Exemption Pathways for Company Secretary Training

Looking to enter the esteemed field of company secretary, you might be wondering about the exemption pathways available to you. If you have relevant work experience and are willing to put in some preparatory research, you can potentially bypass the extended training period. Here’s an in-depth look at the potential exemptions and how to pursue them.

Understanding the Company Secretary Qualification

The role of a company secretary is crucial in ensuring that a company complies with regulatory requirements and operates within its legal and ethical boundaries. This role demands a high degree of knowledge and expertise, both in legal compliance and corporate governance. Traditionally, aspiring company secretaries were required to undertake an extensive training period, often varying from 18 to 24 months.

Traditional Training Requirement

Originally, the journey to becoming a company secretary involved a substantial period of apprenticeship or formal training. For example, when the current author qualified more than 35 years ago, it was mandatory to undergo a training period of either 18 or 24 months. This comprehensive training aimed to ensure that new company secretaries gained a deep understanding of the intricacies of the field.

Alternative Exemption Pathways

Fortunately, for those with a robust work history and a keen desire to bypass extensive training, there are alternative pathways leading to professional certification. One such pathway involves leveraging past experience. If one possesses a mix of relevant education and work experience in accounting and human resources (HR), it could significantly reduce the required training period.

For instance, the current author back then, with around 7 to 8 years of work experience in both accounting and HR, was able to complete only a 2-month training program in the company secretarial department. This brief but focused training included hands-on experience at the Registration of Companies (ROC) and modular training through the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Internal Auditors (ICSI).

Evaluating Your Eligibility for Exemptions

The key to finding an exemption lies in the thorough evaluation of your current qualifications and experience. Individuals looking to skip the extended training period should consider the following steps:

Identify Relevant Work Experience: Look for any accounting, auditing, or HR positions in which you demonstrated a strong understanding of corporate governance and compliance. Check for Educational Requirements: Some professional bodies may accept a degree or diploma in related fields, either partially or fully, in lieu of the usual training. Examine Licensing Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements outlined by the Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (CSA) body and the ICSI to see if you meet them.

Prepare and Apply

Once you have identified the relevant requirements, the next step is to prepare a comprehensive application. This application should detail your work history, educational background, and any additional skills or qualifications that make you a strong candidate for an exemption.

It is highly recommended to reach out to professional bodies such as ICSI for detailed guidance on the application process and the specific requirements you need to meet. Additionally, networking with current professionals in the field can provide invaluable insights and support as you navigate your path to certification.

Conclusion

While the traditional path to company secretary certification may take time and effort, there are alternative ways to achieve the same outcome. By leveraging past experience and conducting thorough research, individuals can potentially reduce the required training period and expedite their journey to professional certification.

For those not in a hurry to secure a job or with a family to consider, investing in a structured training program has its benefits. However, for those who are eager to enter the profession sooner and have a solid foundation of experience, finding an exemption pathway should be a viable and advantageous option.