Board of Directors Compliance Training: 5 Best Programs

1. National Association of Corporate Directors

The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) has helped nearly 2,000 boards across America with its proprietary director education framework. The framework shows directors how to create a healthy in-house culture and fulfill their responsibilities at the highest level. The NACD offers board assessments, compliance training courses, governance reviews, advisory services, and an extra layer of security through its subscription-based X-Analytics Cyber Risk-Reporting Service.  

The organization also offers a certification program for active corporate directors or NACD members. An individual NACD membership costs $1,585, while a corporate membership that covers up to 10 members costs $12,900.  

2. The Directors College

Organizations in Canada can utilize the Directors College. Through its Chartered Director Program, the company defines best governance practices and brings peers together for virtual and in-person courses. 

Another Directors College feature is the Directors College Director Education Program (DEP), which helps board members enhance their credibility with three programs: Signature Director Education Program, Chartered Director Program, and Collaborative Healthcare Governance Program. Interested directors must create an online profile to apply for the Directors College’s programs. 

3. Institute of Corporate Directors

The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) provides highly rated development programs, learning opportunities, networking events, and local chapter support. ICD members receive exclusive benefits, such as regular updates on emerging governance issues and best practices, as well as access to the ICD Directors Register, which is a board matching and referral service to bring like-minded board members together. 

Individuals can join the ICD for $450 a year, while organizational membership rates range from $2,500 to $5,000 based on the type of company and gross revenue.

4. Preparing to be a Corporate Director

Ivy League alumni fill the boards of many organizations, so it’s only fitting that Harvard teaches a course on how to be a corporate director. The program teaches students how to prepare themselves for the role.

Harvard’s class targets the following demographics:

• Senior executives who are interested in serving on a corporate board
• Executives who are retired or preparing for retirement and considering board opportunities
• C-level executives who are board-facing (e.g., CEO, CFO, CHRO, CSO) and seek to strengthen their leadership capabilities
• Partners from audit or consulting firms
• Partners and executives of private equity and venture capital firms
• Nonprofit board directors who aspire to serve on corporate boards
• New board members who are in small and medium-sized firms
  
  

The in-person course runs October 2-5 and costs $11,750 per person

5. BoardSource

BoardSource is a 501(c)(3) organization that specifically focuses on improving compliance programs and board effectiveness in nonprofits. Its Board Support Program gives partners tools and resources to assess their performance and make the nonprofit a more equitable and inclusive place. 

BoardSource membership prices differ depending on your annual revenue. There are also membership fees for federated networks, individual nonprofit executives, foundation boards, independent schools, and corporate partnerships.