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The UK’s official graduate careers website
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Most company secretaries gain chartered status with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) by passing relevant examinations, gaining significant work experience and meeting ICSA criteria. Public limited company secretaries may also gain chartered status with other organisations, such as the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) , the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) , and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) .
The ICSA chartership scheme takes two or three years (less for graduates with relevant first degrees) and provides a structured course of modules and exams: ICSA Certificate; ICSA Diploma; Professional Programme Part 1; and Professional Programme Part 2. It is recognised as a postgraduate award at the professional programme level. Candidates with previous qualifications may be eligible for exemptions at the certificate and diploma level and graduates can usually begin the scheme at Professional Programme Part 1. With a related degree or professional qualification, you may be able to begin at Part 2. No formal qualifications are required to register for the Certificate.
Some companies provide time off and support for studying for the ICSA International Qualifying Scheme. Individuals may undertake full or part-time study at a college or by distance learning, supported by on-the-job supervised experience. Financial assistance for training may be available through the Worshipful Company of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators .
Opportunities regularly arise for new graduates to train within public limited companies, share registration agencies, charities, local government, the public sector and professional services companies. These are usually open to graduates in any degree subject. Some organisations advertise administrative training schemes for general management trainees, and these types of roles can provide a broad range of experience across several departments.
It is important that company secretaries keep up to date with developments in legislation by reading professional journals, newsletters and other information. Experienced professionals also recommend networking and sharing working practices with other company secretaries, both formally and informally.
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