My experience of the IoD Diploma …an ‘exam-phobia’ account by John Kerner, Director at D7 Advisers Ltd and DE&I ambassador for IoD Surrey

Upon leaving the Armed Forces in 2016, I was lucky enough to secure a place on the first IoD Certificate course for senior military officers transitioning into civilian life.  It was a great course that complemented much of my previous professional development and experience.  I even managed to pass a couple of modules with distinction.

Fast forward a year and I thought I’d attempt the IoD Diploma.  I thought “how hard can it be?” Hard enough to fail was the answer.  I ran out of time and was under-prepared.

The Chartered Directors programme has a 10-year completion deadline, so I decided to re-apply and fully commit to the Diploma course and exam in 2024.  I joined the September cohort at 116 Pall Mall for three days of fairly intensive training in board syndicates.  As the DE&I ambassador for IoD Surrey it was encouraging to join a diverse cohort of ages, genders, experience, sectors and cultures.  The internationally recognised nature of the Diploma qualification shone through, with delegates from North and South America, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE plus a handful of European nations.

What’s the Diploma course about?

It’s a Master’s level qualification building on knowledge gained from the Certificate, focussing on practical, real-world applications and boardroom challenges, providing the opportunity for applied learning in a simulated board environment.  The syllabus includes:

  • Board Dynamics and Roles: Understanding the roles, dynamics, power, influence, and conflicts within a board.
  • Risk and Crisis Management: Gaining insights into managing risks and crises that can impact the organisation.
  • Decision-Making: Enhancing decision-making skills to ensure effective governance.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions: Learning about the complexities and strategies involved in mergers and acquisitions.
  • Board Performance Evaluation: Accessing tools and techniques to evaluate and improve board performance.

The Exam

I took the three-hour exam in November. It involved a complex case study of a limited company which touched on almost every aspect of the Diploma syllabus.  I can’t give too much away about the exam, but working through every available practise case paper and deciding how best to approach the exam in advance was key to securing a healthy pass…which I did!  I genuinely dislike traditional closed-book exams, so receiving my results from the IoD in December was a very welcome early festive season surprise.

Why did I do the course? 

Firstly, as a Chartered professional in other fields I believe that currency and competency matter.  Few people would allow an unqualified person to diagnose their medical needs, but there’s still plenty of companies with unqualified board members diagnosing issues and directing remedies.

Secondly, it allows me to better serve my own clients as an adviser, consultant and occasional board trainer.  I’m certain more companies would thrive if the directors understood their duties earlier and knew how to apply them.  In my view good governance can help expose what can and should be done, rather than what can’t.

Thirdly and most importantly, it allows me to continue adding value to my current board appointment whilst remaining competitive for my next one.  If there was to be a fourth point, it would be the benefit of gaining a new international network of peers.

If you want to learn more about the Chartered Directors programme, including the Certificate and Diploma courses, you can find it on the IoD website  here.

Better directors for a better world

The IoD supports directors and business leaders across the UK and beyond to learn, network and build successful, responsible businesses.
Internet Explorer
Your web browser is out of date and is not supported by the IoD website. It is important to update your browser for increased security and a better web experience.