NACD Directorship Certification

The only credential by directors, for directors.

Stay Ready for Tomorrow’s Boardroom

NACD Directorship Certification (NACD.DC^®) is the premier credential that affirms your expertise to those who matter most: your peers in the boardroom. It’s the signal of readiness for today and your dedication to being ready for the future.

It′s the only credential by directors, for directors.

The Three Most Important Benefits of Certification

Market-Recognized Signal

Join a select set of 2,100+ respected directors with the NACD.DC post-nominal—a clear mark of governance excellence that can appear in proxy statements and distinguishes you in boardroom searches.

Continuous Validation

Maintain your credential with continuing education that keeps your governance currency relevant as the regulatory landscape, technologies, and best practices evolve. Earn CE credits from NACD or through our education network.

Your Boardroom Expertise Certified

NACD.DC is a visible validation of your knowledge, skills, and abilities as a director. The Certification exam is rigorously developed by hundreds of active directors focused on real-world director experiences rather than academic theory, ensuring relevance to your practice.

Inside NACD Directorship Certification: A Director's Perspective

Webinar | September 15, 2026 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM EDT

Curious about earning the NACD Directorship Certification? Hear directly from Certified Directors as they share their certification journey, why it mattered for their board career, and what to expect from the process. This live session includes a Q&A with the panel and is free to attend for members and nonmembers.

98% of Certified Directors say the program is relevant to today’s boardroom challenges.

Source: The NACD Certified Directors Survey

When opportunities and challenges are accelerating faster than ever, directors need more than good intentions—they need proof of readiness. NACD Directorship Certification transforms private preparation into public credibility.

Just listen to what Certified Directors have to say …

NACD Directorship Certification is extremely valuable. I have been a public director for the past decade, and believe there is no better way to gain in-depth knowledge of board responsibilities. It is a must for any board member who wants to be top of their game.

Kim Box, NACD.DC

NACD Directorship Certification provides the body of knowledge necessary to understand and put into practice how governance is evolving and builds in the opportunity to strengthen this knowledge through recertification.

Hussain Hasan, NACD.DC

No matter the years of board experience or the levels of governance expertise one holds, NACD Directorship Certification ensures directors can demonstrate their commitment to the critical responsibilities of fiduciary duties and strategic oversight.

Jeannie Diefenderfer, NACD.DC

Three Steps to Certification

1.
Get Details & Apply

See About the program

NACD membership is required*
Meet experience criteria
Submit an application

2.
Prepare & Certify

See Current Candidates

Participate in the foundation course + discussion groups
Demonstrate mastery of core competencies
Complete a comprehensive assessment

3.
Lead with Confidence

See Certified Directors

Broadcast your NACD.DC credential
Join the community
Maintain your certification through continuing education

*Nonmembers: Current directors can join NACD + Certification at a special rate.

Ready to validate your governance expertise?

Contact our Credentialing Team to discuss your path to certification.

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