What is the Certified Compliance Specialist?

The Certified Compliance Specialist is a globally recognised professional certification by the Global Leadership Institute (GLI), designed to equip professionals with advanced competencies in Finance & Accounting.

How long does this certification take?

The programme is 12 Week and can be completed at your own pace through our self-paced online option, or alongside live virtual sessions.

Is this certification globally recognised?

Yes. GLI certifications are internationally recognised and carry CPD credits, making them valuable for career advancement worldwide.

What level is this certification?

This is a Advanced Level certification, suitable for professionals with relevant experience or background in the field.

You can enrol by emailing info@leadership.co.ke, contacting us via WhatsApp at +254 722 223 084, or filling the enrolment form below.

Certified Compliance Specialist (CCS) | Online Certification

Executive Summary

Certified Compliance Specialist

Designed for today’s high-impact professionals, the Certified Compliance Specialist (CCS) delivers a rigorous Advanced-level curriculum that equips participants with the knowledge, tools and frameworks needed to excel in corporate governance, compliance, policy and accountability.

This 12 Week programme is structured around OECD principles, ISO and recognised governance and compliance standards, ensuring every graduate applies internationally validated methods to real-world challenges.

GLI’s CCS holders are recognised by leading organisations across Africa, the Gulf, Europe and the Americas as qualified, results-driven professionals. Whether you are advancing your current career or transitioning into new responsibilities, this certification provides the competitive edge you need in 2026 and beyond.

Programme Overview

Certification at a Glance

Certification

Certified Compliance Specialist

Acronym

CCS

Who Should Enrol?

Speak-Up and Investigation — applied to your own work
Conflicts and Related Parties — applied to your own work
Reporting and Regulator Relations — applied to your own work
Mapping the Obligations — applied to your own work
Designing a Compliance Programme — applied to your own work
Testing Whether It Works — applied to your own work

Programme Inclusions

Everything Included in Your Enrolment

All study materials and study guide
Access to GLI online learning portal
Online examination and assessment
Digital certificate and digital badge
Physical certificate (shipped to you)
CPD credits for professional bodies
GLI alumni network membership
Facilitator and tutor support
Resource downloads and reference library
Automatic enrolment confirmation

Certification Benefits

Why This Certification Matters for Your Career

Career Advancement

Accelerate your career towards senior governance, compliance and policy-leadership roles

Professional Recognition

Credential aligned with OECD principles, ISO and recognised governance and compliance standards

Leadership Capability

Develop the strategic and operational skills to lead complex corporate governance functions

Organisational Impact

Design and implement corporate governance systems that drive performance and measurable results

Compliance Readiness

Master the standards, compliance and ethical governance central to corporate governance

Global Employability

Qualify for corporate governance roles across corporates, regulators, government and civil-society organisations worldwide

Competency Framework

Core Competencies You Will Develop

✦Corporate Governance Principles and Boards

✦Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management

✦Policy Analysis, Research and Development

✦Ethics, Integrity and Anti-Corruption

✦Consumer Protection and Stakeholder Rights

✦Professional Ethics and Governance

Course Curriculum

Programme Modules

Click any module to explore the detailed curriculum topics included in this certification.

Foundations and Strategic Context of Certified Compliance Specialist

Certified Compliance Specialist: industry context, trends and professional standards
Corporate governance principles and purpose
Governance, risk and compliance (GRC)
The regulatory and legal environment
Stakeholders, agency and accountability
Codes, standards and best practice (OECD)
Professional roles and ethics
Governance and organisational value
Public, private and non-profit governance
Trends: ESG, transparency and stakeholder capitalism
Career pathways and professional development

Speak-Up and Investigation

Whistleblowing and speak-up channels
Investigating misconduct
Conflicts of interest and related-party transactions
The three lines model and who owns risk
Stakeholder engagement plan
Directors' duties and responsibilities
Company secretarial practice
Governance in different ownership models
Regulatory mapping and obligations
Enterprise risk management (ERM)
Internal controls and assurance
Managing regulator relationships
Compliance reporting and disclosure
Building a compliance culture
Policy cycle and evidence-based policy

Conflicts and Related Parties

Conflicts of interest and related-party transactions
Investigating misconduct
Board effectiveness and the quality of board information
Policy that changes behaviour
Assurance mapping and avoiding duplicate assurance
Governance in state, donor-funded and family-owned entities
Board and executive reporting
Regulator and investor relations
Policy and public engagement
Professional writing and briefings
Influencing and advising leaders
Managing sensitive disclosures
Crisis and reputation communication
Leading governance projects and change
Team leadership in governance

Reporting and Regulator Relations

Board effectiveness and the quality of board information
Regulatory mapping and horizon scanning
Governance in state, donor-funded and family-owned entities
Analysis and diagnostic assessment
Designing a governance, compliance or policy solution
Risk, legal and feasibility analysis
Implementation and assurance plan
Problem definition and analysis
Research methods for policy
Stakeholder and impact analysis
Regulatory impact assessment
Policy development and drafting
Implementation and delivery
Monitoring and policy evaluation
Public consultation and engagement

Mapping the Obligations

Regulatory mapping and horizon scanning
Designing and testing a compliance programme
Policy that changes behaviour
Data protection and privacy
Vulnerable consumers and inclusion
Advertising and disclosure standards
Dispute resolution and ombudsman
Balancing business and consumer interests
GRC platforms and technology
Data analytics for assurance
Regulatory technology (RegTech)
Reporting and disclosure tools
Audit and control automation
Compliance monitoring systems
Data governance and quality

Designing a Compliance Programme

Designing and testing a compliance programme
Controls that work versus controls that exist
Policy that changes behaviour
Cybersecurity and information governance
Emerging governance technologies
AI, ethics and algorithmic accountability
Risk-based internal audit
Assurance mapping and three lines model
Audit planning and execution
Control testing and evidence
Findings, reporting and remediation
External audit and oversight
Audit committee effectiveness
Continuous assurance and monitoring
Ethical supply chains

Testing Whether It Works

Controls that work versus controls that exist
Designing and testing a compliance programme
Assurance mapping and avoiding duplicate assurance
Professional standards and self-regulation
Governance and compliance KPIs
Risk and control effectiveness metrics
Benchmarking against standards
Maturity and capability assessment
Continuous improvement of controls
Assurance and audit outcomes
Stakeholder trust and reputation metrics
Driving measurable governance improvement
Data governance frameworks and roles
Data privacy law and compliance (GDPR)
Information lifecycle and records management

Governance Practice

Ethical decision-making
Building an ethical culture
Risk appetite and tolerance in practice
Governance transformation and reform
Building governance maturity
Culture, ethics and behaviour change
Regulatory and digital transformation
Measuring governance improvement
Professional ethics and integrity
Regulatory and legal duty
Digital ethics and responsible AI
Business ethics and ethical frameworks
Cybersecurity governance
Data breach and incident governance
Building trust through data governance

Legal and Regulatory

Consent, rights and data subject requests
Statutory compliance and filings
Payroll, statutory deductions and employment cost
Shareholder and stakeholder rights
Employment law framework and contracts of employment
Managing employment disputes and tribunals
Health and safety legal duties
Employment relationship and the psychological contract
Consulting skills and contracting with the business
Legal framework and regulatory duties
Contractor and client engagement
Contract exit and renewal
Legal and regulatory responsibility
Environmental legal compliance
Legal, cost and feasibility analysis

Financial Oversight

Codes of conduct and values
Accountability and transparency
Payables, procurement controls and supplier fraud
Applying reporting standards and accounting judgement
Digital finance, mobile money and payment operations
The finance function, month-end close and reporting cycle
Committees: audit, risk, remuneration
Options appraisal and cost-benefit
Embedding values and behaviours
The employee lifecycle and HR value chain
HR's role in culture, values and employer brand
Cost of accidents and prevention value
Values, purpose and authentic leadership
Setting goals, roles and accountability
Procurement and supply chain: scope and value

Risk and Resilience

Credit risk measurement and mitigation
Liquidity risk and asset-liability management
Operational risk and resilience
Analytical techniques and bias
Model risk and provisioning (IFRS 9)
Business continuity and crisis management
Interest-rate risk and gap analysis
Derivatives and risk instruments
Control environment and risk assessment
Fraud risk and controls
Audit risk and materiality
Financial reporting frameworks (IFRS/GAAP)
Likelihood, impact and risk rating
Risk treatment and countermeasures
Intelligence-led risk assessment

Data and Reporting

Cross-border data and transfers
Data quality and stewardship
Transaction monitoring and suspicious reporting
Data protection and customer privacy
Regulatory reporting and audits
Data, analytics and customer insight
Control monitoring and reporting
Data analytics in audit
Evidence, judgement and scepticism
Professional report and presentation
Metrics and reporting
Project KPIs and performance metrics
Quality and delivery metrics
Monitoring, control and reporting
Agile metrics and velocity

Stakeholders and Oversight

Stakeholder and investor engagement
Fair treatment of stakeholders
Regulatory and fair-treatment obligations
Service analytics and dashboards
Stakeholder mapping and collaboration
Managing difficult stakeholders
Customer onboarding and lifecycle
The regulatory landscape and central banking
Stakeholder mapping in banking
Customer and community engagement
Regulatory duty and accountability
Stakeholders and users of financial information
Performance measurement and KPI dashboards
Regulatory reporting and disclosure
Board reporting and information flows

Leadership and Decisions

Situational and adaptive leadership
Resilience, wellbeing and stress management
Strategic decision-making under uncertainty
Executive communication and presence
Self-awareness and the leader's identity
Ethics and responsible leadership
Quality management and standards
Category management and strategy development
Data quality and master data management
Security governance and management systems
Journey management and tracking
Portfolio management and prioritisation
Value management and business value
Management accounts and dashboards
Decision-making and problem solving

People and Conduct

Fair treatment and market conduct
Managing resistance and capability
Customer and employee satisfaction
Bribery, corruption and conduct risk
Training needs analysis
Career and talent development
Capability and skills frameworks
Ethics, confidentiality and professional conduct in HR
Employee engagement models and drivers
Discipline, conduct and fair-process management
Training needs analysis and learning strategy
Treating customers fairly and market conduct
Strategic workforce planning and demand forecasting
Succession planning and talent pipelines
Talent sourcing channels and pipelines

Operations and Quality

Cross-functional collaboration with product and service
Benchmarking against standards and best practice
Continuous improvement and lessons learned
Data quality, analysis and reporting
Digital advisory, e-extension and mobile services
Sustainability certification and standards
Traceability, recall and quality assurance systems
Quality management systems and audits
Advisory service design and delivery
Customer service and experience principles
Roles, standards and professional conduct
Service culture and brand promise
Digital and self-service transformation
Innovation in service delivery
Journey and process redesign

Programmes and Change

Development banking and project finance
Risk-based audit planning
Communications strategy and planning
Tender planning and documentation
Change management and adoption
Continuous improvement of programmes
Project management principles and lifecycle
Cost reduction and efficiency programmes
Tax planning, avoidance and evasion distinguished
Compliance frameworks and programmes
Managing HR projects and change
Governance of the CX programme
Voice of the customer programmes
Loyalty programmes and rewards
Workforce planning and scheduling

Technology and Data Risk

Emerging service technologies
Digital, mobile and internet banking
The banking system, intermediation and financial markets
Digital disruption and the future of banking
Digital transformation in banking
Branch-to-digital migration
Data ethics and customer privacy
Digital banking platforms and APIs
Payment technology and switches
Automation, RPA and straight-through processing
Cybersecurity and fraud technology
Budget vs actual and variance
Scaling technologies and business models
Cost and profitability analysis
Digital and market transformation

Third Parties and Procurement

Procurement and contract value
Procurement and contract management
Vendor selection and management
Supply market analysis
Supply analysis, gaps and scenario planning
The procurement cycle and operating models
Procurement’s contribution to organisational strategy
Public versus private procurement
Supply markets and the enabling environment
Digital procurement and the future of the profession
Sustainable procurement principles and standards
Procurement and stock management for health commodities
Conflicts of interest and procurement ethics
Fair trade and responsible supply
Procurement and asset management under donor rules

Sustainability and ESG

Environmental monitoring and reporting
Continuous environmental improvement
Integration with quality and environment
Sustainability and responsible sourcing
Environmental, social and governance (ESG)
Sustainability reporting and disclosure
Embedding sustainability in sourcing
Mine water, tailings and environmental management
Social media management: platforms, communities and algorithms
Measurement and analytics for media and social campaigns
Integrated and sustainability reporting
Sustainability and environmental duty
Environmental management systems (ISO 14001)
Sustainability and climate responsibility
The project environment and stakeholders

Communication and Disclosure

Dashboards and performance reporting
Professional presentation and pitching
Reporting to leadership
Media and public communication
Facilitation, training and public presentation skills
Communicating technical information to diverse audiences
Professional report writing and presentation
Communication and interpersonal skills
Influencing and presenting insights
Professional and persuasive communication
Crisis communications
Stakeholder communications
Ethics in communications
Internal communications
Corporate social responsibility communications

Strategic Context

Competition and antitrust
Learning strategy and business alignment
Real options and strategic investment
Sustainability strategy and materiality
Reward strategy and total reward frameworks
HSE as a strategic enabler
Wellbeing and holistic health strategy
Vision, mission and strategic intent
Competitive strategy and positioning
Business model design and innovation
Setting strategic priorities and choices
Designing a marketing or sales strategy
Marketing strategy and the mix
Brand strategy, identity and equity
Pricing strategy

Workforce Governance

Financial modelling and forecasting discipline
The customer experience (CX) discipline
The sales pipeline and forecasting discipline
CRM, sales operations and data discipline
Whistleblowing and speak-up culture
Employee relations, discipline and fair process
Operational planning and execution discipline
Resource allocation and capital discipline
The business analysis discipline and role
Team formation and effectiveness models (Tuckman, Lencioni)
Managing team performance and dynamics

International and Sanctions

Transfer pricing and international tax
Cross-cultural and global inclusion
International and cross-border tax
Sanctions screening and PEP management
Key global frameworks: FAO, GlobalG.A.P., SDGs and national strategies
Grades, standards and export certification (GlobalG.A.P.)
Global sourcing and trade
Forecasting and planning
Behaviour change and adoption of innovations
Linking CX to business performance
Customer service and CX strategy

Market Conduct

Customer personas and insight
The marketing concept and customer orientation
Customer and brand health metrics
Market and customer analysis
Customer success and retention
Customer lifetime value and profitability
Customer data platforms and segmentation
Customer experience and journey mapping
Customer expectations and satisfaction
Ethics and fair customer treatment
Customer experience transformation
Designing voice-of-customer programmes
Sustaining strategic customer focus
Customer and journey analysis
Customer experience strategy

Safety and Environment

Automation and safety technology
Toolbox talks and safety communication
Event risk, safety and contingency planning
Industrial utilities, energy and process safety interfaces
Data visualisation for finance
Decision support and insight
Communicating financial results
Health records, data and confidentiality
Telehealth and digital care delivery
Public health programmes: prevention and outreach
Psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches
Attachment and developmental theory
Product safety and standards
Environmental governance and climate risk
Safety management systems overview (ISO 45001)

Records and Documentation

Data, records and confidentiality tech
Lessons learned and knowledge management
Professional documentation and presentation
Relationship management and retention
Retention, loyalty and lifetime value
Process and control documentation
Customer retention, loyalty and lifetime value
Incident reporting and record-keeping
Transfer pricing documentation
Customer retention in the vehicle ownership cycle
Vehicle documentation, compliance and consumer protection
Record-keeping and data protection

Ethics and Anti-Corruption

Conflicts of interest
Ethics and professional standards in finance
Conflicts of interest management
Conflict resolution and mediation
Data ethics, privacy and responsible analytics
Professional ethics and codes of conduct in HR
Ethics and duty of care
Professional ethics and duty of care
Ethical decision-making under pressure
Negotiation and conflict resolution
Professional standards and ethics (CIPS)
Conflict resolution over land, water and resources
Professional roles, boundaries and settings
Ethics and integrity in banking
Professional ethics and banking conduct

Public and Donor Context

Financial statement and cash-flow analysis
Financial statements and the accounting equation
Real estate marketing channels and property portals
Real estate development and project appraisal
Proposal development and donor reporting
Preparing financial statements
Interpreting financial statements
Psychoeducation and public communication
Ethical principles and codes of practice
Cross-cultural communication
Productivity, collaboration and workflow tools

Standards and Certification

Delivery, quality and stakeholder plan
Quality planning and assurance
Quality control and continuous improvement
Integrated risk and quality control
The business case for productivity, quality and sustainability
Coaching and quality monitoring
Service quality and turnaround metrics
Quality assurance of audit
Quality assurance and standards
Safety management systems (ISO 45001)
Digital permits and inspections
Service quality and the passenger experience in transport
Quality management on site: inspections, hold points and defects
Healthcare quality, safety and accreditation
Reporting quality and governance

Learning Outcomes

What You Will Achieve

Speak-Up and Investigation — applied to your own work
Conflicts and Related Parties — applied to your own work
Reporting and Regulator Relations — applied to your own work
Mapping the Obligations — applied to your own work
Designing a Compliance Programme — applied to your own work
Testing Whether It Works — applied to your own work

Enrolment Process

How to Get Certified

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Step 1: Choose Your Certification

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Step 3: Study in the GLI Learning Portal

Work through 30 structured modules and 150 lessons at your own pace, with downloadable resources and expert-designed content — all inside the LMS.

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Step 4: Pass, Get Certified & Verified

Sit your final examination online, earn your certificate instantly, and receive a globally verifiable Certificate ID — plus GLI Alumni Network access.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

What is the CCS certification?

Yes. GLI certifications are recognised across 100+ countries and are aligned with OECD principles, ISO and recognised governance and compliance standards. Graduates receive a digital certificate, a physical certificate and CPD credits recognised by employers worldwide.

Who should enrol in the CCS?

This certification is ideal for Governance and Compliance Officers, Policy and Regulatory Analysts, Risk and Audit Professionals and Company Secretaries and Board Advisors, and other professionals seeking to formalise their expertise in corporate governance, compliance, policy and accountability with a globally recognised credential.

How long does the CCS certification take to complete?

The programme is structured over 12 Week and offers flexible learning modes. Self-paced learners can progress at their own schedule, while live virtual participants follow a structured cohort schedule with facilitator-led sessions.

Is the CCS internationally recognised?

What is the cost of the CCS certification?

The Certified Compliance Specialist is offered in two formats: Self-Paced at USD 449 and Live Virtual at USD 649. Corporate group rates are available for organisations enrolling 5 or more participants. Contact GLI for a bespoke corporate training quotation.

What does the CCS certification include?

Enrolment includes all study materials and study guides, access to GLI's online learning portal, online examination, digital certificate and badge, physical certificate (posted), CPD credits, GLI alumni network membership, and ongoing facilitator support.

What is the assessment format for the CCS?

The Certified Compliance Specialist is assessed through an online examination consisting of multiple-choice questions, case study analysis, and practical application assignments. The assessment is designed to evaluate real-world competency, not just theoretical recall.

What CPD credits do I earn from the CCS?

The Certified Compliance Specialist carries Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, which can be applied towards professional body requirements including recognised international professional associations.

Can I study the CCS while working full-time?

Absolutely. The self-paced option is designed for busy working professionals and allows you to study when and where it suits you. Live virtual sessions are typically scheduled in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate professional commitments.

What career outcomes can I expect from the CCS?

Graduates progress towards senior governance, compliance and policy-leadership roles. The CCS strengthens your expertise in corporate governance, compliance, policy and accountability and positions you for advancement across corporates, regulators, government and civil-society organisations.

Certified Compliance Specialist

Certified Compliance Specialist

Certification at a Glance

Who Should Enrol?

Everything Included in Your Enrolment

Why This Certification Matters for Your Career

Core Competencies You Will Develop

Programme Modules

What You Will Achieve

How to Get Certified

Common Questions

What Our Alumni Say

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