NACD Credentials

NACD Board Leadership Fellowship

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NACD Directorship Certification

Cyber Certificate

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For more than a decade, the NACD Board Leadership Fellowship has recognized experienced directors who are active in the boardroom. Fellows are armed with the latest insights, boardroom intelligence, and leading boardroom practices, and they demonstrate their commitment to ongoing learning yearly by attending NACD's wide variety of director-education programs and events.

The NACD  Board Leadership Fellowship is not accepting new fellows in 2024. Please check back for updates and program announcements.

Already a Board Leadership Fellow?

Review your Fellowship transcript for a history of your completed NACD courses and the current status of your credential.

Please note: Since 2021, all NACD Fellows will be moved to a January–December maintenance cycle. You must achieve your 10 maintenance credits within the calendar year to remain an active NACD Fellow. Check your Fellowship portal or contact us with any questions.

NACD Directorship Certification®

NACD Directorship Certification is our new director credential, which serves as a framework for continuous learning. Becoming NACD Directorship Certified® is a distinguished and tangible mark of your commitment to your professional growth and the elevation of directorship as a profession. To become certified, individuals must be NACD members, meet the course prerequisite or exception, and take and pass the certification exam.

Along with your NACD Fellowship® designation, becoming NACD Directorship Certified is a comprehensive way to highlight your commitment to staying current on the latest boardroom insights, intelligence, and practices that will put you at the vanguard of boardroom leadership.

Fellowship Benefits

Stay Ahead

Stay ahead of emerging issues, ask the right questions, and protect your reputation.

Stay Connected

Build your network and perspectives by joining the NACD Fellows cohort—representing thousands of the world’s largest and most diverse organizations.

Be Recognized

Demonstrate your commitment to the highest standard of continuous learning in proxy statements and when seeking board and committee seats.

    NACD Fellowship allows me to remain on the cutting edge, set a standard, and clearly illustrate my ongoing commitment to investor interests.

    Mel Cooper

    Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Forbes Energy Services Ltd.; Board Director of Director, Flotek Industries, Inc., Par Pacific Holdings, Inc., SAExploration Holdings, Inc., and NACD Houston/Austin/San Antonio Chapter

NACD Fellowship complements your membership with these added benefits:

  • Sample proxy statement language
  • An official certificate of NACD Fellowship
  • Complimentary access to the NACD research library
  • Invitations to Fellow-only programming and networking opportunities
  • Advance preview of proprietary NACD research and insights
  • A customizable press release template for personal or company use
  • An NACD Fellowship transcript to share with your board
  • A digital NACD Fellow signature badge
  • Ongoing recognition at NACD events across the nation

Exclusively for NACD Members

NACD Directorship
Certification®

A distinguished mark of commitment to director education.

Get Certified