About the Program
NACD equips directors with the knowledge necessary to lead with confidence in the boardroom through proprietary research, comprehensive resources, transformative educational programming, and unparalleled networking opportunities.
In continued support of this effort, NACD Directorship Certification® ("Certification") will:
set the standard for continuing education in the profession;
allow certified directors to demonstrate that they have a baseline understanding of the requisite knowledge and skills required of a board member;
help bolster investor trust and public confidence in boards with certified directors; and
enhance the talent pool for public boards by recognizing individuals who have committed to continuous learning.
Components of the NACD Directorship Certified® Program
The NACD Directorship Certified® program is threefold. Components include study and education, an exam to test your knowledge, and ongoing professional development in the field of corporate governance.
Areas of Competency
NACD’s certification program is designed to update and educate directors, whether or not they proceed to the exam to be formally certified. The content covered by the study guide and exam comprises these areas of competency for study:
The Role of the Board
Fiduciary Duties
Corporate Governance Requirements
Board Processes and Culture
Shareholder Engagement
The Board’s Standing Committees
Audit Committee
Compensation Committee
Nominating and Governance Committee
The Board’s Duty to Select the CEO
CEO Succession Planning
CEO Evaluation
Executive Compensation
Traditional Areas of Board Oversight
Oversight of Risk
Strategy
Financial Performance
Mergers and Acquisitions
Ethics and Compliance
Talent
Crises
Emerging Areas of Board Oversight
Oversight of Culture
Cyber-Risk Oversight
Environmental
Social
Governance Issues