The CIS International Qualifying Scheme prepares candidates for Chartered Secretaryship. It culminates with the CIS International Qualifying Board Examination. The Institute’s Programmes are registered as professional learning programmes on the NQF, as follows:

Courses completed through the Institute of Business Studies (IBS) are feeders into the CIS programmes.

Before completing the final CIS Qualifying Board Examination and joining the Institute as a member, while you study you can become a member of the Chartered Institute of Business Management (CIBM) which is affiliated to Chartered Secretaries Southern Africa, and enjoy all the benefits of membership of a professional body.

Each qualification on its own will render you employable in the governance arena and further study can then be conducted while you are employed, often at the cost of the employer.  Further qualifications post-employment can help accelerate promotion and boost remuneration.

This course of study is recognised internationally in 70 countries.  On graduation from the CIS International Qualifying Board Examination and once you can show sufficient work experience and present the requisite character, you will be entitled to apply for Membership of the Institute and become a 'Chartered Secretary', elevating your qualifications beyond those of a company secretary or business administrator.

Membership is never automatic and is granted at the discretion of the Institute on the basis of academic achievements, personal and professional ethics, work experience and CPD.