MyPeace:


You are right, its most times a stepping stone to future positions. A secretary who remains same for years and retires as same, is one without ambition. A secretary who has worked in Accounts dept, can start a new career in that line, by acquiring Accounting certificates, as well as a Secretary in HR, Admin and other depts.

Throughout my years of working as Sec/PA, l worked for Admin and Hr departments, having known that no matter what, a secretary can hardly be promoted to head depts, l started a career in Human Resources Mgt...Today to the Glory of God, l work as HR/Admin Executiv. Definitelty if l decide to leave here today, l can easily get a Manager position in Admin or HR departments.
It all depends on our ambitions in life. For now, l cant go back to Sec/PA jobs, though l enjoyed the days I worked in those capacities.

@Yimiton
You made a valid point.
I also encourage every one of us to have career goals, God helping, we shall all achieve our dreams!

sholemania:
Really love this thread.. Am an HND holder in Office Technology and Management, a graduate member in NIM, also a graduate member in IPDM. I wanna hear the opinion of people that are practicing already and who might have idea about what roles you take when you belong to certain professional association.
I believe becoming a member of ICSAN makes one multi-functional. u can be an administrator, u can fit in HR, and also in Accounts. Cos i see from some peoples post that they have the orientation that the word secretaries in the Name of the Institute makes one a chattered typist and shorthand writer..
Do you have a contrary opinion to that? Just lemme hear your view.

joanana:


You got it wrong.
Becoming a member of ICSAN broadens your knowledge of the law.

joanana:


Finally, I completed the ICSAN programme in December 2014. I will be inducted as An Associate Chartered secretary not Grad ICSAN. I attended two mandatory programmes (ICSAN conference and mandatory course program). It's part of the requirements for becoming an associate.

serendipityF:
Hi Sis, I will like to do the ICSAN programme this year, plz help me out with some questions bothering me
I have a Bsc in Economics and currently Serving(NYSC), how many months will it take me to become chattered?
How much will the whole programme cost me from the start?
Which level/subjects will I be exempted from and does economics fall under relevant courses?
How easy to pass are the exams?
Thanks so much in anticipation, God bless U

joanana:



To register as a student and sit for the examinations of the Institute, interested persons must possess a minimum of the WAEC/NECO (O’ levels) with five (5) credits including Mathematics and English.
Examinations are held in June and December of every year.
Registration
Registration Fees & Examiners Reports =N= 23,000
Annual Subscription (payable annual after initial registration) =N= 5,000


Exemption Policy
Holders of WAEC/NECO/OND will commence examinations from Foundation stage
Holders of HND/BSC/ in Accounting and/or Banking and Finance OR LLB/LLM will commence examinations from Professional Programme Part II (Related Degree Holders)
Holders of HND/BSC in all other courses will commence examinations from Professional Programme Part I (Non - Related Degree Holders)
Holders of complete from other Recognised Professional Bodies will commence examinations from Professional Programme Part I (Non - Related Degree Holders)
Exemption Fees

Related Degrees =N= 24,000

Non Related Degrees =N= 20,000

Examination Fees
Foundation per subject fees =N= 8,500
Pre-Professional per subject fees =N= 10,500
Professional Programme Part 1 per subject fees =N= 20,000
Professional Programme Part 11 per subject fees =N= 20,000
Resit Fee for Professional Stage =N= 10,000
Resit Fee for Foundation and Pre Professional Stage =N= 5,000
Requirements for Foundation and Pre- Professional Programme Examinations Minimum of 5 Credits in GCE/WASC/SSCE ordinary level including English Language and Mathematics, OND and NCE

Registration Fees =N= 20,000

Examination Timetable can be downloaded from the download section
Examination Registration Closing Dates
April 30th for June examinations
October 31st for December examinations


PS: You have 6 papers to pass to become a chartered secretary. its expensive but its worth every penny. Lectures for each course is 20,000 naira. =N= 240,000 for lectures and examination excluding transportation and feeding .


visit the website for more info:www.icsan.org

STUDENT SERVICES
The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) is a professional body dedicated to excellence in Corporate Governance and Public Administration. It is an offshoot of the international body established in Britain in 1891, Chartered 1902 and which presently has 44,000 members and 2800 students in over 70 countries.

The institute’s Examinations include:

ICSAN Professional Examination

ICSA UK Examination


ICSAN Professional Examinations
The institute’s Professional Examination is made up of 16 modules (subjects) separated into 4 stages. The courses are integrated and progressive, so that knowledge gained at an early stage is a necessary foundation for later parts.

The 16 subjects which makes up the professional examination scheme are:

FOUNDATION

Communication Skills
Economics
General Principle of Law
Quantitative Techniques

PRE PROFESSIONAL

Management Information System
Management Principles and Practice
Business Law
Introduction to Accounting

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME PART I

Strategic and Operations Management
Corporate Law
Financial Accounting
Management Accounting

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME PART II

Corporate Administration
Corporate Secretaryship
Corporate Financial Management
Corporate Governance


MEMBER'S SERVICES


UPGRADING OF MEMBERSHIP:

The completion of the qualifying examinations will qualify a member to be a Graduate member of the Institute (Grad.ICSAN)

ICSAN Graduate members are required to upgrade their membership to Associate cadre (ACIS). Download an Associateship Application Form for your completion and return or visit the Secretariat to obtain the Associateship Application Form.

Below are the criteria for upgrading to Associateship and Fellowship grades:

Associates should be at least twenty-one years of age or over and

1. Have passed and possess certificate of the final examinations of the Institute and other recognized academic/professional qualifications.

2. Have a minimum of three (3) years work experience.

3. Ensure that the Associateship Application form is properly completed and signed by the appropriate referees.

4. Attach copies of credentials, including ICSAN Graduateship Certificate.

5. Enclose detailed Curriculum Vitae and letters of reference from present and previous employers (if applicable).

6. Ensure that they are financially up-to-date with the Institute.

7. Ensure active participation in the Institutes Programmes/activities (at least 2programmes, e.g. MCPE and Conference).

Fellows should be at least twenty-five years of age or above and

1. Provide a proof that they have worked for at least Ten (10) years and on a ‘Senior Management Position’ for a minimum of 3 years out of the 10 years working experience.

2. Ensure that the Fellowship Application form is properly completed and signed by the appropriate referees.

3. Attach copies of credentials, including certificate of the final examinations of the Institute, other recognized academic/professional qualifications and ICSAN Associateship Certificate.

4. Enclose detailed Curriculum Vitae and letters of reference from present and previous employers (if applicable).

5. Ensure they are financially up-to-date with the Institute. That annual subscription and other payments must have been made as and when due during the last 3 (three) years preceding the application.

6. Ensure active participation in the Institutes Programmes/activities.

Pursuant to ensuring active participation; applicant must have met the following attendance:-

1. Category One: Annual General Meeting or Annual Conference (at least 2(two) of either within the last 3 years preceding the application.

2. Category Two: MCPE, Roundtable, Workshops, Seminars or training Programmes (at least 2 of any within the last 3 years preceding the application.

joanana:



To register as a student and sit for the examinations of the Institute, interested persons must possess a minimum of the WAEC/NECO (O’ levels) with five (5) credits including Mathematics and English.
Examinations are held in June and December of every year.
Registration
Registration Fees & Examiners Reports =N= 23,000
Annual Subscription (payable annual after initial registration) =N= 5,000


Exemption Policy
Holders of WAEC/NECO/OND will commence examinations from Foundation stage
Holders of HND/BSC/ in Accounting and/or Banking and Finance OR LLB/LLM will commence examinations from Professional Programme Part II (Related Degree Holders)
Holders of HND/BSC in all other courses will commence examinations from Professional Programme Part I (Non - Related Degree Holders)
Holders of complete from other Recognised Professional Bodies will commence examinations from Professional Programme Part I (Non - Related Degree Holders)
Exemption Fees

Related Degrees =N= 24,000

Non Related Degrees =N= 20,000

Examination Fees
Foundation per subject fees =N= 8,500
Pre-Professional per subject fees =N= 10,500
Professional Programme Part 1 per subject fees =N= 20,000
Professional Programme Part 11 per subject fees =N= 20,000
Resit Fee for Professional Stage =N= 10,000
Resit Fee for Foundation and Pre Professional Stage =N= 5,000
Requirements for Foundation and Pre- Professional Programme Examinations Minimum of 5 Credits in GCE/WASC/SSCE ordinary level including English Language and Mathematics, OND and NCE

Registration Fees =N= 20,000

Examination Timetable can be downloaded from the download section
Examination Registration Closing Dates
April 30th for June examinations
October 31st for December examinations


PS: You have 6 papers to pass to become a chartered secretary. its expensive but its worth every penny. Lectures for each course is 20,000 naira. =N= 240,000 for lectures and examination excluding transportation and feeding .


visit the website for more info:www.icsan.org

STUDENT SERVICES
The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN) is a professional body dedicated to excellence in Corporate Governance and Public Administration. It is an offshoot of the international body established in Britain in 1891, Chartered 1902 and which presently has 44,000 members and 2800 students in over 70 countries.

The institute’s Examinations include:

ICSAN Professional Examination

ICSA UK Examination


ICSAN Professional Examinations
The institute’s Professional Examination is made up of 16 modules (subjects) separated into 4 stages. The courses are integrated and progressive, so that knowledge gained at an early stage is a necessary foundation for later parts.

The 16 subjects which makes up the professional examination scheme are:

FOUNDATION

Communication Skills
Economics
General Principle of Law
Quantitative Techniques

PRE PROFESSIONAL

Management Information System
Management Principles and Practice
Business Law
Introduction to Accounting

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME PART I

Strategic and Operations Management
Corporate Law
Financial Accounting
Management Accounting

PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMME PART II

Corporate Administration
Corporate Secretaryship
Corporate Financial Management
Corporate Governance


MEMBER'S SERVICES


UPGRADING OF MEMBERSHIP:

The completion of the qualifying examinations will qualify a member to be a Graduate member of the Institute (Grad.ICSAN)

ICSAN Graduate members are required to upgrade their membership to Associate cadre (ACIS). Download an Associateship Application Form for your completion and return or visit the Secretariat to obtain the Associateship Application Form.

Below are the criteria for upgrading to Associateship and Fellowship grades:

Associates should be at least twenty-one years of age or over and

1. Have passed and possess certificate of the final examinations of the Institute and other recognized academic/professional qualifications.

2. Have a minimum of three (3) years work experience.

3. Ensure that the Associateship Application form is properly completed and signed by the appropriate referees.

4. Attach copies of credentials, including ICSAN Graduateship Certificate.

5. Enclose detailed Curriculum Vitae and letters of reference from present and previous employers (if applicable).

6. Ensure that they are financially up-to-date with the Institute.

7. Ensure active participation in the Institutes Programmes/activities (at least 2programmes, e.g. MCPE and Conference).

Fellows should be at least twenty-five years of age or above and

1. Provide a proof that they have worked for at least Ten (10) years and on a ‘Senior Management Position’ for a minimum of 3 years out of the 10 years working experience.

2. Ensure that the Fellowship Application form is properly completed and signed by the appropriate referees.

3. Attach copies of credentials, including certificate of the final examinations of the Institute, other recognized academic/professional qualifications and ICSAN Associateship Certificate.

4. Enclose detailed Curriculum Vitae and letters of reference from present and previous employers (if applicable).

5. Ensure they are financially up-to-date with the Institute. That annual subscription and other payments must have been made as and when due during the last 3 (three) years preceding the application.

6. Ensure active participation in the Institutes Programmes/activities.

Pursuant to ensuring active participation; applicant must have met the following attendance:-

1. Category One: Annual General Meeting or Annual Conference (at least 2(two) of either within the last 3 years preceding the application.

2. Category Two: MCPE, Roundtable, Workshops, Seminars or training Programmes (at least 2 of any within the last 3 years preceding the application.



HELLO,

HELP WIH THE FOLLOWING

IS THE JUNE EXAM AND DECEMBER SAME EXAM,
IF I DONT TAKE EXAM IN JUNE, CAN I TAKE THE SAME EXAM IN DECEMBER
IS THE EXAM ANNUALLY YEARLY OR BI-ANNUALLY

oshovic11:
KINDLY ASSIST WITH THE FOLLOWING

IS THE JUNE EXAM AND DECEMBER SAME EXAM,
IS THE JUNE EXAM INTERRELATE WITH THE DECEMEBR EXAM
IF I DONT TAKE EXAM IN JUNE, CAN I TAKE THE SAME EXAM IN DECEMBER
IS THE EXAM ANNUALLY YEARLY OR BI-ANNUALLY

HOW DO I GET READING MATERIALS TO PREPARE FOR EXAM IN JUNE?

serendipityF:
Thanks so much for the feedback, please is the payment for lectures compulsory? What if I decide to prepare on my own without wanting their lectures, is it allowed?

joanana:




No, payment for lectures is not compulsory. You can prepare and write the exams on your own but i will advise you get the reading materials from the secretariat

joanana:
yes, you can write the exam in december if you are not prepared to write in June. Its your choice!!!!! For reading materials and syllabus, visit ICSAN office at alausa , Ikeja

oshovic11:

Hello Joanana, Can you assist me some of your old material?

joanana:

send your mail address i will send soft copies of the materials.

MyPeace:
Secretaries/Personal Assistants In The House - Our Forum

I work as a Personal Assistant to the CEO of my company. I quite know that CONFIDENTIALITY is one of the challenges in Secretarial and Office professional careers. I feel i should share this GOLDEN RULE OF CONFIDENTIALITY to my colleagues. I will also like us to make this a forum for Secretaries/PA, where we ask questions on the challenges of the job and get help from the more experienced ones.


Confidentiality Maintenance

Prying questions from employees. Immediately start communicating your rules regarding confidential information. “When people ask about my boss’ travel schedule or things I don’t feel are appropriate for them to know, I ask them ‘Why do you ask?’” “This politely diffuses them and allows them to think about their need to know. Maybe there is a legitimate reason, which you both can then determine.”

I have always believed the reply “I don’t know” reflects poorly on your professional status because you’re implying you do not have a position of confidence, and this diminishes you. Besides, is anyone really fooled? The questioner knows you know the information, and you know he knows that you know. Burdening yourself with a lie sends the wrong message also—namely, that you will lie under some circumstances. Suddenly, your integrity seems negotiable.

You can, instead, establish the reputation of saying “no” politely, firmly, professionally and consistently. A reliable response is always: “I hope you can understand I’m not able to share any information about that.” If they still persist, try this show-stopper: “Please don’t take this personally, but as a professional, I can’t tell you that.” Most of the time, they will know better than to pursue the issue. Granted, you will always run the risk of some people feeling you are a bit standoffish; but you will have earned their respect and trust.

Securing your work station. “Take a good look at the physical area of responsibility (your office) and rearrange your furniture so you have visual and verbal control of the traffic flow. Because you are the gatekeeper; it is appropriate your desk or office be positioned in such a way that you can control who has access to your boss. You also will be able to minimize needless interruptions because you can handle many matters on your own.

Protecting written documents. “Don’t lead others into temptation” is your best guide to protecting written documents. It’s only natural for people to be tempted to at least glace at papers if you leave them in plain view. Your job is to protect the value of all information in your office.

A few suggestions:

Keep your desk clear of any papers you consider confidential. Flip your papers over even if you are just leaving your desk for coffee. Remember, snoops and thieves can be clever and persistent.

If you’re going to be away from your desk even for a short time, be sure all important documents are either placed inside your desk or locked in a file cabinet.


If you’re working on a confidential document that requires you to have a lot of sensitive materials on your desk for several hours at a time, you can avoid any curious traffic around your desk by scheduling to work on the project during off-peak times, or by setting up camp at another work station.


Always clear your desk before you leave at the end of the day and lock up anything you don’t want others to see. This includes check/deposit books, plans, schedules, correspondence, and even your manual note-taking books. It is always prudent to err on the safe side.

Neutralize or sanitize documents when you remove them from your office. Conceal them inside a folder or envelope, even if you are just hand delivering them to someone on the next floor. Someone standing behind you in the elevator may be able to see just enough to get the rumor mill cranked up.

If you carry confidential documents to and from work, or on business trips, keep them in a locked briefcase; and, never leave the briefcase unattended in public places.

Again, when attending meetings or conferences, don’t leave papers exposed where people nearby can see them. Make sure they are face down or in a protective folder.

When mailing confidential documents, seal them in an envelope marked “confidential.” Then, seal that envelope inside another envelope and mark that “confidential,” too.


Shred confidential documents, rough drafts, photocopies, and notes. Never dispose of these papers in a wastebasket or recycling box from which they can be recovered by the curious or dishonest.

Protecting electronic documents. Deleted files can be recovered, network security is never perfect, and automatic backups may put a complete copy of your work for the day within easy reach of the wrong people. To avoid getting the “byte” put on you, learn the security limitations of your system.

A few suggestions:

Position your terminal screen in a way that prevents anyone from reading it. Be prepared for a quick sign-off, or use a hot key to engage your screen saver if potentially prying eyes approach your desk.

Know the limitations of your system. The computer is just another tool, not a black box that assures secrecy. Lean who in your company knows how to use your computer better than you do and use them as a resource. It is your responsibility to understand the realistic limitations of your system.


Develop a sound system of backing up and archiving files, and then stick with it. You may be your own worst enemy if you do not follow consistent procedures. You should be able to retrieve important files quickly, ensure they will be safe, and remove files you no longer want in ways that render them unrecoverable.


Store floppy disks in a locked area.


Use a password sign-on procedure to prevent anyone from accessing your hard drive without your permission. This is not unbeatable, but it slows down the casual interloper. Best system: use two passwords known only to you and your boss.


Sign off whenever you leave your terminal if working on confidential information—even if for just a short break.


Remove your printouts as quickly as possible from the printer.


Put your original program disks under lock and key. Remember, these are rarely used after the software is loaded onto your hard drive; so they may be borrowed and you wouldn’t miss them for months.


A few other security risks. Don’t ever send anything confidential via the fax machine. Send the document by courier or overnight delivery if you have to or, if you absolutely must transmit something confidential on the fax, call ahead to let the receiver know the exact moment to retrieve it. Even though reading someone else’s fax is like reading someone else’s mail, not everyone treats faxes with this same respect.

Never leave a confidential (or serious personal) message on voice mail, because it won’t be confidential. Anyone can access one’s voicemail in a minute and the results could be devastating. Likewise, don’t say anything confidential on a cellular phone or speaker phone. Most cellular phones can be easily pirated. And, although a speaker phone may be convenient, it can also compromise privacy.

Follow the Golden Rule

That protecting confidentiality is on the short list of professional job skills presumed to be simply understood by bosses everywhere is a compliment to our profession. Our bosses assume we will always recognize confidential information whenever we see it, and then take whatever action is appropriate to protect it.

Because the confidentiality aspect of the job of the administrative professional defies prediction and standardization, it would be prudent to always adhere to my Golden Rule of Confidentiality: Unless otherwise instructed by your boss, treat all information received, written or spoken, as strictly confidential. You will never regret it.

Because you are a professional committed to upholding high standards of behavior, your company’s security will always be a part of your job description. But, it’s an ongoing challenge because you will be relied upon more than ever to “bar the door” against all types of threats to compromise the company’s information and property. It isn’t simple anymore, either—it requires technical expertise and a lot of psychological moxie. The challenge is to do your job with a healthy skepticism of others, while still expecting others to trust you.

Good Luck!

AprokoNaija:


kindly send to me too... contact.tolulope1@gmail.com

joanana:


Also note that notes are updated every diet and new laws and code are added. This note is 3years old.

joanana:


send your mail address i will send soft copies of the materials.

4llerbuntu:


Please can I get soft copies of the ICSAN materials?

joanana:


Happy New Year Oga 4ller. send your mail address and you will pay ooo I have soft copies of ICSA UK soft copies of the books and past questions. you still need to buy the Nigerian books .