MEARIE Training Hub MEARIE Training Hub MEARIE Training Hub Professional Training Professional Training Professional Courses Trades Training Trades Training Trades Courses Trades Training Trades Training Certificate Courses Training Pathways Training Pathways Training Pathways
Cert-Course-1 Certificate Course

Chartered Director (C. Dir.) Program

A university-accredited governance program preparing LDC leaders for the Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation.

Course Format:

Virtual
4-hour sessions

Includes:

Materials and
assessment tools

In partnership with:

Program Description

Offered in partnership by The Directors College, DeGroote School of Business (McMaster University)

The Chartered Director (C.Dir.) Program delivered by The Directors College is recognized as the gold standard in governance education in Canada, supporting directors and senior executives in developing the knowledge, judgment, and behaviours needed to excel in the boardroom. For more than 20 years, the program has equipped leaders from public, private, not-for-profit, and Crown organizations with practical governance expertise grounded in real-world boardroom dynamics.

 


Why Work Toward the C.Dir. Credential

Board service carries increasing responsibility, complexity, and scrutiny. The C.Dir. Program is designed to help experienced leaders transition executive expertise into effective board governance by strengthening oversight, accountability, and decision-making. Participants gain a deeper understanding of both the rules-based and behavioural sides of governance, helping bridge the knowing-doing gap that often challenges boards today.

Earning the C.Dir. credential signals a professional commitment to governance excellence and responsible leadership. Graduates benefit from enhanced credibility when pursuing board opportunities and demonstrate readiness to contribute meaningfully at the board table.

What the Program Involves

The C.Dir. Program is a McMaster University-accredited directors’ education program designed for current directors, senior executives seeking board roles, and professionals who regularly work with boards. It is delivered through a flexible mix of in-person and virtual modules, allowing participants to tailor their learning path while engaging with peers across sectors.

The program curriculum examines governance from two critical perspectives:

  • Formal governance frameworks, legal duties, and best practices
  • Boardroom behaviours, dynamics, and decision-making associated with high-performing boards

A distinguishing feature of the program is its immersive board simulation, where participants apply governance principles in realistic scenarios supported by professional actors. Alumni consistently identify this experience as a program highlight, offering a unique opportunity to translate theory into practice.

Throughout the program, participants engage with seasoned directors, governance experts, and faculty who bring practical insight into contemporary governance challenges, including accountability, oversight, and board effectiveness.

The Value of the C.Dir. Credential

The Chartered Director (C.Dir.) designation is a recognized endorsement of governance expertise, leadership capability, and professional standards. It affirms that the holder possesses both the technical knowledge and behavioural insight required to contribute effectively to board performance and organizational outcomes.

Beyond credential recognition, participants gain access to a diverse network of board directors and governance leaders, strengthening peer learning and long-term professional connections. The program prepares graduates to navigate complex governance environments with confidence, sound judgment, and a clear sense of director accountability.

Additional Info
Virtual module sessions run from 5:00pm EST on Wednesday until 4:30pm EST on Saturday, with the exception of Module 3 and 4 which begin at 10am EST on Thursday.

In-person module sessions run from 3:00pm EST on Thursday until 4:30pm EST on Saturday.

Timing is subject to slight changes. 

After completing Module 5, participants have a 14-month window to write the final exam.

The exam is offered twice a year (January and June). The Directors College team will reach out to all eligible participants on specific exam dates and times.

Learn More

Fill out the form below and a helpful member of our training team will reach out to schedule a time to discuss your training needs.
Or, email: training@mearie.ca
Program Structure

Required Courses

This certification is made up of the following courses and modules.

Chartered Directors Program Module 1
This module introduces the core principles of corporate governance, with a focus on director accountability, oversight responsibilities, and board effectiveness. Participants examine how boards navigate change and set the tone for ethical conduct, performance, and long-term organizational stewardship.
Chartered Directors Program Module 2
This module explores the board’s role in shaping organizational purpose, setting strategic direction, and supporting effective leadership. Participants learn how directors contribute to strategic thinking while maintaining appropriate separation between governance and management.
Chartered Directors Program Module 3
This module focuses on the financial literacy and oversight responsibilities required of directors, including risk, controls, and performance monitoring. Participants build confidence in interpreting financial information and asking the right questions to support sound board-level decision-making.
Chartered Directors Program Module 4
This module addresses governance challenges arising from uncertainty, competing stakeholder interests, regulation, and external pressures. Participants examine how boards exercise judgment and maintain effectiveness under complex and high‑stakes conditions.
Chartered Directors Program Module 5
This capstone module places participants in a realistic boardroom simulation where they apply governance principles in real time. Through immersive scenarios, participants demonstrate decision-making, collaboration, and director behaviour in complex governance situations.
Expertise

Frequently Asked Questions.

Backed by decades of experience in Ontario’s energy sector, MEARIE combines practical knowledge, expert instructors, and flexible learning formats. Every course is designed to support your career and strengthen your organization.
How do I register?
To register yourself or a member of your team, click on the desired course above. You will be redirected to the course page. If you're registering for Professional Training, you will click the "Register Now" button at the top right corner. If you're registering for Executive Training, you will click the "Enroll Now" button to the right of the course description.
Municipal Training

Training Courses you have registered for are available on The MEARIE Portal. If you do not have an account, visit: Register on MEARIE Portal to create an account. Once logged in, click "My Courses" in the navigation bar on the right to display courses you have registered for.

I haven't received my certificate, what do I do?

If the course you registered for provides a course certificate and you have not received it yet, please visit: Contact Us to make a request. Someone will be in touch with you soon.

My certificate has a mistake, what do I do?

If the course you registered for provides a course certificate and there is a mistake on it, please visit: Contact Us and let us know so we can work with you to make it right. Someone will be in touch with you soon.

Who provides the courses?

MEARIE is the provider of these courses in partnership with various subject matter experts. All of these experts have extensive experience within their respective fields, as practitioners and/or industry consultants.

Will I receive confirmation of my enrolment?
Yes. When you register for the course, a confirmation email will automatically be sent to you.

Never Miss a Training Opportunity

Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates and new course information for energy professionals.