In January 2026, the Royal College of Organists announced the launch of a new suite of professional diplomas in choral directing, offering a progressive and rigorous framework of accreditation designed to recognise and support choir directors at every stage of their career.
The new qualifications – the Colleague Diploma in Choral Directing [CChD(RCO)], Associateship Diploma in Choral Directing [AChD(RCO)] and Fellowship Diploma in Choral Directing [FChD(RCO)] – extend the College’s respected system of professional accreditation into the choral field, and the highest level will eventually replace the existing Diploma in Choral Directing [DipCHD]. Together, they create a structured pathway for directors working across a wide range of contexts, from parish churches and schools to colleges, cathedrals and community choirs.
Read more about the Diplomas and how they have been conceived.
Read more about the introduction of the Diplomas in this feature from RCO News (January 2026).
The diplomas will be introduced in stages over the next two years.
The Colleague Diploma in Choral Directing is now open to applicants. The initial deadline for applications and submissions is 1 July 2026. Thereafter, the CChD(RCO) will follow a twice-yearly cycle, with application/submission deadlines on 1 October and 1 April.
The Associateship Diploma in Choral Directing will launch in late 2026, and will follow a twice-yearly cycle, with application/submission deadlines on 1 April and 1 October.
The Fellowship Diploma in Choral Directing, a redevelopment of the College’s current Diploma in Choral Directing, will launch in early 2027, with one application/submission deadline per year of 1 July.
Below are the details of each Choral Directing Diploma. Each qualification stands alone as a professional award, with no requirement to progress sequentially. Candidates may therefore enter at the level most appropriate to their professional experience and practice.
The award of the Diploma of Colleague in Choral Directing indicates competency and confidence in choral-conducting technique and rehearsal management, and accomplishment in the interpretation of notated choral music in performance. It demonstrates a good working knowledge of, and empathy for, a range of choral music and a secure understanding of vocal and choral technique, including the administrative and psychological management of singers and choirs. It also verifies an ability to reflect critically on the planning, personal preparation, rehearsals, and performances undertaken to build the practical portfolio. Download Regulations.
This is now open for applications. The first deadline for applications and submissions is 1 July 2026. A twice-yearly application/submission cycle will then follow on 1 October and 1 April.
Please note the following protocols:
Protocol for AV Submission of Choral Diploma Practical Examinations Available soon
Protocol for Digital Submission of Choral Diploma Reflective Critiques Available soon
The award of the Diploma of Associate in Choral Directing indicates professional competency and confidence in choral-conducting technique and rehearsal management, and accomplishment in the interpretation of notated choral music in performance. It demonstrates an extensive knowledge of, and empathy for, a range of choral music and a thorough understanding of vocal and choral technique, including the administrative and psychological management of singers and choirs. It also verifies an ability to reflect critically on the planning, personal preparation, rehearsals, and performances undertaken to build the practical portfolio. A text- and/or notation-based special project verifies the candidate’s ability to engage critically with a supporting, developmental study.
Regulations will be available in autumn 2026. The first deadline for applications and submissions will be 1 April 2027. A twice-yearly application/submission cycle will then follow on 1 October and 1 April.
The award of the Diploma of Fellow in Choral Directing indicates professional expertise in choral-conducting technique and rehearsal management, and accomplishment in the interpretation of notated choral music in performance. It demonstrates a comprehensive knowledge of, and empathy for, a range of choral music and a specialist understanding of vocal and choral technique, including the administrative and psychological management of singers and choirs. It also verifies an ability to reflect critically and insightfully on the planning, personal preparation, rehearsals, and performances undertaken to build the practical portfolio. Text- and/or notation-based special projects verify the candidate’s ability to engage critically with supporting, developmental studies.
Regulations will be available in early 2027. The first deadline for applications and submissions will be 1 July 2027. A once-yearly application/submission cycle will then follow on 1 July.
Figures in brackets give the rates for students.
Diploma of Colleague in Choral Directing – CChD(RCO)
Whole examination (Rehearsal and Performance Portfolio and Reflective Critique on the Rehearsal and Performance Portfolio): £394 incl. VAT (£325 incl. VAT)
Subsequent examination in the Reflective Critique: £149 incl. VAT (£123 incl. VAT)
The fees for the Associateship and Fellowship diplomas will be announced in due course.
Various types of support suitable for the Choral Directing Diplomas may be found through the RCO website: