The Chartered Director Program

Why Choose The Directors College Chartered Director Program for Your Professional Director Education?

There are clear features and benefits that set us apart:

A university accredited education and certification program. The Chartered Director designation (C.Dir.)* comes from McMaster University. The rigour and screening that the program had to pass to receive a university designation attests to the high quality of the program.

A flexible residential and off-site learning experience. Our Chartered Director program is residential to encourage the learning that occurs among participants outside the classroom. Throughout the modules, participants have the opportunity to work and network with one another. Participants will appreciate the flexibility of choosing the modules in an order that suits their own schedule.

A curriculum that goes beyond the “technical” side of directorship practices. Our five-module program covers the full range of formal rules and practices that directors need to know about in their role as stewards of corporations. As well, the program examines the “behavioural” side of directorship—the human dynamics that influence a board and its decisions.

A board simulation that brings the curriculum to life. Our board simulation, as well as a final exam, results in a higher level of personal accountability and a deeper experience. The Board Simulation* (Module 5) gives participants a deeper experience and the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the previous four modules. It allows them to see where they need to concentrate their efforts for future development as directors. The final exam can be written after all five modules have been completed.

A diverse faculty. Our faculty of professionals, corporate directors, and academics covers the full range of governance, accounting, law, regulations, and human dynamics. Modules are delivered through a combination of lectures,interactive working sessions, and case studies.

A curriculum that explores the role of board members in the dynamic exchange between corporate governance and CSR. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) means expanding the corporation’s accountability beyond shareholders to the full range of stakeholders. The Directors College equips board members to play their role, not only as intermediaries between management and shareholders, but also between management and stakeholders.

Who Would Benefit? Who Should Attend?

Our program is designed for directors currently serving on corporate boards. It is also designed for candidates and senior executives who intend to serve on corporate boards and want to master the structure and dynamics of corporate governance. We strongly recommend that participants have board experience: for those without, business experience at a senior level is essential.

In addition, prior to being admitted to the program, all applicants must:

  • Have a university designation
  • Acknowledge having read the Code of Conduct and have a willingness to adhere to it as a potential Chartered Director.

Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether they are suitable candidates for the C.Dir.* designation or for participation in individual modules. Any candidate who is not admitted into the program will be contacted within two days of their registration by a member of the admission committee.

How to Register for the Chartered Director Program

The registration fee of $4,120 per module includes all sessions over the 2¼-day period (a total of 125 hours for all five modules); copies of prepared handouts and available texts; all meals and accommodation during the session; the proctored exam writing; and the graduation event. It does not include travel to and from the module location. There are five modules required to complete the Chartered Director program. Therefore, participants who are pursuing the C.Dir.* designation will pay a total of $20,600 (HST exempt) in registration fees. (The fees are eligible for Revenue Canada tax tuition credit.)

Please note that you can register for all five modules at once, but billing will occur six to eight weeks in advance of each module so that your payment can be dispersed.

Candidates must complete all five modules within an 18 month period to be eligible for the C.Dir. designation.

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What our graduates say?

“I thought the entire program was very well developed and comprehensive. You never know what to expect when you sign-up for these programs and this exceeded my expectations and was a great learning opportunity.”

James Scongack, Head of Corporate Affairs, Bruce Power LP

“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