National Office
1300-739-119
Education designed for impact
You can learn the principles of governance anywhere.
But if you’ve got your sights set on a future seat at the table, you need a reputable governance education focused on strategic leadership—a course built especially for the boardroom.
For 50 years, the AICD’s Company Directors Course has provided world-class governance education to more than 100,000 participants, including directors of the most successful organisations in the country.
Join them and take your place in the future of governance in Australia.
Course snapshot
How long it takes
2 months plus an optional 90-day assessment period.
When you can start
Courses are run regularly throughout the year. Explore upcoming course dates.
Different ways to learn
From self-paced online to immersive residential, you’ll find a course format to suit your lifestyle.
Why choose the Company Directors Course
Reward your dedication with the sought-after GAICD post-nominal
Whether your goal is to get yourself board-ready or just strengthen your understanding of governance, attaining your GAICD sets you apart from the competition. And the AICD’s Company Directors Course is the only course to offer it.
The prestigious post-nominals are awarded to participants who successfully complete the optional assessments and maintain AICD membership.
Learn from the most respected voice in governance
With its breadth of experience over five decades, the AICD has played a pivotal role in advising and influencing governance policies and practices at a national government level.
Taking our Company Directors Course means you’re kept across the most contemporary issues of our time—learning from an organisation that not only teaches great governance but helps shape it.
Open the door to the world’s largest director network
The Company Directors Course is not just a course. It’s your key to the world’s largest director community.
Pairing your education with subsidised AICD membership gives you access to 53,000 directors, senior executives and governance professionals (as well as resources, courses and events) to support your professional development at every stage of your career.
The Company Directors Course is recognised for advanced standing by 23 universities and institutions.
Our course content at a glance
Written and reviewed by practising directors, our renowned curriculum brings to life five governance areas using practical videos, real-world case studies and engaging simulations. Below is an outline of each subject area.
Governance and the practice of directorship
• Develop a director mindset by learning the difference between governing and managing.
• Find out how governance structures impact organisational performance and culture.
• Understand how evolving societal expectations impact trust and business legitimacy.
The legal environment
• Deepen your understanding of your directors’ duties, including fiduciaries, loyalty and good faith, and care and due diligence.
• Recognise your responsibilities to employees, environmental law and climate change.
• Stay up to date on competition law, consumer protection, privacy, cybersecurity, intellectual property and international operations.
Financial literacy and performance
• Excel in your internal and external financial reporting obligations and responsibilities.
• Apply theoretical knowledge to interpreting financial statements and ratio analysis.
• Understand the three stages of board reporting and how to frame financial questions.
• Recognise insolvency signs and consequences.
Risk and strategy
Gain essential knowledge of board-level strategy development and execution, as well as all aspects of organisational risk:
• Structures for risk management and reporting
• Setting risk appetite
• The role of the board in risk oversight
• Where risk, strategy and culture intersect
• Crisis management and organisational resilience.
Achieving board effectiveness
• Learn how to create value and improve organisational performance through your board.
• Build a constructive board culture that values individual and group decision-making.
• Understand the importance of developing as a director, as well as evaluating and renewing the board.
Complimentary modules
Course participants also receive complimentary access to the Interpreting Financial Statements and The Director Mindset modules normally valued at $580.
Experienced and expert facilitators
Real-world boardroom expertise
Our facilitators are leading non-executive directors who bring a wealth of experience in governance and boardroom dynamics. Gain unparalleled practical, real-world knowledge and actionable expertise that goes beyond theory.
Engaging, hands-on delivery
Enhance your governance knowledge and skills in a supportive environment designed to foster active participation. Our dynamic, practical teaching methods make complex topics accessible and engaging. Participate in live simulations and active discussions of real-world case studies.
Tailored insights
Our expert facilitators offer personalised advice and sector-specific knowledge for publicly listed, private, government and not-for-profit organisations. Whether you’re an aspiring director or a practising board member, our content is highly relevant for you, your role and your organisation.
Take your education straight to the boardroom
Learn in a way that suits you
- Overview
- Face to face
- Virtual classroom
- Residential
- Self-paced online
No matter which Company Directors Course format you choose, you receive the same world-class governance curriculum content.
Face to face
Organic group sessions delivered in a contemporary classroom setting at a location near you.
Virtual classroom
Online group learning that provides the same level of interactivity as in-person classes but from the convenience of wherever you are.
Residential
Immersive group learning experience on location, including class time, down time, networking, and social dinners and drinks.
Self-paced online
Independent learning in your own time and space with pre-recorded sessions and no set classes to attend.
In-house governance guidance
As well as facilitating governance education for individuals, the AICD provides guidance for teams, boards and entire organisations. From building governance frameworks and upskilling directors to performing a full diagnostic of a board’s performance against best practice benchmarks, bringing the AICD in-house gives you an independent perspective on how to unlock your organisation’s full potential.
Face to face format
If you learn best by bouncing ideas off others in a classroom-style environment, you’ll thrive being face-to-face with your peers and facilitators, where you can take advantage of organic opportunities to connect, learn and share.
Pre-reading period
The course requires 6 weeks of pre-reading before your first classroom session.
If you choose to do the Weekly format you will need to do 2 weeks of pre-reading before your first session and then 1 week before each session.
facilitated sessions
The course includes five full-day classroom sessions held over one week.
If you choose to do the Weekly format, you will have one session held each week over five weeks.
Assessments (optional)
There are three assessment tasks: the assignment, exam and quiz. You have 90 days to complete.
You must successfully complete these to achieve the Company Directors Course Award and GAICD post-nominal.
YOUR INVESTMENT
$9,300 for AICD members, $12,600 for non-members.
We recommend non-members purchase with AICD membership to enjoy a $3,300 discount.
Virtual classroom format
If you thrive in engaging group sessions but value the flexibility of studying remotely from any location, you’ll enjoy the convenience of our virtual classroom.
Pre-reading period
The course requires 6 weeks of pre-reading: 2 weeks before your first virtual session and then 1 week before each subsequent session.
introductory session
Week 1 kicks off with a virtual introductory session where you’ll meet your peers and facilitators, and talk through the course structure and expectations.
facilitated sessions
Five full-day virtual classroom sessions, one session held each week over 5 weeks.
Session recordings are made available after each class for you to review.
Assessments (optional)
There are three assessment tasks: the assignment, exam and quiz. You have 90 days to complete.
You must successfully complete these to achieve the Company Directors Course Award and GAICD post-nominal.
YOUR INVESTMENT
$8,000 for AICD members, $11,200 for non-members.
We recommend non-members purchase with AICD membership to enjoy a $3,200 discount.
Residential format
If you’d like to give your governance education your undivided attention, you’ll love our residential format. Leave your work and personal commitments behind for a week, and dive right into five days of learning and networking with your peers.
The relaxed setting makes room for sharing ideas, sharing meals and a learning experience you’ll never forget.
Pre-reading period
We’ve allocated six weeks pre-reading time for you to complete all course materials before arriving on retreat.
Locations
Our five-day retreats are held in idyllic locations such as:
• Byron Bay (NSW)
• Bunker Bay (WA)
• Noosa (Qld)
• Gold Coast (Qld)
• Mornington Peninsula (Vic)
facilitated sessions
Five full-day sessions facilitated by practising directors and business leaders in a highly interactive setting.
Sessions are held each day over one week (Monday to Friday).
retreat INCLUSIONS
• Accommodation for 4 nights, 5 days (Monday to Friday)
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Networking dinners
Monday to Thursday night
• Cocktail hour on Day 5
Assessments (optional)
There are three assessment tasks: the assignment, exam and quiz. You have 90 days to complete.
You must successfully complete these to achieve the Company Directors Course Award and GAICD post-nominal.
YOUR INVESTMENT
$12,900 for AICD members, $16,000 for non-members.
We recommend non-members purchase with AICD membership to enjoy a $3,100 discount.
Self-paced online format
If you’re an independent learner who can confidently set your own study schedule, you’ll love the flexibility of the self-paced format. You’ll have six months to complete the same reading, exercises and optional assessments as the other formats. You’ll receive a suggested study plan and access to support resources to help you.
comprehensive course materials
You’ll have access to the AICD’s learning platform with the latest course content developed by practising directors and business leaders. This includes course notes, case studies, videos and quizzes.
Recorded sessions
Two online sessions are conducted each month including one content presentation and one application-based board scenario session. You’ll cover each of the five themes on a monthly rotation.
Assessments (optional)
There are three assessment tasks: the assignment, exam and quiz. You have 90 days to complete.
You must successfully complete these to achieve the Company Directors Course Award and GAICD post-nominal.
YOUR INVESTMENT
$5,600 for AICD members, $7,700 for non-members.
We recommend non-members purchase with AICD membership to enjoy a $2,100 discount.
The boardroom awaits
Start your directorship career (or take your next strategic step) with the Company Directors Course.
Simply choose your preferred start date, location and course format to see our intake options. If you're not sure which options to choose, our team is here to help.
Buy now
- Member
- Non-member
To register for this course, Please Contact your state office on 1300 739 119
The Live webinar is Fully Booked
The Recording is Fully Booked
Meet your member partner today
When you join or learn with the AICD, we’re there to guide you every step of the way. Every member is paired with a Member Support professional they can talk to throughout their membership.
If you have any questions about our Company Directors Course, please send us an enquiry and we’ll get in touch.
Acknowledgement
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the Lands on which we are located and pay our respects to Elders, past and present. We recognise First Nations peoples' cultural and spiritual relationships to the Skies, Land, Waters, and Seas, and their rich contribution to society.
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