FAQs

What does having a certification mean?

Professional certification serves as a mark of achievement, signaling that an individual has reached a recognized level of competence within their professional field, such as directorship. To establish a certification program, it's necessary to perform a detailed analysis of the particular role, pinpointing the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for proficient performance. This analysis is pivotal in shaping the curriculum, crafting the exam, and setting up the test administration process.

How Can an Executive Qualify for Board Certification?

If you're an executive aspiring to enhance your boardroom impact through certification, here's a roadmap to qualify for our prestigious board certification:

Professional Experience: Bring your wealth of leadership experience and skills to the table. We look for individuals who have demonstrated strategic insight and leadership in roles, showcasing an understanding of business operations and organizational leadership.

Education and Training: Enroll in one of our specialized training courses focusing on corporate governance, finance, risk management, and ethical leadership. These foundational programs are crucial for equipping you with the knowledge necessary for impactful board service. (see programs tab)

Certification Examination: Prepare to succeed in a comprehensive certification examination that evaluates your expertise in critical areas relevant to board service. This includes corporate governance, financial acumen, legal responsibilities, and strategic oversight, among others.

Application Submission: Begin your journey by submitting an application that highlights your experience, educational background, and any other qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for board certification — Apply here.

By meeting these qualifications, you signal your dedication to excellence in governance and your readiness to make meaningful contributions to any corporate board. We welcome your interest and are here to support you on your path to board certification.

Who recognizes the CDI Board Certification?

The CDI Board Certification and its esteemed designation are acknowledged by a wide array of corporations throughout North America, as well as by regulatory bodies in Europe, marking a significant recognition of its value and credibility in the global corporate governance landscape. Since its inception in 2018 as the pioneering board certification in the United States, it has garnered recognition from numerous companies. These organizations have consistently appointed candidates holding the CDI designation, demonstrating a clear preference for the expertise and qualification it represents. Candidates bearing the CDI credentials have reported a competitive edge in securing board positions, often being chosen over others for their verified qualifications as board-ready professionals. This widespread acceptance and preference highlight the CDI certification's role in setting a recognized standard for board competency and readiness across industries.

What Qualified Programs are offered for Board Certification by CDI?

Live Board Certification Program for Women –

This course provides an in-depth curriculum tailored to prepare you for success as a board candidate along with your board certification through Corporate Directors International LLC (CDI.LLC.D) Certification Exam. Through a blend of interactive content, detailed workbooks, targeted homework assignments, and 1:1 executive coaching sessions, you will gain a thorough understanding of corporate board governance, enhance your financial expertise, and learn about director responsibilities and liabilities, among other critical areas. Designed to instill knowledge, skills, and confidence, this program ensures you are well-equipped to meet the demands of a qualified board member.

Eligibility requires candidates to apply for the program and go through an interview process.  The first step is to submit an application – Apply here.

Online Board Certification Program for Women -

The self-paced online certification course is designed to prepare and certify you as a qualified board candidate.

Take advantage of the opportunity to start the program anytime, go at your own pace, and complete your board certification online. Start your journey towards board certification today and be prepared to seize the next available board seat.

Eligibility for this initiative is self-determined by executive leaders who aspire to distinguish themselves in the corporate board landscape — Learn more.

Can you get board certification from CDI without taking a qualified program?

Board Certification for Current Board Members: APPLY HERE

This offering is tailored for current Directors with at least one year of service on a public or private company board. Eligible directors will receive study materials and a guide to prepare them for the CDI Board Certification exam, bypassing the need for attending CDI's training programs. The exam encompasses key areas such as board governance, fundamental financial acumen, director liabilities, ESG considerations, as well as the risks and duties associated with corporate directorship.

APPLY HERE

Directors must apply for this access and once their submission for the Corporate Directors Int’l. (CDI) Certification has been reviewed and approved, they may have access to purchase the test. The exam is for directors of publicly traded or privately held companies.

The CDI examination is tailored for publicly traded company board members in the US and Canada, as they are the most regulated. The CDI exam covers the most common compliance and regulatory issues for publicly listed companies.  

Private company boards may or may not be practicing board governance at the stringent levels of a public company, as they are not required to. The CDI exam may be beneficial for directors of private companies wanting to go public or wanting to have the structure of a public company board, or if directors of private companies want to become directors of public company boards.

Cost - US $2,995