GIA Cert Governance Practice study guide
GIA Cert Governance Practice · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The GIA Cert Governance Practice is an independent study resource for professionals who want to test their knowledge of governance, risk management, compliance and company secretariat practice. The four domains are weighted equally at 25 percent each. It suits board support staff, risk and compliance officers, emerging company secretaries, and anyone preparing for governance-related roles who wants a structured way to check understanding. The exam is not a substitute for formal education or membership of any professional body. Topics on this exam: Governance, Risk management, Compliance, and Company secretariat practice. The GIA Cert Governance Practice study guide has 4 sections and about 1,156 words.
01Governance
Governance is the system by which an organisation is directed and controlled. For the GIA Cert Governance Practice exam, you must understand the core principles: accountability, transparency, fairness, and responsibility . These principles underpin frameworks such as the UK Corporate Governance Code (for listed companies) and the OECD Principles of Corporate Governance. Candidates should know the roles of the board, its committees (audit, risk, remuneration, nomination), and the separation of the roles of chair and CEO.
310 words, about 2 min02Risk Management
Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling threats to an organisation's capital and earnings. The GIA Cert Governance Practice exam expects familiarity with frameworks such as COSO ERM and ISO 31000 . Key concepts include risk appetite (the amount of risk an organisation is willing to accept), risk tolerance (the acceptable variation), and risk capacity (the maximum risk it can bear). You must understand the difference between inherent risk (before controls) and residual risk (after controls).
300 words, about 2 min03Compliance
Compliance ensures that an organisation adheres to laws, regulations, and internal policies. In the GIA Cert Governance Practice exam, you must understand the compliance function's role: to identify regulatory requirements, monitor adherence, and report on compliance risks. Key concepts include regulatory risk , compliance culture , and whistleblowing . You should know the difference between compliance and internal audit: compliance is a second-line function that advises and monitors; internal audit is third-line and provides independent assurance.
272 words, about 1 min04Company Secretariat Practice
The company secretary is a senior governance professional who supports the board and ensures compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements. In the GIA Cert Governance Practice exam, you must understand the company secretary's duties: organising board meetings, maintaining statutory registers, advising on governance matters, and facilitating board induction and development. Key concepts include board effectiveness , meeting management , and statutory compliance . The company secretary often has a direct reporting line to the chair.
274 words, about 1 min