ELEVATE YOUR BOARDROOM IMPACT

Board Certification

Aspiring Directors

ADVANCING YOUR PATH TO BOARDROOM EXCELLENCE

The CDI Certification program has been certifying corporate independent directors since 2018, and is recognized as a premier credential for board directors in North America, providing extensive governance knowledge, full-scale preparation, and an evaluative certification examination to affirm mastery of the vital skills required for effective board participation.

Achieving the CDI.D mark reflects dedication to leadership in governance and ongoing self-improvement, underscoring the pledge to navigate the oversight of contemporary and future organizations with distinction.

HOW TO GET ACCESS TO THE CERTIFICATION EXAM:

FOR THOSE WANTING TO GET ON CORPORATE BOARDS:

Candidates looking for their first corporate board seat who are not already on a board, may attain their board certification through CDI by participating in the board certification programs linked to this website. There are two options for the training course, one is a live training with (see programs tab) and the other is a DIY online option.

FOR THOSE CURRENTLY ON CORPORATE BOARDS FOR AT LEAST ONE YEAR:

Current corporate directors may take the CDI certification exam and attain their certification without going through a training course. They must complete the application process and be qualified as a current corporate director of a private or public company for at least one year. All applications are reviewed for verification of board status. Once approved, the director will be given access to the purchase page for the certification exam with complete instructions and study guide to prepare for and take the exam. Cost - US $2,995.

Benefits

Becoming a certified corporate board member offers numerous benefits to individuals seeking to enhance their careers and make valuable contributions to their organizations. Here are the top three benefits of having a certification as a corporate board member:

RECOGNITION

Obtaining a certification validates an individual's expertise and knowledge, setting them apart from other board members who have not pursued this level of certification. It provides a competitive advantage in the job market, making individuals more attractive candidates for board positions.

ACCESS TO A NETWORK

Certification often involves participating in training and educational programs with other individuals seeking the same certification, creating opportunities to connect with other board members and build valuable relationships.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Obtaining a certification provides individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to be effective board members, such as Board Governance, Financial Acumen, and Board Preparation. These skills can be immediately applied to their role as a board member, helping them make valuable contributions to their organizations.

In conclusion, obtaining a certification as a corporate board member is a valuable investment in personal and professional development. It offers recognition, access to a network of professionals, and the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective board member.

CEO TESTIMONIALS

  • “I was very pleased with my experience in working with ACE. I described the objectives of our board and the kind of experience we were looking for in a new member. I was presented with a comprehensive list of highly qualified candidates with detailed descriptions of their backgrounds, qualifications and ambitions. All had completed the ACE training and were an impressive group of women. I narrowed it down to three candidates and the members of the Board’s selection committee interviewed them. We were impressed with all of them but ultimately chose our new member of the board. I couldn’t be happier with the process and the result.”

    — C. GEOFFREY HAMPSON, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, SOMA GOLD CORP. | VANCOUVER, BC.

  • “We were looking for an additional CEO designee director following a recent financing round, and cast a wide net nationally using my healthcare and private equity networks. We were seeking a strong strategic, yet growth-minded and practical person, that could assist not only in strategy but also in helping us grow the business, in particular helping us expand payor coverage over the next 3 – 5 years. After looking nationally, we found the best fit in our own backyard of Denver, Mary Tracy Mock, and are onboarding her now. She came qualified, trained and ready to hit-the-ground running from her experience and board certification from Corporate Directors Int’l. and ACE Board Training for Women.”

    — MILTON COHEN | PRESIDENT & CEO, SAFE RX LLC | DENVER, CO

Navigating Board Success: Certify Your Expertise with CDI.D

EXAM DETAILS:

Candidates have two opportunities to pass the exam, which consists of 70 multiple-choice questions. Candidates have 60 days to take the test. They are sent a link to the exam with instructions on how to access the test online. Questions are in random order for each test issued. Test results are sent immediately upon completion of the exam. If the test is passed the certification certificate is included in the correspondence of the test results.

The exam is designed as a single-part, open-book, online test, allowing candidates to reference materials during the exam. Candidates are allocated two hours to complete all 70 questions. Questions are formatted as multiple-choice, each with one question followed by four answer choices. Correct answers are awarded points.

EXAM RETAKE FEES:

If a candidate misses the deadline to complete the exam, a $350 retake fee is required for access to the exam. If a candidate fails the test 2 times, a retake fee of $350 is required to access the test again. If not passed a third time, the candidate may wait a year to retake it.