In any other industry where individuals serve as professional fiduciaries, there are typically degree programs, mandated training, certification, and continuing education. This includes diverse fields like medicine, law, accounting, real estate, and so on. It is definitely time to institute these practices for board directorships, and the leadership taken by NACD in launching a board director certification program is something that the private and public investing community should wholeheartedly support.

NACD's certification will increase investor confidence that board members, especially new board members, have the right skills and proper understanding of what it means to be a director—to provide effective oversight of their companies.

The expectations for board members continue to expand at a rapid pace and require significant knowledge and perspective to add strategic value to the enterprise. The NACD certification program will give existing and prospective directors an advantage by showcasing their leadership to investors and relevant stakeholders.

NACD is well placed to offer a professional proficiency training for directors, particularly since it’s able to glean insights and perspectives from its members, who serve on boards all around the world. That wealth of knowledge can be really valuable for new and current directors.