The Colleague Diploma in Choral Directing recognises confident and effective choral leadership in rehearsal and performance.
It is designed for choir directors who are already working with ensembles and wish to demonstrate their ability to lead rehearsals, shape performances and develop their practice with clarity and confidence.
The Colleague Diploma indicates competency and confidence in choral conducting technique and rehearsal leadership, together with accomplishment in the interpretation of notated choral music in performance.
Candidates demonstrate:
The qualification reflects both practical directing ability and the developing musical judgement and leadership that underpin successful choral work.
CChD(RCO) is suitable for musicians who are already directing choirs and developing confidence in their practice.
Typical candidates include:
It provides a clear and recognised benchmark for directors seeking to develop confident and effective rehearsal leadership.
“We have designed these qualifications to be inclusive. Candidates can demonstrate their skills in real-world contexts, whether that’s with a parish choir, a school or chapel choir, or a professional ensemble. The result is accreditation which demonstrates the very highest standards while making professional recognition genuinely attainable by all.”— Andrew McCrea, RCO Director of Studies
Assessment is based on a practical portfolio and reflective critique, in combination revealing the multifaceted work of a choral director.
The qualification consists of two components:
Rehearsal and Performance Portfolio
A filmed submission showing rehearsals and performances of two contrasting choral works.
Reflective Critique
A spoken and/or written reflection on the preparation, rehearsal process and performance outcomes.
The portfolio demonstrates the candidate’s work in rehearsal and performance, while the critique shows the ability to reflect on and develop that work.
Both components are submitted together.
Candidates typically prepare through their regular work with choirs.
Preparation may include:
Support is available through:
Further guidance is available on the Candidate Hub page.
To enter CChD(RCO) you must be a member of the Royal College of Organists.
There are no prerequisite qualifications.
The CChD(RCO) operates on a twice-yearly submission cycle:
Before this twice-yearly cycle commences, an introductory submission deadline is being offered on 1 July 2026.
The latest application and submission deadlines can be found on Key Dates & Fees >>
Fees for the whole examination or re-entry are available on Key Dates & Fees >>
Applications are submitted online.
1. Join the RCO
You must be a member before entering.
2. Sign in to the Member Area
Access the diploma entry system.
3. Submit your portfolio and critique
Make your application, pay the examination fee and complete your submission.
Candidates should review the key documentation for CChD(RCO).
These documents provide essential information about:
Key documents:
If you have questions about entry requirements, submissions, or the suitability of CChD(RCO) for your current level, please contact the RCO Accreditation team:
We recommend reviewing the published regulations before contacting the team, as many common questions are answered there.