How to Apply

Apply & Qualify

Your first step toward NACD Directorship Certification^® is simple but meaningful.

This step confirms your eligibility and sets you on the way to earning the only director credential built by directors, for directors.

What You’ll Find on This Page:

• Application information you'll need: Membership, experience, and time required.
• Resources for candidates: Guides and support to help you prepare.
• What happens after you complete your Initial Application: Access your Certification Center through your NACD account to review materials and register for your exam.
• Why it matters today: The credential signals readiness for the challenges ahead.

We’re streamlining the process to make it faster and easier than ever. Bear with us as we roll out improvements designed to get you started quickly. In the meantime, plan about 15 minutes to complete the application process.

What You’ll Need to Apply

Applying is easy

• Confirm your eligibility
  • You are currently a director for a private, public, and/or nonprofit organization.
  • You have an active NACD membership. Or you can join NACD during the application process.
• Update your professional details
• Provide your current board roles
• Opt into terms and conditions, and acknowledge our policies and procedures
  The application process includes an attestation and nondisclosure statement. You must review and acknowledge your acceptance of various important policies and agreements, including the refund policy, as listed in the NACD Directorship Certification^® Handbook. Get your copy of the handbook. You will also be asked for any accommodations you may require to complete the Certification Exam.

Resources for Success

Access Tools After Your Application Is Approved

• NACD Directorship Certification^® Handbook: A full overview of requirements, exam structure, and recertification expectations. Also available to applicants. 
• Certification Study Guide: The definitive source on all governance competencies required to successfully complete the program. Applicants may request an executive summary.
• Director Professionalism^®: A foundational governance course built on real‑world oversight. Encouraged for exam prep, but not required to register or sit for the exam.
• Practice Exam: A non-proctored, real-world example to experience what the test will cover and help you prepare for the assessment. The practice exam is only accessible to eligible candidates who have completed an Initial Application and Exam Registration
• Member Support Team: Membership Advisors ready to answer your questions and walk you through the process.
• Webinars and Study Groups: Connect with your candidate peers, and attend online case study workshops.
• Sample Questions: See how questions are formatted and presented.

The Candidate Handbook

Request The Handbook

After Your Initial Application Is Complete

What Happens Next

Once your Initial Application is submitted, your NACD account becomes your hub for managing the entire certification journey. You can navigate through the following menu options:

• On-Demand Learning:
  • Access your learning resources
• Certification Center:
  • Register for your exam
  • Schedule your exam
  • Access certification exam prep resources
  • Track your progress
• Education Transcript
  • After passing the exam, monitor your recertification credits

Why Now Matters

This credential doesn’t just validate your experience. It sends a visible signal to boards, recruiters, and peers that you are staying current with the most urgent governance challenges.

Certified Directors are adding NACD.DC^® to their bios, LinkedIn profiles, and board materials. Apply to get your NACD.DC^® credentials.