Qualification Framework

Qualification Framework

The Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance (CILG) has developed a comprehensive, structured, and competency-based examination framework to develop, evaluate, and certify professional excellence in leadership, governance, and related disciplines.

This framework ensures that participants acquire the knowledge, skills, ethical grounding, and strategic competencies required to operate effectively in diverse organizational, institutional, and global contexts. It provides a progressive pathway for professional development, supporting practical application, continuous learning, career progression, and alignment with membership advancement.

By completing this framework, candidates are equipped to lead responsibly, govern effectively, and contribute meaningfully to organizational and societal development. It integrates modular learning, rigorous assessments, ethical standards, and continuous professional development (CPD), maintaining the integrity, rigor, and international relevance of CILG qualifications.

Levels and Modules

The framework is structured into 6 progressive levels, each containing 5 numbered modules. Each level builds on previous knowledge while increasing the depth of strategic leadership, governance expertise, and applied competencies.

Level Focus
Level 1 Foundational leadership, governance principles, and ethical awareness
Level 2 Applied leadership, governance frameworks, and practical decision-making
Level 3 Organizational leadership, strategic management, and governance application
Level 4 Advanced leadership, policy implementation, and governance oversight
Level 5 Global governance, strategic influence, and sustainability leadership
Level 6 Mastery, research, thought leadership, and global impact

 

Modules Per Level

Level 1 – Foundational Leadership and Governance

Focus: Introduces the core concepts of leadership, governance, organizational behavior, ethics, and strategic thinking. Suitable for candidates beginning their professional development in leadership and governance.

Modules and Syllabus:

  1. Introduction to Leadership
    • Overview of leadership theories and styles
    • Role of leadership in organizational effectiveness
    • Difference between leadership and management
    • Learning Outcomes: Understand leadership principles; distinguish between leadership and management; identify personal leadership styles
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and Practice
      • Yukl, G. (2019). Leadership in Organizations
  2. Fundamentals of Governance
    • Principles of governance in public and private organizations
    • Key governance structures and roles
    • Accountability, transparency, and compliance
    • Learning Outcomes: Explain governance structures; understand accountability and organizational oversight
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Tricker, B. (2019). Corporate Governance: Principles, Policies, and Practices
      • Monks, R., & Minow, N. (2019). Corporate Governance
  3. Ethics and Professional Conduct
    • Professional ethics and moral reasoning
    • Codes of conduct and ethical decision-making
    • Ethical challenges in leadership and governance
    • Learning Outcomes: Apply ethical principles; identify ethical dilemmas; demonstrate professional conduct
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Ciulla, J. B. (2020). Ethics, the Heart of Leadership
      • Boatright, J. R. (2019). Ethics and the Conduct of Business
  4. Organizational Behavior
    • Individual and group behavior in organizations
    • Motivation, team dynamics, and conflict management
    • Organizational culture and change
    • Learning Outcomes: Understand human behavior in organizations; apply motivation theories; manage team dynamics
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Robbins, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2019). Organizational Behavior
      • Luthans, F. (2021). Organizational Behavior: An Evidence-Based Approach
  5. Foundations of Strategic Thinking
    • Introduction to strategic management concepts
    • SWOT, PESTEL, and other strategic analysis tools
    • Long-term visioning and goal setting
    • Learning Outcomes: Apply strategic thinking tools; develop organizational vision and objectives
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Johnson, G., Scholes, K., & Whittington, R. (2020). Exploring Strategy
      • Mintzberg, H., Ahlstrand, B., & Lampel, J. (2018). Strategy Safari

Level 2 – Applied Leadership and Governance

Focus: Builds on foundational knowledge by applying leadership and governance principles in practical contexts. Emphasis on decision-making, communication, and stakeholder management.

Modules and Syllabus:

  1. Applied Leadership Skills
    • Leadership in practice: problem-solving and decision-making
    • Leading diverse teams
    • Emotional intelligence and adaptive leadership
    • Learning Outcomes: Apply leadership principles in practical situations; manage team performance; develop emotional intelligence
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Goleman, D. (2019). Emotional Intelligence
      • Day, D. V. (2018). The Oxford Handbook of Leadership and Organizations
  2. Governance Frameworks and Policies
    • Policies, regulations, and legal frameworks
    • Risk management and compliance strategies
    • Corporate vs public governance
    • Learning Outcomes: Understand governance frameworks; develop policy awareness; assess compliance requirements
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Cadbury, A. (2018). The Corporate Governance Handbook
      • Mallin, C. A. (2020). Corporate Governance
  3. Strategic Project Management
    • Project planning, execution, and monitoring
    • Resource management, budgeting, and evaluation
    • Leadership in project teams
    • Learning Outcomes: Plan and manage projects; monitor performance; manage risks and resources effectively
    • Recommended Texts:
      • PMBOK Guide (2021). Project Management Body of Knowledge
      • Kerzner, H. (2020). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling
  4. Communication & Stakeholder Management
    • Effective communication strategies
    • Stakeholder identification and engagement
    • Negotiation, conflict resolution, and influence
    • Learning Outcomes: Develop communication strategies; engage stakeholders effectively; negotiate and resolve conflicts
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Freeman, R. E. (2019). Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach
      • Harvard Business Review. (2020). HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations
  5. Ethical Leadership in Practice
    • Implementing ethics in organizational leadership
    • Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
    • Ethical decision-making frameworks
    • Learning Outcomes: Integrate ethics into leadership; implement CSR initiatives; resolve ethical dilemmas in practice
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Maak, T., & Pless, N. M. (2006). Responsible Leadership

Treviño, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2017). Managing Business Ethics

Level 3 – Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management

Focus: Develops strategic thinking and organizational leadership skills. Emphasis on corporate governance, financial management, and innovation.

Modules and Syllabus:

  1. Organizational Strategy and Leadership
    • Strategic planning and execution
    • Competitive advantage and organizational positioning
    • Strategic change leadership
    • Learning Outcomes: Formulate and implement strategy; drive change; align leadership with organizational goals
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Johnson, G., Scholes, K., & Whittington, R. (2020). Exploring Strategy
      • Hitt, M., Ireland, R. D., & Hoskisson, R. (2019). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases
  2. Corporate Governance and Risk Management
    • Governance roles and responsibilities
    • Enterprise risk management
    • Board structures and accountability
    • Learning Outcomes: Evaluate governance practices; assess and mitigate risks; oversee corporate structures
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Tricker, B. (2019). Corporate Governance
      • Lam, J. (2017). Enterprise Risk Management
  3. Financial Management for Leaders
    • Financial analysis and interpretation
    • Budgeting and resource allocation
    • Financial decision-making for non-financial managers
    • Learning Outcomes: Analyze financial statements; make informed financial decisions; manage budgets effectively
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Brigham, E. F., & Ehrhardt, M. C. (2019). Financial Management: Theory & Practice
      • Ross, S. A., Westerfield, R. W., & Jaffe, J. (2020). Corporate Finance
  4. Innovation and Change Management
    • Principles of innovation and creativity
    • Leading organizational change
    • Technology and digital transformation
    • Learning Outcomes: Promote innovation; lead change initiatives; manage digital transformation
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Kotter, J. P. (2018). Leading Change
      • Christensen, C. M., & Overdorf, M. (2000). Disruptive Innovation
  5. Advanced Ethical Governance
    • Integrating ethics with governance frameworks
    • Compliance and corporate responsibility
    • Ethical leadership in complex environments
    • Learning Outcomes: Develop ethical governance strategies; ensure compliance; lead ethically at senior levels
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Boatright, J. R. (2019). Ethics and the Conduct of Business
      • Tricker, B. (2019). Corporate Governance: Principles, Policies, and Practices

Level 4 – Advanced Leadership, Governance, and Policy Implementation

Focus: Focuses on advanced leadership, policy formulation, governance oversight, and organizational performance evaluation. Prepares candidates for senior leadership and executive responsibilities.

Modules and Syllabus:

  1. Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making
    • Advanced leadership theories and application
    • Strategic decision-making in complex environments
    • Leadership influence on organizational outcomes
    • Learning Outcomes: Apply advanced leadership principles; make strategic decisions under uncertainty; influence organizational performance
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and Practice
      • Yukl, G. (2019). Leadership in Organizations
  2. Advanced Governance and Compliance
    • Legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks at senior levels
    • Board governance, oversight, and accountability
    • Risk management integration
    • Learning Outcomes: Develop governance frameworks; ensure compliance; advise boards effectively
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Tricker, B. (2019). Corporate Governance: Principles, Policies, and Practices
      • Mallin, C. A. (2020). Corporate Governance
  3. Policy Analysis and Implementation
    • Policy development cycles, analysis, and evaluation
    • Implementation challenges and strategies
    • Monitoring, feedback, and policy adaptation
    • Learning Outcomes: Analyze, formulate, and implement policies; evaluate effectiveness; manage policy change
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Dunn, W. N. (2017). Public Policy Analysis
      • Bardach, E., & Patashnik, E. M. (2019). A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis
  4. Organizational Performance and Evaluation
    • Performance measurement systems
    • Key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics
    • Continuous improvement and benchmarking
    • Learning Outcomes: Measure organizational performance; interpret performance data; recommend improvements
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (2004). Strategy Maps
      • Parmenter, D. (2015). Key Performance Indicators
  5. Global Ethics and Responsible Leadership
    • Ethical frameworks for international contexts
    • Corporate social responsibility and sustainability
    • Ethical challenges in global operations
    • Learning Outcomes: Apply ethics in global leadership; implement responsible practices; navigate cross-cultural ethical dilemmas
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Maak, T., & Pless, N. M. (2006). Responsible Leadership
      • Treviño, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2017). Managing Business Ethics

Level 5 – Executive Leadership and Global Governance Practices

Focus: Prepares candidates for executive and global leadership roles, emphasizing strategic influence, sustainability, and governance in complex international environments.

Modules and Syllabus:

  1. Executive Leadership and Influence
    • Leadership at the executive level
    • Influence, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement
    • Leading organizational culture
    • Learning Outcomes: Lead at the executive level; influence stakeholders; foster organizational culture aligned with strategy
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Goleman, D. (2019). Emotional Intelligence
      • Day, D. V. (2018). The Oxford Handbook of Leadership and Organizations
  2. Global Governance and Regulatory Systems
    • International governance frameworks and compliance
    • Corporate social responsibility in global operations
    • Governance challenges in multinational organizations
    • Learning Outcomes: Understand global governance standards; navigate international regulatory environments; manage compliance risks
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Tricker, B. (2019). Corporate Governance
      • Mallin, C. A. (2020). Corporate Governance
  3. Strategic Policy and Organizational Impact
    • Executive-level policy formulation and implementation
    • Strategic alignment of policies with organizational goals
    • Evaluating policy impact and organizational outcomes
    • Learning Outcomes: Formulate strategic policies; align policies with organizational objectives; evaluate policy effectiveness
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Bardach, E., & Patashnik, E. M. (2019). A Practical Guide for Policy Analysis
      • Dunn, W. N. (2017). Public Policy Analysis
  4. Innovation, Sustainability, and Change Leadership
    • Leading innovation and organizational change
    • Sustainability in strategic decision-making
    • Technology-driven transformation
    • Learning Outcomes: Drive innovation; lead sustainable initiatives; implement technological change
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Christensen, C. M., & Overdorf, M. (2000). Disruptive Innovation
      • Kotter, J. P. (2018). Leading Change
  5. Advanced Ethics and Leadership Responsibility
    • Executive ethical leadership and accountability
    • Ethical frameworks for decision-making at the top level
    • Balancing stakeholder needs with ethical obligations
    • Learning Outcomes: Apply ethical leadership at executive levels; manage conflicting stakeholder interests ethically; promote responsible corporate governance
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Boatright, J. R. (2019). Ethics and the Conduct of Business
      • Maak, T., & Pless, N. M. (2006). Responsible Leadership

Level 6 – Mastery, Research, and Thought Leadership

Mastery, Research, and Thought Leadership

Focus: Develops mastery in leadership and governance through research, strategic influence, innovation, and thought leadership. Prepares candidates for fellowship, consultancy, and global leadership positions.

Modules and Syllabus:

  1. Leadership Theory and Contemporary Practice
    • Advanced leadership models and contemporary research
    • Strategic leadership challenges in modern organizations
    • Integration of theory with practice
    • Learning Outcomes: Critically evaluate leadership theories; apply contemporary practices; adapt to complex environments
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and Practice
      • Day, D. V., & Antonakis, J. (2018). The Nature of Leadership
  2. Governance Innovation and Policy Reform
    • Emerging trends in governance
    • Policy reform processes at national and international levels
    • Innovation in governance structures and practices
    • Learning Outcomes: Identify governance innovations; recommend policy reforms; design forward-looking governance frameworks
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Tricker, B. (2019). Corporate Governance: Principles, Policies, and Practices
      • OECD (2020). Governance for Sustainable Development
  3. Applied Research in Leadership and Governance
    • Research methodologies and design
    • Data collection, analysis, and interpretation
    • Applying research to organizational problems
    • Learning Outcomes: Conduct independent research; apply findings to real-world challenges; produce evidence-based recommendations
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches
      • Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students
  4. Global Strategic Leadership and Influence
    • Strategic leadership in multinational contexts
    • Leading across cultures and geopolitical landscapes
    • Influencing policy and organizational outcomes globally
    • Learning Outcomes: Lead organizations internationally; manage cross-cultural teams; influence global stakeholders
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Adler, N. J., & Gundersen, A. (2020). International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior
      • Osland, J. S., Bird, A., & Osland, A. (2018). Global Leadership: Research, Practice, and Development
  5. Capstone Dissertation or Research Project
    • Original research addressing real-world leadership or governance challenges
    • Integration of theory, research, and practical application
    • Presentation and defense of findings
    • Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate mastery of leadership and governance; conduct high-level research; produce actionable recommendations
    • Recommended Texts:
      • Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches
      • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications

Examination Schedule, Rules, and Centres

Examination Months:

  • Examinations are conducted twice annually in May and November.
  • Registration closes 6 weeks prior to the examination date.
  • Results are released 8–10 weeks after the examination session.

Examination Rules:

  1. Candidates must present valid identification (passport, national ID, or CILG membership ID) to sit for the examination.
  2. Mobile phones, smart devices, and unauthorized materials are strictly prohibited in the examination hall.
  3. Candidates are required to adhere to ethical conduct and integrity during examinations. Any form of malpractice may result in disqualification.
  4. Duration for each module examination is 2–3 hours, depending on the level.
  5. Candidates must arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
  6. Special accommodations for candidates with disabilities must be requested at the time of registration.

Examination Centres:

  • CILG examinations are conducted at authorized centres in registered regions and selected international locations where CILG has accreditation agreements.
  • Candidates may choose the nearest centre when registering.
  • Centres are equipped with proctoring, secure examination environments, and facilities for practical assessments.
  • Online or remote assessments may be available for certain modules, particularly portfolio submissions and capstone projects, under strict monitoring protocols.

Assessment Methods

CILG uses a blended, competency-based assessment approach to evaluate knowledge, applied skills, ethical reasoning, and strategic leadership capabilities:

Assessment Type Description Applicable Levels
Written Examinations Test theoretical frameworks, governance principles, and leadership concepts Levels 1–5
Case Studies Analyze real-world scenarios to assess applied decision-making and problem-solving Levels 1–5
Portfolio Submission Documentation of professional achievements, projects, and CPD activities Levels 2–6
Capstone / Research Project Demonstrate strategic insight, mastery, and original contributions Level 6
Oral Defense / Viva Voce Assess ethical reasoning, leadership articulation, and strategic judgment Levels 4–6
Simulations / Practical Exercises Applied problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and operational leadership Levels 2–5
Peer / Mentor Review Verify professional performance, leadership impact, and ethical conduct Levels 2–6

Grading System

Assessment results are recorded using a letter grading system:

Letter Grade Percentage Range Description
A 93–100% Exceptional mastery; demonstrates superior knowledge and applied leadership skills
A- 90–92% Excellent understanding and high performance
B+ 87–89% Strong understanding and applied competence
B 83–86% Good grasp and satisfactory application
B- 80–82% Adequate comprehension and performance
C+ 77–79% Basic proficiency; meets minimum professional standards
C 73–76% Satisfactory understanding and application
C- 70–72% Marginal pass; meets minimum competency with room for improvement
D+ 67–69% Below expected standard; significant improvement required
D 63–66% Inadequate performance; reassessment required
F Below 63% Fail; does not meet required standards, reassessment required

Notes:

  • Each module is graded independently.
  • Successful completion of a level requires passing all five modules.
  • Higher levels (4–6) may involve weighted assessments combining multiple methods.

Eligibility Criteria

Level Academic Requirement Professional Experience Requirement
Level 1 High school diploma or equivalent Not required
Level 2 Bachelor’s or Master’s in leadership, governance, management, or related fields Minimum 3 years relevant experience
Level 3 Bachelor’s or Master’s Minimum 7 years cumulative leadership/governance experience
Level 4 Bachelor’s or Master’s Minimum 10 years senior-level leadership/governance experience
Level 5 Bachelor’s or Master’s Minimum 12 years senior/executive leadership experience
Level 6 Doctorate (PhD, DBA, EdD) Minimum 10 years senior/executive leadership experience with documented contributions

 

CPD verification and adherence to ethical standards are mandatory at all levels where applicable.

Exemption Policy

The CILG Exemption Policy allows candidates to request exemptions for one or more modules based on prior learning, professional qualifications, or relevant experience, while maintaining the integrity and rigor of the qualification.

Eligibility for Exemption

  • Academic Qualifications: Accredited degrees or diplomas; equivalent modules completed.
  • Professional Qualifications: Recognized certifications or credentials in leadership, governance, or management.
  • Professional Experience: Documented experience at managerial, executive, or governance levels demonstrating mastery of module competencies.
  • Prior Learning / CPD: Completion of CPD programs, workshops, or short courses aligned with module outcomes.

Exemption Process

  1. Complete the Exemption Application Form, specifying the modules.
  2. Submit transcripts, certificates, portfolio of work, project reports, CPD evidence, and references.
  3. The Examination and Membership Committee reviews evidence; additional documentation or interviews may be requested.
  4. Candidates are notified: approved, partially approved, or declined. Partial approvals may require supplementary assignments.

Assessment of Prior Learning and Experience

  • Knowledge and theoretical understanding equivalent to module outcomes.
  • Practical application of skills in professional contexts.
  • Adherence to ethical and professional standards.
  • Demonstration of strategic and analytical competencies.

Limitations

  • CPD requirements cannot be waived.
  • Core modules on ethics, professional conduct, and capstone projects (Levels 4–6) cannot be exempted.
  • Exemptions are case-by-case; final approval rests with the Committee.
  • Exemptions apply only to specific modules and levels requested.

Appeals

  • Appeals may be submitted within 30 days with additional evidence.
  • The Appeals Subcommittee issues a final, binding decision.

Benefits of the Exemption Policy

  • Recognizes prior learning and professional experience.
  • Reduces duplication of learning.
  • Accelerates progression and qualification completion.
  • Maintains CILG standards while respecting professional achievements.