The document provides an update on ICSA's qualifying programme including: 1) New exemption routes are available for students to be exempt from either the law or finance module by submitting their CV and manager's letter. 2) Existing students' current exemptions will remain and their records will automatically transition to the new programme by August 2019. Recommended study hours are increasing from 150 to 200 hours. 3) The programme is comprised of two parts - Part 1 covers corporate governance, company law, compliance and interpreting financial information. Part 2 covers development of strategy, risk management, and boardroom dynamics.

1. ICSA qualifying programme update
Theresa Minnie – Head of Outreach

2. ICSA qualifying programme – the modules
* Equivalent modules available
in Health Service Governance
and Not-for-Profit Governance
Stepping-stone if needed

3. Updated exemption routes for new students
Exempt from either the law or finance module
Exempt from Foundation programme only
Submit CV and letter
from manager
Exempt from law & strategy modules
Exempt from finance & strategy modules

4. The facts for existing CSQS students
• Any exemptions already awarded will stand
• New syllabus launches 1 July 2019
• Study textbooks pre-order from 30 April 2019
• Study textbooks available from 1 July 2019
• Study textbook cost will remain at £44.95 per book
• You student record will automatically transition to new programme no
later than 3rd week of August 2019
• You will receive an email notification of modules still to sit and pass
• Recommended study hours increasing from 150 hours to 200 hours
• Exam paper format will be similar to now but with a few short answer
questions
• Example papers will be available as will the past papers and suggested
answers – use past papers with caution as knowledge may not be in the
same format
• Pass mark will remain at 50%

5. Other facts
• Developing an e-learning platform
• First Part 1 module will be rolled out end 2019/early 2020
• Exams will still be 3 hours with 15 minute reading time
• Pre-released case study’s for all Part 2 modules
• Updated student rules and regulations
• Closer monitoring of absent, withdrawal and inactive students
• Only four attempts per module - new modules will not automatically start
you back on attempt number one – record will be reviewed on an
individual basis
• Completion time allowed will be:
 8 modules – 8 years to complete
 6 modules – 6 years to complete
 4 modules – 4 years to complete
Please note the above may be subject to change

6. Part 1 - Comprises of four modules covering the
following subjects:
Corporate Governance – principles and issues; the board of directors and
leadership; disclosure; risk management and internal control; corporate
governance systems, controls and issues.
Company Law – sources of company law, and the nature and formation of
the company; the board of directors; membership of a company; capital
and corporate transparency; corporate restructuring, rescue, and
liquidation.
Company compliance and administration – the role of the company
secretary, the board and other stakeholders; regulatory requirements for
companies; meetings; shares.
Interpreting Financial and Accounting Information – the need for
regulating financial reporting; how financial statements and reports are
prepared and how to interpret them; sources of finance and their
associated risks and returns; capital structure and the cost of capital and
how to evaluate these for decision making; financial decision making.

7. Part 2 - Comprises of three modules covering the
following subjects:
Development of Strategy – the nature and importance of strategy and
strategic planning; understanding the external environment; the impact of
organisational culture, governance and purpose on development of
strategy; assessing alternative strategies; implementing strategy;
managing change.
Risk Management – risk frameworks; managing risk and compliance; the
impact of the business environment on organisational risk management.
Boardroom Dynamics – why focus on boardroom dynamics;
understanding boardroom dynamics; applying principles of boardroom
dynamics and how to effect change.

8. Current qualifying fees
Initial registration fee – £75
Annual subscription fee – £130
Exemption fee, per module – £153
Exam fee, per module – £153
Fees applicable until close of June exam entries.

9. How we support our students: resources

10. Logistics
• 2019 exam dates:
 Tuesday 4 June to Friday 7 June 2019
 Tuesday 26 November to Friday 29 November 2019
• Closing date for registration and exam entries is 1 April (June exam
session) and 1 October (November/December exam session)
• Approximate exam result release date:
 6 August 2019 for June 2019 exam session
 28 January 2020 November 2019 exam session

11. Questions?