About Membership

Welcome to the area of the Chartered Secretaries Canada website specifically for Institute Members. This is your dedicated area where we bring you information about the Institute's services for Members, and resources to help you in your professional life.

Click on events and activities to see the full programme of meetings, seminars and workshops, and other activities. You can look up your nearest Branch to find out about the events going on in your area and your key contacts.

Code of Professional Conduct
The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators requires Members to observe the highest standards of professional conduct and ethical behaviour in all their activities. By maintaining these standards, Members enhance their reputation as corporate managers and increase confidence in the management and administration of private and public sector organisations. As the conduct of an individual Member can reflect upon the wider profession of corporate management and the Institute's membership as a whole, the Code sets out what are deemed to be appropriate standards of professional conduct.

Grades of membership

Student
Those who are completing the Institute’s qualifying examinations. Registering as a student confers no voting rights. There are no designatory letters for registered students.

Graduate
(Grad ICSA) Those who have passed the examinations but have not fulfilled the required period of qualifying service. Graduateship confers no voting rights.

Associate
(ACIS) Full member. Applicants will need to have at least three years relevant work experience.

Fellow
(FCIS) Senior grade of membership. Applicants need to have had at least eight years work experience. For at least three years in the past 10, Fellows will have held a senior appointment.

Application
Download the application form and accompanying guidance notes to apply to become an Associate member or Fellow of Chartered Secretaries Canada.. Once you are elected to the Associateship or Fellowship you will be able to use the letters ACIS/FCIS (Associate/Fellow of the Institute) after your name and use the designation Chartered Secretary.

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