Qualify as a chartered director with our gold-standard professional development programme
Chartered Director Programme
Our programme is made up of three stages that together lead to chartered status. The first stage, Certificate in Company Direction, comprises four modules. The next stage, Diploma in Company Direction, is an intensive three-day course. The final stage, chartered director status, is achieved following a successful interview and assessment of business experience.
Flexible
The programme offers flexible study routes and learning designed and delivered by directors.
Tailored
Learning is tailored to your level of experience, previous programmes, career aspirations and learning style.
Valuable
This exclusive programme provides advanced professional development and meaningful personal growth.
Fast-track your journey
Hit the ground running with one of our residential certificate courses. Designed for you to learn alongside a network of your peers.
I initially wondered if the programme was the right fit for someone with my public service background. However, I couldn’t have been more impressed with the training quality and emphasis on engaging with leaders from diverse backgrounds was a game-changer.
The Chartered Director Programme has given me confidence, inspired confidence in others and evidenced my professional competence as a director. My organisation benefited from my improved performance.
All you need to make a decision on your next move
Download our Professional Development Overview.
Ongoing learning to suit you
Explore our other courses to support your leadership development.
Professional Development FAQs
- Courses
- Examinations
- Exam Accessibility
- Transfers and cancellations
I’ve just paid for my course and I’m new to the IOD – what are my next steps?
We recommend logging into the Digital Academy as soon as possible so you can familiarise yourself with your course details before attending.
How do I log into the Digital Academy?
You can access the Digital Academy here. Simply create a new account or log in using your existing credentials.
How can I find my course information on the Digital Academy?
A Digital Academy User Guide PDF is available to help you navigate the platform. If you still require support, please contact [email protected].
How will I know how to join my in-person or virtual course?
4 weeks prior to the course commencing date you will receive an email containing your joining instructions, including dates, times, venue details, and virtual access links where applicable. A Senior Client Service Executive will also contact you via phone or email to confirm your pre-course details.
In addition to the above our Certificate & Diploma learners will receive a Pre brief video which covers all the information you need to know before attending.
When and how will I receive my joining instructions?
From June 2026 onwards, joining instructions will be sent via email approximately 3 weeks before your course start date & also will be available on Digital Academy.
When will course materials become available on the Digital Academy?
Course materials will typically become available on the Digital Academy approximately 3 weeks prior to your course commencing date.
It’s the day of my in-person course – what should I bring with me?
All essential course materials, including slides, handbooks, notepads, and pens, will be provided. You’re welcome to bring any additional materials you may find useful which may include the inclusion of Ipads or tablets, as you can download all materials from the Digital Academy.
I’m arranging travel before attending. How early should I arrive at the venue?
We recommend arriving up to 30 minutes before the course begins to allow time for registration, refreshments, and settling in comfortably. Refreshments including hot beverages and pastries will be available upon arrival.
Will parking be available at the venue?
Parking availability depends on the venue. Please note that our main London venue, 116 Pall Mall, does not offer parking. Alternative venues, including hotels, may provide parking subject to availability. We recommend contacting the venue directly for confirmation.
What is the dress code for attending an IOD course?
The dress code for IOD courses is smart casual.
Which platforms do you use for virtual courses?
The IOD currently delivers virtual courses via Adobe Connect and Zoom. From June 2026, we will also be integrating a new learning platform called Class. However Information on accessing the courses through the appropriate platform will be provided accordingly prior to course commence date.
I’m having difficulty joining my virtual course – what should I do?
We recommend testing your connection and access to links 1 week before the course start date to ensure your device settings and internet connection are compatible. If you continue to experience difficulties, please contact [email protected] at least one hour before the course start time so we can assist promptly.
Can I access virtual sessions on a mobile device or iPad?
Yes, virtual sessions can be accessed via mobile devices and tablets. However, for the best experience, we strongly recommend using a desktop or laptop computer.
I’m running late – who should I contact?
Please contact your assigned Senior Client Service Executive or email [email protected] to let us know.
Will virtual sessions be recorded?
Unfortunately not. The IOD adheres to Chatham House Rules, prohibiting the use of screen recording or transcription technology during our courses.
I need to step away briefly during the course — is that possible?
Whilst we do offer several breaks on the day of the course, we understand professional commitments can arise. Please ensure you inform the course tutor at the beginning of the day so arrangements can be accommodated where possible. Lastly Please familiarise yourself with the Terms of Standards. To be eligible to take the module exam you must be in full attendance and fully engaged in the course.
I have dietary requirements or allergies — who should I inform?
Dietary requirements can be shared during the booking process or directly with your Senior Client Service Executive during your pre-course contact. Alternatively, email [email protected].
Will the course finish at the same time every day?
Timings can vary slightly depending on the course cohort and pace of learning. Typically, in-person courses run from 09:30–17:00 and virtual courses from 09:00–17:00.
How can I provide feedback on my experience?
We highly value learner feedback. At the end of your course, your Course Leader will provide a QR code linking to our feedback survey.
Does the IOD support learners with disabilities or accessibility requirements?
Absolutely. The IOD is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment. Please contact your Senior Client Service Executive or email [email protected] 2–4 weeks before your course start date so we can arrange suitable support.
Is support available during the course?
Yes. Support arrangements can be discussed and organised prior to your course commencement. Please contact [email protected] 2–4 weeks in advance wherever possible.
I’ve completed my Certificate in Company Direction course — how do I book my exam?
Your first exam attempt is usually included within your course fee. The Professional Standards team will automatically enrol you in the next available exam session. A confirmation email will be sent out 2–4 weeks before the exam date. For support, please contact [email protected].
What if the automatically assigned exam date doesn’t work for me?
Exams can be cancelled or transferred free of charge up to 7 calendar days before the exam date. Requests made within 7 days will incur a fee of £100 +VAT for Certificate module or £260 +VAT for Diploma. Please contact [email protected].
How does the online exam process work?
Exams are completed via the Civica Assess platform using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge.
Certificate exams can be taken between 08:00–17:00 UK time, while Diploma exams can be taken between 08:00–14:00 UK time.
Full instructions will be provided and sent out to you before your exam.
How much revision time should I allow after completing my course?
We recommend taking your exam as soon as possible while the course content remains fresh in your mind, whilst also allowing sufficient revision time. Exams must be completed within 2 years of course completion.
Can I sit more than one Certificate exam in a day?
While possible, we generally recommend sitting no more than two exams per day to ensure you can perform at your best.
Do I need to pay for my exam again if I missed my scheduled exam session?
Exam fee will be payable again via booking through the website, if you missed your scheduled exam session without notifying the Professional Standards Team.
Can I appeal an exam result?
Yes. The IOD operates a Results Review and Appeals Process which can occur a fee of £150 + VAT. Full details can be found on https://www.iod.com or by contacting [email protected].
Are there fees for exam re-sits?
Yes. Certificate exam re-sits cost £175 and Diploma exam re-sits cost £400.
When will I receive my results?
Results are typically released within 4 weeks of the exam date via an email notification. If you have not received your results within this timeframe please check your junk/spam before contacting the Professional Standards Team [email protected].
I require reasonable adjustments during my exam — how do I arrange this?
Please complete the Reasonable Adjustments form available on https://www.iod.com and submit it alongside supporting evidence to [email protected]. For further clarity please also check out our Reasonable Adjustments Process document here.
What types of reasonable adjustments are available?
Reasonable Adjustments may include extra exam time for the exams,
The exam platform will accommodate the following:
– zoom and large font functionality,
– dyslexia-friendly fonts
– high-contrast viewing options
– monochrome settings for colour blindness support.
I can no longer attend my original course date — can I transfer to another date?
Yes, we understand that plans can change. Please submit your transfer request in writing to [email protected] for review.
Is there a fee to transfer my course?
Transfer requests submitted less than 30 days before the course start date are generally not accepted unless due to exceptional circumstances outlined in our Terms & Conditions.
What transfer fees may apply?
Approved transfers may incur a £350 administration fee and a minimum £2000 fee for accelerated certificate courses.
If this is my second transfer request, will I still be charged?
Yes. Only one transfer per course, per delegate, is permitted free of charge within the approved timeframe. Additional transfers will incur fees in line with our Terms & Conditions.
How can I avoid paying a transfer fee?
Where a course spans multiple days and attendance is interrupted, transfers may be considered subject to written approval from the IOD. Applicable fees may still apply.
Will I need to retake the full course after transferring?
No. In most cases, you will only need to attend the days you missed.
Why are transfer fees charged in some situations?
Delivering our courses involves significant preparation and operational costs, including venues, materials, catering, and tutor arrangements. Late cancellations can also make it difficult to refill reserved spaces.
If I feel my reasonable adjustments during the exam were insufficient, can I appeal?
Yes. Candidates may submit an appeal if they believe the agreed adjustments did not provide a fair opportunity to complete the examination. If unresolved before the exam date, candidates may proceed with the confirmed adjustments or reschedule free of charge.
Here to help
Please get in touch if you have any questions about our business courses. Our contact hours are 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Friday. If you would like someone from our team to contact you, please email us at [email protected] and we will get in touch within 24 hours on weekdays.