Frequently asked questions

Virtual Registration Fee: The fee is $4,480 per module and includes all sessions over the scheduled module, program materials, support tools, and the proctored exam.

In-Person Registration Fee: The fee is $5,280 per module and includes all sessions over the scheduled module, hotel accommodation for two nights, meals, program materials, support tools, and the proctored exam.

NEW Payment and Transfer Policy

• A 50% deposit is required within 30 calendar days of enrollment confirmation.
• The remaining 50% is due within 60 calendar days before the module starts.
• Full payment is preferred upon enrollment confirmation.
  • Withdrawal/refund policy applies with less than 59 business days before the module start date or no notification.

Participants may withdraw from a module by emailing thedirectorscollege@mcmaster.ca.

The Directors College reserves the right to cancel a module based on low enrolment, facility issues, or other mitigating circumstances. Participants will receive a full refund (100%) of paid module fees.

What is the cancellation/refund schedule?

• More than 60 business days before the module start date: 100% refund
• 59 to 30 business days before the module start date: 50% refund
• Less than 29 business days before the module start date or no notification: No refund

Note: Refunds apply to fully paid fees and deposits for pending payments. 

• To transfer your registration to a different module, email thedirectorscollege@mcmaster.ca.
• Transfers are to the next scheduled module of the same format (in-person or virtual) unless you request otherwise.
• Only one transfer request is allowed per module.
• Transfer requests made 30 calendar days or less before the module start date will not be considered. In these cases, the standard Cancellation/Refund Schedule applies.

What is the transfer schedule?

• More than 30 calendar days before the module start date: $150 administration fee (transfer is finalized once the fee is paid).
• Less than 29 calendar days before the module start date or no notification: No transfers allowed.

Note: Transfers are only accepted for fully paid registrations.

In-person modules are delivered at the Ron Joyce Centre, DeGroote School of Business in Burlington, ON. 

We also offer most modules virtually. 

Virtual module sessions run from 5:00pm EST on Wednesday until 4:30pm EST on Saturday, with the exception of Module 3 and 4 which begin at 10am EST on Thursday.

In-person module sessions run from 3:00pm EST on Thursday until 4:30pm EST on Saturday.

Timing is subject to slight changes. 

Participants are responsible for arranging their own travel to and from the session. The Directors College does not endorse or guarantee any travel company or means of transportation as we are not affiliated with any travel company. Information on potential options will be provided to registrants. 

In the event of inclement weather, The Directors College follows the guidelines set out in our Inclement Weather Policy and Procedures. Participants will be notified via email by program staff of any module cancellations. The Directors College is not responsible for any travel or incidental costs incurred by the participant.

Our team is dedicated to ensuring that all participants have the necessary support to succeed in the program. If you require accommodations for a module, we recommend you contact us at the start of the program. You can reach us via email at thedirectorscollege@mcmaster.ca. We will contact you directly to discuss your specific needs.

Candidates must complete all five modules within an 18 month period to be eligible for the C.Dir. designation. After completing all five modules, you will have 14 months to write the C.Dir. exam. 

Current participants can complete the program as quickly as their scheduling and module spaces allow. Modules 1–4 may be taken in any order; Module 5 must be taken as the fifth and final course of the program. 

If you have a special situation that you feel may warrant an exception to this policy, please email The Directors College to make an official request for an exemption to this policy. All such requests will be examined on a case-by-case basis. 

After completing Module 5, participants have a 14-month window to write the final exam.

The exam is offered twice a year (January and June). The Directors College team will reach out to all eligible participants on specific exam dates and times.

CPD hours can be entered to your profile. Visit secure.thedirectorscollege.com.

A tuition tax receipt (T2202) for your Chartered Director Module fee is available upon request.

Please note, you cannot claim the tuition amount if any of the following applies to you:

• the fees were paid or reimbursed by your employer
• the fees were paid by a federal, provincial, or territorial job training program, where the amount is not included in your income

For further information, consult with the Canada Revenue Agency.

The Directors College offers a multi-module curriculum that goes beyond theory. In Module 5, participants take part in an interactive Board Simulation, applying their learning in real-time and receiving direct feedback—ensuring they’re prepared to navigate real-world board challenges with confidence.