• What are the criteria for Chartered Director?
• Must I undertake any study?
• What subject areas are covered within the Certificate examination?
• When are the examinations scheduled?
• Where can I take the examinations?
• I am not a director at the moment but I am seeking some non-executive positions. However, I have several years of experience as a director. Am I eligible?
• Do I need to be within the private sector to apply for Chartered Director?
• I am a non-executive director. Am I eligible?
• I do not know any IoD members or Chartered Directors to act as my proposers. How can I register?
• How much does it cost?

What are the criteria for Chartered Director?

• You must be a Member or Fellow of the IoD.
• Demonstrate the requisite knowledge by passing the IoD Examinations in Company Direction.
• Demonstrate a minimum of three years' acceptable experience as a director and be able to demonstrate that you are accountable in law.
• You must be a member of an autonomous and formally constituted board, which meets at least four times per year and which comprises at least three directors.

See eligibility section for full details

Must I undertake any study?

You are required to pursue the relevant programmes and pass the IoD’s Certificate and Diploma examinations in Company Direction to be able to apply for Chartered Director. There are a number of routes available at Certificate level. There is also a compulsory three day programme leading to the Diploma examination called Developing Board Performance. The IoD recommends you pursue the full programme of study (see Courses).

• The Role of Director and the Board
• Finance for Non-Financial Directors
• The Director's Role in Strategy and Marketing
• The Director’s Role in Leading the Organisation

When are the examinations scheduled?

The examinations are held three times a year in March, June and November.

Where can I take the examinations?

The examinations are held at a number of venues. Please see the Examinations Guide and the Examination Application Forms for details.       

I am not a director at the moment but I am seeking some non-executive positions. However, I have several years of experience as a director. Am I eligible?

To qualify for Chartered Director you need to be a practising director or have practiced in an eligible role within the last year.  You must also demonstrate at least three years’ experience as a director in putting forward your application, or five years if you do not hold a recognised degree or professional qualification.       
      

Do I need to be within the private sector to apply for Chartered Director?

Chartered Director has been awarded to Directors within the Public, Private, Charities and Third sectors.  Applicants must, as noted previously, demonstrate a minimum of three years’ experience as a director, and participate fully in regular board meetings with at least two other directors.

I am a non-executive director. Am I eligible?

There is no distinction between the executive director and the NED for election to Chartered Director. It is expected that both will bring objectivity and challenge to board meetings.  Non-executive directors need to demonstrate how they fulfil their role within the context(s) they are putting forward. 

I do not know any IoD members or Chartered Directors to act as my proposers. How can I register?

The IoD is happy to accept non IoD members as proposers, so long as they are known to the candidate in a professional role, such as a fellow director, MD, Chairman or professional advisor.

How much does it cost?

It depends on your study route, and the associated course costs. In addition the Chartered Director application costs £520 exclusive of VAT. (2012 rate)