Requirements for Earning NACD Directorship Certification®
Are you ready to earn the premier director credential for board members? Based on your experience, you may be eligible to bypass the prerequisite course and move forward to taking the exam. To begin your application, find the pathway that is right for you.
Learn More About NACD
NACD membership is required to become NACD Directorship Certified. If you are not currently an NACD member and are interested in learning more about NACD Directorship Certification and membership benefits, please submit the interest form below.
Learn MoreCertification Exam Pathway
NACD members who meet any of the following criteria are eligible to bypass the prerequisite course and go straight to the exam.
1. Directors who have previously taken any of the following courses:
NACD Director Professionalism, in person or online;
the NACD course "From Battlefield to Boardroom."
NACD recommends selecting the Bundle Pathway if you took Director Professionalism before January 2017.
2. Directors who have served on a public company board for three or more consecutive years (within the last five years)
3. Directors who have served on the board of a private company with more than $250 million in revenue for three or more consecutive years (within the last five years)
4. Directors who have served on the board of a nonprofit company with more than $250 million in revenue for three or more consecutive years (within the last five years)
Prerequisite Course + Certification Exam Bundle Pathway
The NACD Directorship Certification® Complete Certification Package bundles the prerequisite course (a required course if you do not meet a prerequisite exception listed above), the NACD Directorship Certification Study Guide, and all exam application and assessment fees, allowing for the convenience of a one-time purchase for all required items.