worldwide by employers, this highly marketable qualification comprises two levels, each with four modules. You may need to study all eight modules or, depending on your existing qualifications, you may be exempt from some.
What are the benefits of studying CSQS?
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CSQS is internationally recognised and enables you to work in the private, public or not-for-profit sectors or set up your own business offering company secretarial services
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It is a broad-based qualification providing you with the skills you need for a variety of top-level careers working at board-level
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Becoming a Chartered Secretary can be well paid. A top company secretarial job in a FTSE 100 company comes with an average salary of over £190,000 plus a bonus of nearly £70,000*
To find out more about more about the role of a Chartered Secretary and benefits of studying CSQS, read our
CSQS information leaflet.
(*Source: Chambers and Partners Salary Survey 2009-2010).
Who can register for the scheme?
Anyone can register for the scheme. Those with certain qualifications and work experience may be exempt from some modules or if you are a fully-qualified lawyer or accountant with over five years professional experience, you may be eligible to study CSQS via our Fast-Track professional route.
To find out more about exemptions and Fast-Track professional, click on the links below:
- Exemptions table
- Fast-Track Professional
Please Note: The Institute's exemption policy is subject to periodic change. You will only be awared the exemptions available to you on the date of registration as a student.
The modules
To achieve the full qualification you will need to successfully complete the eight modules listed below. Take a look at the summaries of each module and also read the module syllabus for detailed information regarding individual modules and to get more of a taste of what the exams may entail, read the sample exam papers and suggested answers also listed below. Alternatively, you can download the full syllabus and programme outcomes by clicking here.
Please note; that the Health Service Governance module will be available from 2012.
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Level 1 |
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Financial Reporting and Analysis |
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Applied Business Law |
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Corporate Governance or Health Service Governance |
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Corporate Law |
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Level 2 |
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Financial Decision Making |
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Strategy in Practice |
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Corporate Secretarial Practice |
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Chartered Secretaries Case Study |
Coming Soon. PDF format only |
To find out more about how to order your study text, visit the How to order your study texts section.
Studying CSQS
You can study CSQS via a variety of routes including:
- self-study;
- distance-learning;
- part-time attendance at classes delivered by registered tuition providers
- full-time attendance on collaborative Masters courses at partner universities - these post-graduate collaborative courses mean you gain the university's post-graduate award in addition to the ICSA graduate status (GradICSA).
Assessment for each module is by examination and exams are held in June and November each year.
For further details of registered tuition providers, collaborative Masters courses at partner universities, exam centres and course fees visit the How and where to study section.
We also offer a range of support to our students. Take a look at how we can support you through your study.
Registering for CSQS
Before registering on the scheme we recommend that you read the Is CSQS right for me? section of the website which gives you detailed information on the level of the scheme and what experience and/or qualifications you may need. We also recommend you read our terms and conditions and student rules and regulations prior to registering on the scheme.
To find out more about registering for the scheme, visit the How to register section.