Frequently Asked Questions about Exams


When are the exams?

  • June 10 – 21, 2013
  • September 23 – October 4, 2013
  • January 13-24, 2014
  • June 9-20, 2014
  • October 14-24, 2014

Where do I write the exam?

Exams can be scheduled in most locations across Canada. If we do not have a proctor location in the city you wish to write in, we may ask for your assistance in providing us with the name of a local law firm.

Is there a cost to writing the exam?

There is no fee to write the exam, however, once your exam date has been confirmed and you choose to cancel the date or defer to the next exam session you will incur a cancellation fee of $150. Upon cancellation of your exam you will receive an invoice which is payable upon receipt.

What is the length of the exam and what materials are examinable?

The Chartered Director (C.Dir.) exam is 4 hours in length and is 200 multiple choice questions. All of the written materials contained in the Reference binder, and the binders for Modules 1-4 are examinable. None of the business case studies are examinable however, the 5 legal cases covered in Module 1 are examinable i.e., Repap Enterprises, Walt Disney Company, Standard Trustco Ltd., Peoples Department Store and YBM Magnex.

The Human Resources and Compensation Committee Certified (H.R.C.C.C.) exam is 3 hours in length and 150 multiple choice questions. All written materials from both Module 1 and 2 are examinable with the exception of the case studies.

The Audit Committee Certified (A.C.C.) exam is 3 hours in length and 150 multiple choice questions. All written materials from both Module 1 and 2 are examinable with the exception of the Biovail case and the Simulation materials. The book “Integrity in the Spotlight” is examinable.

How long after I complete Module 5 (or Module 2 for HRCC or ACC) do I have to successfully complete the exam?

You have 14 months to successfully complete the exam after your last module.

What is considered a passing grade?

70% is the minimum passing grade.

If I am unsuccessful the first time I write the exam can I write it again?

Yes, you can re-write the exam up to 2 more times, but must be completed within 14 months of completing your last module.

If I have not written the exam within my 14 month time frame, what happens?

You are no longer eligible to obtain your designation and will need to start over.

Are practice exams available?

Yes, after you complete your last module you will have access to practice exams through your individual profile on The Directors College website.

For further information please contact:
Leane Swales
Program and Alumni Coordinator
leane.swales@thedirectorscollege.com
613-526-3090 x411

What our graduates say?

“I found the Chartered Director Program to be an excellent forum to understand how strong governance complements effective management. The ability to create and execute an effective strategy is significantly enhanced by a robust process inclusive of board engagement where the right questions are asked and expected outcomes are identified. I truly enjoyed the setting which fostered a strong level of interaction that was supported by quality presentations and material. As CEO of a Shared Service Organization set to deliver benefits to its members, I see the advantage of having a number of our board members participating in this program.”

Tony Di Emanuele, MBA, C.Dir., President and CEO, Mohawk Shared Services

“I found the Directors College to be an excellent survey of the important matters of which a director must be aware in today’s corporate environment. The quality of the presentation and materials was first-rate and the perspectives gained were invaluable. I would highly recommend the Directors College.”

The Honourable John Manley, P.C., O.C., C.Dir., Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister

“The changes that impact corporate governance are establishing a pattern of increased accountability for the delivery of long-term value to customers, shareholders, employees and society. Proper corporate governance is now being defined to include knowledge of critical elements such as risk management and the measurement of strategic performance. At the end of the day, each board will be judged on its ability to effectively deliver value, rather than on its structure. The Directors College innovative program fills a unique and important gap in providing knowledge and insight as to how this expectation can be met. CMA Canada is pleased to be a sponsor of this timely initiative.”

Steve Vieweg, C.Dir., Director, Executive Development, I.H. Asper School of Business – University of Manitoba

“As an organization focused on educating corporate secretaries, the ICSA believes in furthering the potential of board members to better contribute to building effective governance structures. Given the key role of directors and corporate secretaries in applying proper boardroom practices, corporations need to ensure that these individuals meet a professional standard. The Directors College curriculum covers all the formal regulatory issues for directors and also addresses the informal skills of building effective and appropriate relationships with senior management. We see significant benefits to this program and ICSA is pleased to endorse it.”

Lynn Beauregard, Executive Director, Chartered Secretaries Canada

The Directors College has developed a director education program which goes well beyond the fundamentals to address the structures and the behavioural components of principle-based governance. I am proud to be associated with the Directors College and I am honoured to lend my name to the College’s graduate award.

Gilbert Bennett, Director and Recently-Retired Chairman of the Board, Canadian Tire Corporation Limited

“Our strategy is to raise the horizons and potential of directors by deepening and enriching their knowledge and application of advanced skills. Increasing the effectiveness of existing directors and broadening the pool of potential directors will contribute to the professionalism of boards across Canada.”

David Beatty, Managing Director, Canadian Coalition for Good Governance