Certificate in Company Secretary Essentials

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Certificate overview

This Certificate examines governance responsibilities for Company Secretaries across all organisation types.

For those assisting, newly appointed, or aspiring to the role of Company Secretary, this Certificate unpacks the essential duties and responsibilities of the role and provides practical guidance and tools for the key functions related to board reporting and boardroom governance. This qualification is designed to support good governance practices for the Company Secretary.

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Quick start for Certificates Quick start is the four foundational subjects of a Governance Institute Certificate. Quick starts are delivered as online learning and you will have six months to complete. Quick Start
Study mode and duration You can attend our training courses in live virtual and face-to-face formats or undertake self-paced study online and on-demand. And can be three days face-to-face or up to 12 months (on demand).
Online (self-paced study) This Certificate is also available online, study at your own pace over a 12-month period. Register now Become a member and save You may already be eligible for membership via our professional entry scheme. Apply for membership in advance to receive a discount on the certificate price. Join now
Upcoming Courses
Date Study mode Location  
16-31 January Virtual (Part-time) Virtual Zoom REGISTER NOW
5-7 March Face-to-face NSW REGISTER NOW
19-21 March Face-to-face SA register now
7-9 May Virtual (Part-time) Virtual Zoom REGISTER NOW
21-22 May Face-to-face (quick start) TAS REGISTER NOW
4-6 June Face-to-face VIC REGISTER NOW
11-13 June Face-to-face WA  
12-21 November Virtual (Part-time) Virtual Zoom  
26-28 November Face-to-face QLD  
Certificate structure

Combine six short courses (core and elective subjects) to complete a Certificate — the gateway to membership with Governance Institute and industry-recognised postnominals GIA(Affiliated).

Our Certificates include a mix of six compulsory and elective short courses. You can complete these courses online, face-to-face or virtually. They are open entry with no prior qualification required.

This Certificate allows students to complete the following core and elective online courses:

Certificate in Company Secretary Essentials
Study hours: 30  CPD: 30
Compulsory courses Electives (choose 2)

Accidental Company Secretary®

Minutes for Boards and Committees

Board Papers for Boards and Committees

Meetings, Minutes and Resolutions

Cyber Security Risk

Ethics Culture and Governance

You can choose other electives to suit your learning needs. Please see our full list of short courses here.

If you complete a face-to-face or virtual Certificate, you have the option to do this via our intensive mode (six short courses across three consecutive days or across three weeks). Please note: when registering for intensive mode, electives will be selected for you, these electives can be changed subject to availability, excluding Certificates purchased as part of a sale or promotion. 

Quick Start Certificates Assessment rules FAQs
What is included?

The Certificate fee includes the short courses scheduled above and:

  • a downloadable soft copy of the course materials prior to each short course
  • an online, 20 question multiple choice exam for each course
  • a vocational qualification in your chosen area of study
  • practical knowledge and skills that you can readily apply in the work place

Access to the course materials and exams is available for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Certificate fees

Register for a Governance Institute Certificate and save. The cost of a certificate is the combined cost of the six courses with a 5% discount on face-to-face or virtual and 10% discount online.

  Face-to-face or Virtual Online
Member $2,860 $2,710
Paid Subscriber $3,390 $3,160
Non-Member $3,620 $3,375
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