About the Programme
The IoD Chartered Director Programme offers a formalised qualification for directors and strategic business leaders, and ensures they have the most up to date learnings for the role and responsibilities of being a director. It is the gold standard of director training, and IoD is the only body in Ireland that provides the full designation and recognition as a professional Chartered Director (CDir). By joining the programme, participants can build relationships with peer business and public service leaders in Ireland.
Steps to Becoming Chartered
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Step 1 - Expression of Interest
All potential applicants must first complete an Expression of Interest Form to note their interest in the Programme. Please note that completion of an Expression of Interest Form does not guarantee a place on the Programme, nor does it place any obligation on the applicant to accept a place on the Programme.
Following receipt of the Expression of Interest Form, applicants will be contacted by a member of the IoD Ireland Training Team to process your application. This completes the process and the applicant will be added to the waiting list.
Once a cohort programme is open, all applicants on the waiting list will be notified with the opportunity to accept a place. Place offers are made on a first come basis. Confirmation of a place can only made on an applicant returning a booking form and paying the deposit.
Step 2 - Certificate in Company Direction
Once an applicant has been accepted on to a cohort, the first aspect of the programme they will complete is the Certificate in Company Direction.
Modules in the Certificate in Company Direction
There are four module subjects in the Certificate in Company Direction. The modules include:
1. Role of the Director and Board (international)
(2 days’ duration)
2. Strategy for Directors (3 days’ duration)
3. Finance for Directors (3 days’ duration)
4. Leadership for Directors (2 days’ duration)
Benefits of the Certificate in Company Direction
The Certificate in Company Direction encompasses the core knowledge and awareness that is necessary to function effectively as a director and provides:
• An in-depth view of the role, responsibilities, and duties of a director
• An understanding of the characteristics of an effective board
• Sound knowledge of financial terms and concepts
• An understanding of the issues and processes associated with formulating strategic plans and demonstrating strategic leadership.
For more information on the benefits, module, time commitment and location click on the below learn more button.
Step 3 - Diploma in Company Direction
The Diploma in Company Direction builds on the technical knowledge gained in the Certificate syllabus and enables participants to contextualise and apply their knowledge and build their practical skills as Directors. The Diploma in Company DIrection can only be undertaken following the successful completion of the Certificate in Company Direction exams.
Module: Developing Board Performance
This two-day interactive module, entitled ‘Developing Board Performance', requires participants to act as board members through role-play, which focuses on the activities involved in running an effective organisation and dealing with a variety of challenges and crises at board level. Participants will challenge and utilise the skills gained from their experience as directors and business leaders in an applied and dynamic way.
Benefits of the Diploma in Company Direction
The Diploma in Company Direction builds on the Certificate, and provides:
• An understanding of your board’s role, its dynamic, power, influence and conflicts
• Knowledge of important topics: risk and crisis management, decision-making, mergers and acquisitions, and board performance
• An understanding of relevant techniques and tools to improve personal skills and that of the board
• An opportunity to improve the performance of your board, its committees and individual directors.
For more information on the benefits, module, time commitment and location click on the below learn more button.
Step 4 - Becoming a Chartered Director - (Professional Review Process)
Having successfully completed the Certificate and Diploma exams, Programme participants may apply to become a Chartered Director (CDir). To attain Chartered Director accreditation, a candidate must complete a Professional Review Process, which begins with the application to assess eligibility.
Benefits of Becoming Chartered
A commitment to achieving Chartered Director status is a clear message to your colleagues, customers and network that you are serious about your role and the contributions you make to your organisation. Becoming a Chartered Director is an endorsement of your skills, professionalism, and knowledge of corporate governance best-practice.
Chartered Directors demonstrate continuous commitment and ongoing professional development to maintain the level of effectiveness and practitioner excellence that exemplifies Chartered status and an outstanding contribution to their boards and organisations.
For more information on the eligibility criteria, review process and fees involved click on the below learn more button.
Current Dates & Fees
The Chartered Director Programme has two commencement points in each calendar year, January and September.
Learn MoreThe costs for the Chartered Director Programme (including both the Certificate and the Diploma in Company Direction) are:
Members
€14,795
(For 2023 Programmes)
Non Members
€15,290
(For 2023 Programmes)

Programme Director and Course Leaders
The IoD Ireland Chartered Director Programme is led by a team of senior and highly qualified corporate governance experts, inclusive of the Programme Director Eileen Gleeson CDir, and course leaders such as Professor Simon Haslam CDir, Carol Bolger CDir, Dr Deborah Benson, and Marie Collins CDir.
View course leadersRegistered Chartered Directors
The full list of IoD Ireland members who are registered Chartered Directors is available to view by clicking the below button.
