Qualification Levels — Detailed Specifications

Five Stages. One Chartered Standard.

Every module, entry requirement, and progression pathway — fully detailed for each stage of the CILG Professional Qualification Framework.

Foundation → Expert 5 Stages · 25 Components Edition 2.0 · 2026
Home › Qualifications › Qualification Levels
1Foundation 2Knowledge 3Skills 4Professional 5Expert CPDCPD Requirements
Aligned with
Globally Accredited Professional Body Standards Internationally Recognised Competency Frameworks Competency-Based Assessment Practice-Oriented Qualifications
1
Stage 1  ·  Target Benchmark: Level 3 (indicative)

Foundation Stage

CILG Professional Certificate in Leadership and Governance Practice

3–6 Months 5 Modules · 30 Credits Student Member

2.1 Stage Overview

Foundation is the entry point to the CILG Qualification Framework. It introduces the core concepts, principles, and vocabulary of leadership, governance, and organizational management, and is appropriate for early-career professionals, administrators, supervisors, and individuals transitioning into leadership roles. Candidates complete five 6-credit modules (30 credits · 300 Total Qualification Time · 90 Guided Learning Hours) and a Stage Consolidation Assessment.

AttributeDetail
Qualification TitleCILG Professional Certificate in Leadership and Governance Practice
Stage DesignationStage 1 of 5  ·  Target Benchmark Level 3 (indicative — see Section 4–5)
Duration (Recommended)3–6 months
Structure5 modules (30 credits · 300 TQT · 90 GLH)
Assessment MethodInvigilated knowledge tests, applied written assignments, and workplace application evidence per module, plus a Stage Consolidation Assessment
Minimum Pass Mark50% per module and per Stage Consolidation Assessment
Membership Outcome upon CompletionEligible to enroll as CILG Student Member
Award on CompletionCILG Professional Certificate in Leadership and Governance Practice

2.2 Entry Requirements — Stage 1

📋Requirements

  • Secondary education (high school diploma, GED, or equivalent secondary-leaving certificate), OR
  • One (1) year of supervisory, administrative, or team-coordination experience, assessed via Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)
  • No prior professional experience required, and eligibility is not subject to a minimum age
  • Completion of CILG Enrollment and Registration Form
  • Payment of Stage 1 registration and examination fees

🎓Award on Completion

  • CILG Professional Certificate in Leadership and Governance Practice
  • Eligible to enroll as CILG Student Member
  • Pathway unlocked to Stage 2 — Knowledge & Practice

2.3 Stage 1 Modules

1.1
Leadership Foundations

This module aims to introduce core leadership theory and build the applied self-awareness needed to lead in everyday professional situations.

Topics Covered
  • Evolution of leadership theory — trait, behavioral, contingency, transformational, and servant leadership
  • Leadership versus management
  • Self-awareness and emotional intelligence as leadership foundations, covering Goleman's four EI domains
  • Communication, motivation, and team dynamics
  • Ethical leadership, personal integrity, and building psychological safety
Assessment weighting: Invigilated Knowledge Test (short-answer, 45 min) 25%  ·  Leadership Application Log (750 words) 45%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 6 credits · 60 TQT · 18 GLH
1.2
Governance Fundamentals

This module aims to build a working understanding of why governance structures exist and how candidates can recognize and respond to governance issues in practice. Page 25 CILG Comprehensive Syllabus — Edition 2.0

Topics Covered
  • Definition, purpose, and historical development of corporate governance
  • The board of directors — roles, composition, and responsibilities
  • Shareholder rights and stakeholder theory
  • Introduction to U.S. and international governance codes and regulation
  • Governance across corporate, nonprofit, and public-sector organizational forms, showing how the same governance principles
Assessment weighting: Invigilated Knowledge Test (short-answer, 45 min) 25%  ·  Scenario-Based Case Study 45%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 6 credits · 60 TQT · 18 GLH
1.3
Professional Communication

This module aims to build the professional written, oral, and digital communication skills expected of a CILG practitioner, distinct from the ethical decision-making addressed in Module S1.4.

Topics Covered
  • Principles of effective professional written and oral communication, covering audience analysis
  • Report writing, presentation, and professional correspondence, with practical templates for structuring a short business report
  • Cross-cultural communication and digital communication responsibilities
Assessment weighting: Submitted Communication Artifact 60%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 40%
Volume: 6 credits · 60 TQT · 18 GLH
1.4
Ethics & Organisational Practice

This module aims to develop candidates' ability to recognize and respond to ethical dilemmas and to read organizational culture and team dynamics in everyday practice.

Topics Covered
  • Business ethics — frameworks, dilemmas, and decision-making models, introducing consequentialist, duty-based
  • Whistleblowing, codes of conduct, and professional integrity, covering why codes of conduct exist
  • Perception, attitudes, and personality in workplace behavior, covering attribution bias
  • Group dynamics, team formation, and team effectiveness, using Tuckman's stages of team development
  • Organizational culture — models, typologies, and culture change, introducing Schein's three levels of culture
  • Conflict, negotiation, and resolution in organizational settings
Assessment weighting: Ethics Case Response 35%  ·  Reflective Practice Note (Team Dynamics) 35%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 6 credits · 60 TQT · 18 GLH
1.5
Applied Leadership Practice

This module aims to synthesize Stage 1 learning through applied strategic-thinking tools, consolidating the Foundation stage with a workplace-facing capstone exercise.

Topics Covered
  • Strategic intent, mission, vision, and values
  • The external environment — PESTLE and competitive forces, with guided practice applying each PESTLE category
  • Organizational structures and their implications for leadership, comparing functional, divisional, matrix
  • Introduction to SWOT analysis and organizational performance measurement
  • Basic resource allocation across people, finance, and operations
Assessment weighting: Invigilated Knowledge Test (short-answer, 30 min) 15%  ·  PESTLE + Structure Map Project 45%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 40%
Volume: 6 credits · 60 TQT · 18 GLH

2.4 Progression from Stage 1

Progression Requirements to Stage 2

1
Pass all 5 modules and the Stage Consolidation Assessment (minimum 50% each)
2
Upgrade CILG membership to Student Member upon enrollment
3
Complete the Stage 1 Professional Orientation Program (online, 4 hours)
4
No minimum work experience required for progression to Stage 2 — direct entry, or via an approved RPCL/RPEL exemption
2
Stage 2  ·  Target Benchmark: Level 4 (indicative)

Knowledge & Practice Stage

CILG Professional Diploma in Leadership and Governance Practice

4–8 Months 5 Modules · 40 Credits AffCILG — Affiliate
🔰
MILESTONE — Completion of Stage 2 confers the Affiliate track designation of CILG (AffCILG)
Post-nominal: AffCILG  ·  Membership Grade: Affiliate  ·  Annual CPD requirement: 20 hours
AffCILG

2.5 Stage Overview

Knowledge & Practice builds on the foundations established at Stage 1, expanding candidates' theoretical and applied knowledge across leadership, governance, law, finance, people management, and organizational strategy. Candidates begin engaging with more complex professional scenarios and are expected to demonstrate analytical thinking and professional judgement. Five equal 8-credit modules (40 credits · 400 TQT · 120 GLH) keep the structure transparent, plus a Stage Consolidation Assessment.

AttributeDetail
Qualification TitleCILG Professional Diploma in Leadership and Governance Practice
Stage DesignationStage 2 of 5  ·  Target Benchmark Level 4 (indicative — see Section 4–5)
Duration (Recommended)4–8 months
Structure5 modules (40 credits · 400 TQT · 120 GLH)
Assessment MethodWritten examinations, case-based assignments, and workplace application evidence per module, plus a Stage Consolidation Assessment
Minimum Pass Mark50% per module and per Stage Consolidation Assessment
Membership Outcome upon CompletionAffiliate Member (AffCILG)
Award on CompletionCILG Professional Diploma in Leadership and Governance Practice

2.6 Entry Requirements — Stage 2

📋Requirements

  • Completion of CILG Stage 1 (Foundation) and registration as a CILG Student Member, OR
  • An approved RPCL/RPEL exemption (Section 9), OR
  • Two (2) years' relevant professional experience combined with a recognized post-secondary certificate

2.7 Stage 2 Modules

2.1
Applied Leadership & Change

This module aims to develop candidates' ability to lead people and teams through change, uncertainty, and disruption.

Topics Covered
  • Adaptive leadership — navigating uncertainty and organizational disruption
  • Authentic and ethical leadership in diverse professional contexts
  • Leading virtual and hybrid teams, covering practical mechanisms for maintaining trust, visibility
  • Coaching and mentoring as leadership tools, introducing the GROW coaching model
  • Leadership through organizational restructuring and building resilience
Assessment weighting: Change-Leadership Case Study 45%  ·  Mentoring Log 25%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 8 credits · 80 TQT · 24 GLH
2.2
Governance, Law & Compliance

This module aims to build practical legal literacy so candidates can identify and respond to legal and compliance risk in their organization.

Topics Covered
  • Formation, structure, and dissolution of corporations and other entities, comparing common entity types
  • Directors' duties — fiduciary duty, duty of care, loyalty, and obedience
  • Shareholder rights, derivative suits, and securities regulation
  • Employment law fundamentals and workplace governance
  • Contract law and intellectual property basics for managers, covering the essential elements of a valid contract
Assessment weighting: Invigilated Knowledge Test (short-answer, 45 min) 25%  ·  Compliance Review Assignment 45%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 8 credits · 80 TQT · 24 GLH
2.3
Finance & Accountability for Leaders

This module aims to equip non-financial leaders with the literacy needed to read, interrogate, and act on financial information.

Topics Covered
  • Understanding financial statements
  • Budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
  • Ratio analysis and financial performance indicators, covering liquidity, profitability, efficiency, and leverage ratios
  • Cost management, working capital, and break-even analysis
  • Introduction to capital structure and investment appraisal (NPV, IRR)
Assessment weighting: Financial Statement Analysis Project 70%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 8 credits · 80 TQT · 24 GLH
2.4
People & Organisational Management

This module aims to develop candidates' ability to plan, manage, and lead the human capital function within an organization.

Topics Covered
  • Strategic HRM vs. operational HR, distinguishing HR's policy-and-compliance function from its role as a strategic partner in workforce planning and organizational design
  • Workforce planning, talent acquisition, and succession planning
  • Performance management systems and appraisal frameworks, comparing annual-review, continuous-feedback
  • Employee engagement, well-being, and retention
  • Labor relations, DEI in talent strategy, and HR analytics, introducing basic collective-bargaining concepts
Assessment weighting: Performance Management Design/Critique Project 70%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 8 credits · 80 TQT · 24 GLH
2.5
Strategy & Organisational Performance

This module aims to develop candidates' ability to analyze competitive position and evaluate strategic options using recognized frameworks.

Topics Covered
  • Strategic management process
  • Competitive analysis tools
  • Corporate, business, and functional level strategies
  • Strategic alliances, mergers, and acquisitions
  • Balanced Scorecard, Blue Ocean Strategy, and digital disruption
Assessment weighting: Applied Competitive Analysis Project 70%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 8 credits · 80 TQT · 24 GLH

2.8 Progression from Stage 2

Progression Requirements to Stage 3

1
Pass all 5 modules and the Stage Consolidation Assessment (minimum 50% each)
2
Upgrade CILG membership to Affiliate (AffCILG), with a 20-hour annual CPD requirement
3
Submit a brief Professional Development Reflection (500 words) evidencing application of learning
4
Minimum two (2) years' relevant professional experience required to enter Stage 3
3
Stage 3  ·  Target Benchmark: Level 5/6* (indicative)

Skills Stage

CILG Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Governance

6–10 Months 5 Modules · 50 Credits ACILG — Associate Member
🏅
MILESTONE — Completion of Stage 3 confers the designation Associate Member of CILG (ACILG)
Post-nominal: ACILG  ·  Membership Grade: Associate Member  ·  Annual CPD requirement: 30 hours
ACILG

2.9 Stage Overview

Skills is where candidates move beyond theoretical understanding to demonstrate applied professional competence. Workplace and application hours become the largest single element of assessment (155 of 500 TQT hours), so competence is demonstrated through professional practice rather than classroom knowledge alone. The stage culminates in the Applied Professional Leadership Project. Successful completion confers Associate Member of CILG (ACILG). An Accelerated Professional Route (approx. 4–6 months) is available for eligible candidates.

AttributeDetail
Qualification TitleCILG Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Governance
Stage DesignationStage 3 of 5  ·  Target Benchmark Level 5/6* (indicative, pending formal mapping — see Section 4–5)
Duration (Recommended)6–10 months (Accelerated Professional Route: approx. 4–6 months)
Structure5 modules (50 credits · 500 TQT · 136 GLH)
Assessment MethodCase study reports, Professional Practice Assignments, workplace evidence, and the Applied Professional Leadership Project, plus a Stage Consolidation Assessment
Minimum Pass Mark50% per module and per Stage Consolidation Assessment
Membership Outcome upon CompletionAssociate Member (ACILG)

2.10 Entry Requirements — Stage 3

📋Requirements

  • Completion of CILG Stage 2 (Knowledge & Practice), OR
  • An approved RPCL/RPEL exemption (Section 9)
  • Minimum two (2) years of relevant professional experience in a leadership, management, governance, or administrative role
  • Current CILG Student membership

2.11 Stage 3 Modules

3.1
Strategic Leadership in Practice

This module aims to build candidates' ability to translate strategy into leadership action and lead organizational change under real conditions.

Topics Covered
  • Translating organizational strategy into leadership action plans
  • Change leadership in complex organizations
  • Strategic communication and influencing stakeholders
  • Building high-performance cultures aligned to strategy, examining the practical levers
  • Leading through ambiguity
Assessment weighting: Professional Practice Assignment 40%  ·  Case Study Report 30%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 10 credits · 100 TQT · 28 GLH
3.2
Corporate Governance & Board Practice

This module aims to move candidates from governance theory to applied practice, using real governance failures and board scenarios as the primary learning material.

Topics Covered
  • Board governance frameworks
  • Board evaluation, effectiveness, and renewal
  • Internal controls and risk oversight at board level
  • Executive compensation governance and remuneration committees, covering how pay-for-performance structures are designed
  • Case studies in governance failures; shareholder activism
Assessment weighting: Governance Case Analysis 45%  ·  Written Examination 25%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 10 credits · 100 TQT · 28 GLH
3.3
Risk, Resilience & Decision-Making

This module aims to build candidates' capability to identify, assess, and govern risk at a strategic level within complex organizations.

Topics Covered
  • Enterprise risk management frameworks (COSO ERM, ISO 31000)
  • Risk appetite, risk tolerance, and risk culture
  • Operational, financial, reputational, and strategic risk categories
  • Business continuity planning and crisis leadership
  • Cybersecurity and climate/environmental risk governance
Assessment weighting: Risk Assessment & Reporting Assignment 70%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 10 credits · 100 TQT · 28 GLH
3.4
Stakeholder Leadership & Organisational Communication

This module aims to develop advanced skills in managing diverse stakeholders and designing communication strategies that reinforce governance and leadership.

Topics Covered
  • Stakeholder mapping, analysis, and engagement strategies
  • Managing board-level and executive-level communications, covering how information is packaged, sequenced
  • Public affairs, investor relations, and media engagement
  • Crisis communications and reputation management
  • Digital reputation management and activist stakeholders
Assessment weighting: Stakeholder & Communication Strategy Project 70%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 10 credits · 100 TQT · 28 GLH
3.5
Applied Professional Leadership Project

This module aims to apply project and programme leadership skills through a substantial workplace-based leadership project, making workplace application the largest single element of the Stage 3 assessment so that professional competence is demonstrated in practice, not classroom knowledge alone.

Topics Covered
  • Project governance and the role of the project sponsor
  • Programme management frameworks (PMI, PRINCE2 governance)
  • Resource leadership, budget oversight, and milestone governance
  • Managing project risk and stakeholder expectations
  • Post-project review and organizational learning; agile/hybrid methods
Assessment weighting: Applied Professional Leadership Project (Plan + Delivery Evidence) 60%  ·  Post-Project Review & Reflection 20%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 20%
Volume: 10 credits · 100 TQT · 24 GLH

2.12 Progression from Stage 3 to Associate Member

Progression to Associate Membership (ACILG)

1
Pass all 5 modules, including the Applied Professional Leadership Project, and the Stage Consolidation Assessment (minimum 50% each)
2
Submit a 2,000-word Professional Competency Reflection linking Stage 3 learning to real workplace experience
3
Provide verification from a current employer or professional referee confirming 2+ years of relevant experience
4
Pay Associate Membership application fee
5
Sign CILG Code of Professional Conduct
ACILG Upon approval, the candidate is conferred the designation Associate Member of CILG (ACILG), with a 30-hour annual CPD requirement
4
Stage 4  ·  Target Benchmark: Level 7 (indicative)

Professional Stage

CILG Executive Diploma in Leadership and Governance

8–12 Months 4 Modules + 1 Impact Project · 60 Credits MCILG — Full Member
⭐
MILESTONE — Completion of Stage 4 awards the designation Full Member of CILG (MCILG)
Post-nominal: MCILG  ·  Membership Grade: Member (Full)  ·  Annual CPD requirement: 40 hours  ·  Holder is a Chartered-track Senior Professional in Leadership and Governance
MCILG

2.13 Stage Overview

The Executive Diploma represents senior-level professional mastery. From this edition, Stage 4 is restructured to four 10-credit taught modules plus a single larger 20-credit Advanced Professional Impact Project and Professional Discussion (viva), rather than five equally-sized modules — supporting Level 7-style integration, strategic judgement, and organizational impact while limiting unnecessary classroom dependence. Eligible senior professionals may instead access the Experienced Practitioner Assessment Route (Section 10), typically 4–6 months. Successful completion leads to Full Membership of CILG (MCILG).

AttributeDetail
Qualification TitleCILG Executive Diploma in Leadership and Governance
Stage DesignationStage 4 of 5  ·  Target Benchmark Level 7 (indicative — see Section 4–5)
Duration (Recommended)8–12 months (Experienced Practitioner Route: approx. 4–6 months)
Structure4 modules + 1 Impact Project (60 credits · 600 TQT · 140 GLH)
Assessment MethodStrategic assignments, portfolio evidence, and an oral/viva component per module, culminating in the Advanced Professional Impact Project and Professional Discussion
Minimum Pass Mark50% per module and per Stage Consolidation Assessment
Membership Outcome upon CompletionFull Member (MCILG)

2.14 Entry Requirements — Stage 4

📋Requirements

  • Completion of CILG Stage 3 (Skills) and current Associate Membership (ACILG), OR
  • Entry via the Experienced Practitioner Assessment Route (Section 10) for eligible senior professionals
  • Minimum five (5) years of relevant professional experience, of which at least three (3) years in a senior leadership, governance, or executive management role
  • Completion of a CILG-accredited Professional Mentoring Review with an approved CILG Mentor (MCILG or FCILG designate)
  • RPL at this stage is limited to one module unless accessing the Experienced Practitioner Assessment Route

2.15 Stage 4 Modules

4.1
Strategic Leadership & Organisational Transformation

This module aims to develop executive-level leadership capability, focused on transformational leadership and the psychology of senior decision-making.

Topics Covered
  • Executive leadership models in complex organizations
  • Leading large-scale organizational transformation programs
  • Cognitive and behavioral dimensions of executive decision-making
  • Building and sustaining executive teams; succession planning
  • Leading mergers, acquisitions, and digital transformation
Assessment weighting: Strategic Assignment 40%  ·  Portfolio Evidence 40%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 20%
Volume: 10 credits · 100 TQT · 28 GLH
4.2
Advanced Governance & Board Effectiveness

This module aims to prepare candidates to serve on or advise boards, with a focus on board dynamics, accountability, and performance.

Topics Covered
  • The effective board — composition, size, independence, and diversity
  • Non-executive and independent directors, covering the distinct role, legal exposure
  • Board committees — audit, risk, remuneration, nomination
  • Director liability, indemnification, and fiduciary risk, covering the practical scope of director liability
  • Board performance evaluation and crisis governance
Assessment weighting: Board Effectiveness Review 45%  ·  Oral Discussion Component 25%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 10 credits · 100 TQT · 28 GLH
4.3
Strategic Risk, Ethics & Accountability

This module aims to develop advanced capability in organizational ethics, accountability, and strategic risk governance at executive level, integrating financial-governance accountability mechanisms with ethical culture and 'tone at the top.'

Topics Covered
  • Normative ethical frameworks in organizational governance, revisiting consequentialist, duty-based
  • Building an ethical culture
  • Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder governance, covering how CSR commitments are governed, resourced
  • Governance failures and the ethics of accountability
  • Ethics and compliance program design; ethics in AI and automated decision-making
  • Strategic financial management
  • Financial governance and the audit committee
Assessment weighting: Ethics & Culture Design Project 40%  ·  Strategic Risk & Accountability Case Analysis 35%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 25%
Volume: 10 credits · 100 TQT · 28 GLH
4.4
Global Leadership, Policy & Sustainability

This module aims to develop candidates' capability to lead across regulatory, public-policy, and sustainability agendas that increasingly define advanced professional practice.

Topics Covered
  • The regulatory environment
  • Corporate political activity and government relations, examining how organizations engage with policymakers responsibly
  • Public governance in government agencies and public institutions
  • ESG regulation and reporting, covering the fast-evolving landscape of mandatory ESG disclosure requirements across major jurisdictions
  • Anti-corruption, AML, and data privacy regulation, providing a working orientation to core anti-bribery, anti-money-laundering
  • Sustainability and ESG regulation as an emerging pillar of public-policy and regulatory affairs work
Assessment weighting: Regulatory Affairs Case Assignment 70%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 10 credits · 100 TQT · 28 GLH
4.5
Advanced Professional Impact Project + Professional Discussion

This module aims to integrate Stage 4 learning into a substantial, workplace-embedded Impact Project addressing a real strategic, financial-governance, or transformation challenge, defended through a structured Professional Discussion — limiting unnecessary classroom dependence while supporting the strategic judgement and organisational impact expected at this stage.

Topics Covered
  • Impact-project scoping, planning, and stakeholder sign-off within the candidate's own organisation
  • Strategic financial management
  • Integrated reporting frameworks (IR Framework, GRI, SASB), providing a comparative orientation to each framework's purpose
  • Financial governance and the audit committee
  • Taxation governance and financial risk/treasury governance at board level
  • Sustainable finance and executive compensation design
  • Preparing and defending a Professional Discussion / Viva Voce before CILG assessors
Assessment weighting: Advanced Professional Impact Project (written report + evidence) 50%  ·  Professional Discussion (Viva Voce, 45 minutes) 30%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence / Portfolio 20%
Volume: 20 credits · 200 TQT · 28 GLH

2.16 Progression from Stage 4 to Full Membership

Progression to Full Membership (MCILG)

1
Pass all 4 modules, the Advanced Professional Impact Project, and the Stage Consolidation Assessment (minimum 50% each)
2
Complete a Professional Discussion (Viva Voce) with CILG assessors confirming current competence
3
Submit an Advanced Professional Portfolio demonstrating 5+ years of senior professional practice
4
Provide two professional referees (at least one must be an MCILG or FCILG designate)
5
Pay Full Membership subscription
6
Recommit to the CILG Code of Professional Conduct
MCILG Upon approval: conferred as Member of the Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance (MCILG), with a 40-hour annual CPD requirement
5
Stage 5 — The Pinnacle  ·  Target Benchmark: Level 8 (indicative)

Expert Stage

Chartered Professional in Leadership and Governance

12–18 Months 4 Modules + 1 Impact Inquiry · 70 Credits FCILG — Fellow & Chartered
🏆
MILESTONE — Completion of Stage 5 awards the designation Fellow of CILG (FCILG) — the Chartered designation
Post-nominal: FCILG  ·  Membership Grade: Fellow  ·  Chartered Title: Chartered Professional in Leadership and Governance  ·  Annual CPD requirement: 40 hours + peer review  ·  Not positioned as a doctoral-equivalent — see Section 15.1
FCILG

2.17 Stage Overview

Expert is the pinnacle of the CILG qualification framework, conferring the title of Chartered Professional in Leadership and Governance and the designation Fellow of CILG (FCILG). Reserved for senior professionals who have demonstrated exceptional mastery and strategic leadership, the stage restructures to four 10-credit taught modules plus a single 30-credit Chartered Professional Impact Inquiry, Portfolio, and Viva — a master-practitioner route centred on original professional contribution, not an imitation of a doctorate. No direct-module exemptions are permitted at this stage, though eligible senior leaders may access the Experienced Practitioner Assessment Route (Section 10), typically 6–9 months.

AttributeDetail
Qualification TitleChartered Professional in Leadership and Governance
Stage DesignationStage 5 of 5  ·  Target Benchmark Level 8 (indicative — see Section 4–5)
Duration (Recommended)12–18 months (Experienced Practitioner Route: approx. 6–9 months)
Structure4 modules + 1 Impact Inquiry (70 credits · 700 TQT · 125 GLH)
Assessment MethodResearch paper, executive portfolio, peer review, and oral defense per module, culminating in the Chartered Professional Impact Inquiry, Portfolio, and Viva
Minimum Pass Mark50% per module and per Stage Consolidation Assessment — no direct-module exemptions permitted
Membership Outcome upon CompletionFellow (FCILG) — Chartered

2.18 Entry Requirements — Stage 5

📋Stage 5 Entry Requirements

  • Completion of CILG Stage 4 (Executive Diploma) and current Full Membership (MCILG), OR entry via the Experienced Practitioner Assessment Route (Section 10)
  • Minimum eight (8) years of progressive professional experience in leadership, governance, or executive management
  • At least five (5) years in a senior or executive leadership role (C-suite, Board, Director, Senior VP, or equivalent)
  • Demonstrated contribution to the profession: publications, speaking engagements, board service, policy contributions, or mentoring
  • Endorsement by two (2) existing FCILG Fellows of the Institute
  • Completion of the CILG Professional Entry Interview
  • Current CILG CPD compliance

2.19 Stage 5 Modules

5.1
Global Strategic Leadership & Governance

This module aims to equip senior candidates to lead and govern across jurisdictions and navigate complex geopolitical dynamics.

Topics Covered
  • Comparative corporate governance systems
  • Cross-border governance — multinational boards and subsidiary governance
  • Geopolitical risk assessment and organizational strategy
  • International sanctions, trade compliance, and cross-border regulation
  • Global leadership and cross-cultural leadership effectiveness
Assessment weighting: Global Governance Case Analysis 70%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 10 credits · 100 TQT · 25 GLH
5.2
Governance Innovation, Ethics & Institutional Stewardship

This module aims to develop mastery-level capability in governance innovation, institutional stewardship, and the ethical stewardship of professional standards expected of a Chartered Fellow.

Topics Covered
  • Governance innovation and institutional stewardship at Chartered-practitioner level
  • Sustainable development goals (SDGs) and their governance implications
  • The ethics of institutional stewardship: setting, not merely following, professional standards
Assessment weighting: Governance Innovation & Stewardship Case Study 70%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 10 credits · 100 TQT · 25 GLH
5.3
Systems Leadership, Policy & Complex Decision-Making

This module aims to develop candidates' capability to lead complex systems-level decisions spanning technology governance, sustainability, and future-facing policy.

Topics Covered
  • ESG leadership and integrated strategy, covering how ESG considerations are integrated into strategy at the board and executive level rather than managed as a separate reporting exercise
  • Technology governance — AI, data governance, cybersecurity, digital board oversight
  • Future of work and post-industrial organizational design, examining how automation, distributed work
  • Governance of emerging technologies, addressing how governance structures are adapting to technologies whose risks and benefits are not yet fully understood
Assessment weighting: Sustainable & Systems Governance Strategy Project 70%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 10 credits · 100 TQT · 25 GLH
5.4
Executive Mentoring & Professional Contribution

This module aims to formalize Fellow candidates' obligation to develop the next generation of leaders through structured mentoring and coaching practice.

Topics Covered
  • Executive coaching frameworks and tools, covering established coaching models and how they are adapted for coaching at a senior or executive level
  • Formal mentoring programs
  • Developing organizational leadership pipelines
  • Professional bodies and the stewardship of professional standards
  • Mandatory active mentoring of at least one junior CILG member during this level
Assessment weighting: Mentoring Practice Log + Evaluation 70%  ·  Workplace Application Evidence 30%
Volume: 10 credits · 100 TQT · 20 GLH
5.5
Chartered Professional Impact Inquiry + Portfolio + Viva

This module aims to culminate the CILG pathway with an original professional inquiry addressing a substantive real governance or leadership challenge, combined with a verified professional portfolio and an independent viva — a master-practitioner route centred on original professional contribution and demonstrable strategic impact, not an imitation of a doctorate.

Topics Covered
  • Research methodologies for professional practice
  • Critical analysis of contemporary governance and leadership models
  • Publishing and disseminating professional knowledge
  • CILG position papers and professional standards contributions
  • Peer review and academic publishing standards
  • Capstone research design and professional report writing
  • Oral defense preparation and professional presentation skills
  • Peer review practice and standards, requiring candidates to critically and constructively review a peer's capstone submission against the same standards applied to their own
  • Ethical considerations in professional research, covering confidentiality, informed consent
Assessment weighting: Chartered Professional Impact Inquiry (8,000–10,000 words) 40%  ·  Verified Professional Portfolio (sustained strategic impact evidence) 25%  ·  Independent Viva / Professional Discussion (60 minutes) 25%  ·  Peer Review of one other Stage 5 candidate 10%
Volume: 30 credits · 300 TQT · 30 GLH

2.20 Progression from Stage 5 to Fellowship (FCILG)

Fellowship Conferral Process (FCILG)

1
Pass all 4 Stage 5 modules, the Chartered Professional Impact Inquiry, and its oral defense (viva)
2
Full membership compliance — no outstanding disciplinary matters
3
CILG Fellowship Application reviewed by the CILG Academic and Quality Standards Committee
4
Final approval by the CILG Board of Governors
5
Formal Conferral at the CILG Annual Conferment Ceremony (or by postal conferral where attendance is not possible)
6
Publication of FCILG designation in the CILG Official Register
FCILG
Chartered Professional in Leadership and Governance
The FCILG may also use the title 'Chartered Member' of CILG in all professional communications
Section 2.21

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirements

CPD is a mandatory requirement for all active CILG members beyond Student level. CPD ensures that professionals remain current, competent, and effective in their practice.

Membership Grade Annual CPD Requirement Recording Method
Affiliate (AffCILG) 20 hours per year CILG CPD Online Portal
Associate (ACILG) 30 hours per year CILG CPD Online Portal + Annual Return
Full Member (MCILG) 40 hours per year CILG CPD Portfolio + Annual Return
Fellow (FCILG) 40 hours per year CILG CPD Portfolio + Annual Return + Peer Review
CPD activities may include: attending conferences and seminars, completing additional qualifications or training, publishing articles or papers, mentoring junior professionals, board service, committee participation, and verified self-directed learning.

Already Experienced? You May Not Start from Scratch.

CILG's Exemption Policy recognises prior certified learning (RPCL) and prior experiential learning (RPEL) — so mid-career and senior professionals can enter the framework at the stage that matches their qualifications and verified experience. Eligibility is assessed on merit, not age.

Check Your Exemption Eligibility →

Ready to Begin Your Qualification Journey?

Start at the level that suits your experience and progress toward the Chartered Professional designation — at your own pace, globally accessible.

Apply for Membership → View Full Framework