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Top 10 Chairman Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 18 min read

Certifications are an important part of the job market for a chairman because they demonstrate that the individual has acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the position. Certified chairmen have access to higher salaries, better job opportunities, and more respect from other professionals. Additionally, certifications can help provide peace of mind to employers that a candidate is qualified and knowledgeable enough to handle the responsibilities associated with being a chairman. Certifications also make it easier for potential employers to verify that a candidate meets their qualifications for the position.

This article reviews the top certifications for Chairmans and explains how they can help to enhance a chairman's career.

What are Chairman Certifications?

Chairman certification is a type of corporate governance certification that provides assurance to shareholders, other stakeholders and the public that a company is adhering to the highest standards of ethical conduct and responsible leadership. The certification is administered by an independent third-party organization, such as a law firm or consulting firm, which assesses a company’s compliance with applicable laws, regulations and industry best practices. The certification process includes a thorough review of corporate policies and procedures, financial statements, executive compensation practices and other relevant documents.

By obtaining chairman certification, companies demonstrate their commitment to providing transparency into their operations and ensure they are conducting business in an ethical manner. This can help to instill confidence in shareholders and other stakeholders that the company is being managed responsibly. It also helps to protect against potential legal liability for any violations of laws or regulations by the company or its board members. Furthermore, it can improve a company’s reputation in the marketplace by demonstrating its commitment to good corporate governance practices.

Pro Tip: When seeking chairman certification, make sure to research the organization providing the certification and ensure that it is a reputable and recognized authority. Also, check to see if any additional credentials are required for the certification and that you meet the necessary qualifications.

Related: What does a Chairman do?

Top 10 Chairman Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Chairmans today.

1. Certified Chairman Professional (CCP)

Certified Chairman Professional (CCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced chairpersons. The CCP certification is awarded by the International Association of Chairpersons (IAC). It is designed to give experienced chairpersons an edge in the marketplace and provide recognition for their expertise.

The CCP program consists of three levels: Certified Chairperson (CC), Senior Certified Chairperson (SCC), and Master Certified Chairperson (MCC). To become certified at any level, applicants must have a minimum of five years of experience as a chairperson or equivalent leadership role.

The application process includes submitting an online application form, providing references, and submitting proof of experience. Applicants must also pass an online exam that covers topics such as meeting management, communication skills, problem solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, and leadership development.

The cost for the CCP program depends on the level being pursued. The CC certification costs $500 USD; SCC costs $750 USD; MCC costs $1,000 USD.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete the application process and receive your certification once all requirements are met.

2. Certified Board Director (CBD)

Certified Board Director (CBD) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). The program is designed to provide directors with the skills and knowledge necessary to serve on corporate boards.

The CBD program consists of three courses: Board Leadership Fundamentals, Financial Literacy for Directors, and Risk Oversight. Each course is approximately 20 hours in length and can be completed online or in-person. After completing all three courses, participants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to become certified, individuals must have at least five years of board experience or executive management experience, as well as a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. They must also have a minimum of 10 hours of continuing education credits related to board service within the last five years.

The cost for the Certified Board Director program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in-person. For online courses, the cost ranges from $1,500-$2,000 per course; for in-person courses, it ranges from $2,500-$3,000 per course. Additionally, there is an exam fee of $400 that must be paid prior to taking the exam.

3. Certified Corporate Governance Professional (CCGP)

Certified Corporate Governance Professional (CCGP) is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA). It is designed to provide recognition for those who have achieved a high level of knowledge and understanding in corporate governance.

The CCGP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of corporate governance principles, practices, and processes. To earn the certification, applicants must successfully complete a series of examinations covering topics such as board structure, risk management, ethics, compliance, financial reporting, and shareholder relations.

It typically takes between 12-18 months to complete the CCGP program depending on how much time an individual can dedicate to studying for the exams. The cost of the program varies depending on which country you are located in but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,000 USD.

To get started with the CCGP program applicants must first register with ICSA online or by mail. Once registered they will receive access to all of the materials needed to study for the exams including textbooks, practice tests, webinars and other resources. Applicants must then pass all five exams within three years in order to be awarded the CCGP designation.

4. Certified Chairperson of the Board (CCB)

Certified Chairperson of the Board (CCB) is an accreditation program offered by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD). It is a comprehensive program that provides board members with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively lead their boards. The CCB certification recognizes board leaders who have demonstrated expertise in board governance and leadership.

The CCB certification requires completion of a two-day course and successful passage of a comprehensive examination. The course covers topics such as corporate governance, risk management, ethical leadership, financial reporting, strategic planning, and more. Participants must also demonstrate mastery of core competencies such as communication, decision-making, problem solving, and collaboration.

The cost for the CCB certification varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $2,500 to $3,000. Additionally, participants must pay for travel expenses related to attending the two-day course.

To become certified as a Certified Chairperson of the Board (CCB), individuals must meet certain prerequisites including having at least five years of experience in senior executive or board positions. They must also have completed an NACD approved training program or have attended an NACD approved conference within the past three years. Once these requirements are met, individuals can register for the two-day course and take the exam to become certified as a CCB.

5. Chartered Director (CDir)

Chartered Director (CDir) is a professional qualification for directors and senior leaders. It is awarded by the Institute of Directors (IoD), a professional body for directors in the UK. The qualification is designed to give directors the skills, knowledge and confidence to lead their organisations effectively and ethically.

It takes around 12 months to complete the Chartered Director programme, with assessments taking place at the end of each module. To get it, you must have at least five years’ experience as a director or senior leader, plus three years’ membership of IoD. You will also need to demonstrate your commitment to continuing professional development through additional qualifications and training.

The cost of becoming a Chartered Director depends on your individual circumstances and can range from £2,000-£3,500. This includes tuition fees, assessment fees and membership fees.

6. International Association of Corporate Directors (IACD) Certification

The International Association of Corporate Directors (IACD) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the highest standards of corporate governance and boardroom excellence. The IACD Certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the principles, practices, and responsibilities of corporate governance.

The IACD Certification program consists of three levels: Certified Director Professional (CDP), Certified Board Leader (CBL), and Certified Board Executive (CBX). To obtain any of these certifications, candidates must complete a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as boardroom dynamics, risk management, financial literacy, and strategic planning. The courses are offered both online and in-person.

The cost for the IACD Certification varies depending on the level you are seeking. For the CDP certification, it costs $1,500 USD; for the CBL certification it costs $3,000 USD; and for the CBX certification it costs $5,000 USD.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for any of the certifications. Candidates must first register with IACD by completing an application form and paying a registration fee. After registration is complete, candidates can begin taking courses from accredited providers or through self-study materials provided by IACD. Once all coursework has been completed successfully, candidates must then take an online exam administered by IACD to demonstrate their mastery of the material covered in their courses. Upon successful completion of both coursework and exams, candidates will receive their official IACD Certification.

7. Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) Certification

The Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD.D) Certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in corporate governance, risk management, and strategic leadership. The certification is offered by the ICD, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing excellence in corporate governance and providing education and resources to directors and senior executives.

To obtain the ICD.D Certification, individuals must complete a rigorous program of study that includes an online course, self-study materials, and an assessment exam. The program typically takes approximately six months to complete but can take longer depending on individual circumstances.

To begin the process of obtaining the ICD.D Certification, individuals must first register with the ICD and pay a registration fee of $250 CAD plus applicable taxes. Once registered, they will be provided with access to the ICD’s online learning platform where they can access the course materials needed to prepare for the assessment exam. After completing all required coursework, individuals must pass an assessment exam administered by the ICD in order to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining the ICD.D Certification varies depending on country of residence and other factors such as whether or not an individual has already completed some of the required coursework prior to registering with the ICD. Generally speaking, however, it costs approximately $2,200 CAD plus applicable taxes for Canadian residents to obtain their certification through this program.

8. Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) Certification

Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) Certification is a professional certification program that provides recognition and validation of an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of risk management. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards of risk management.

The GARP Certification Program consists of four levels: Associate, Professional, Specialist, and Fellow. Each level requires a different level of knowledge and experience in order to be eligible for certification. To become certified at any level, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as financial markets, risk management principles, quantitative methods, and regulatory compliance.

The amount of time required to complete the certification process varies depending on the individual's level of knowledge and experience in the field. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to become fully certified by GARP.

In order to get GARP Certification, individuals must first register with GARP and submit an application form along with all supporting documents. Once approved by GARP, applicants will receive an invitation to take the exam at one of GARP's testing centers around the world. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from GARP.

The cost for becoming certified by GARP depends on which level you are pursuing. The cost for taking the Associate Level Exam is $350 USD; for Professional Level Exam it is $550 USD; for Specialist Level Exam it is $750 USD; and for Fellow Level Exam it is $950 USD.

9. National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Certification

The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize corporate directors who demonstrate excellence in the boardroom. The program provides a comprehensive education on corporate governance and board leadership, as well as a rigorous assessment of knowledge and skills.

The NACD Certification Program consists of three components: an online course, a live seminar, and an exam. The online course is self-paced and can be completed in approximately 15 hours. The live seminar is held over two days and offers interactive discussions with experienced directors, faculty members, and other participants. The exam tests the participant's understanding of the topics covered in the course and seminar.

To get certified, individuals must complete all three components of the NACD Certification Program within one year from the date they register for their first component. They must also pay a fee that covers all three components of the program. The fee for the NACD Certification Program varies depending on whether you are an NACD member or non-member; however, it typically ranges from $2,500 to $3,000 USD.

In addition to completing all three components of the program, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements such as having at least five years of experience as a corporate director or equivalent experience in executive management or legal practice related to corporate governance.

Once certified by NACD, individuals will receive recognition as an NACD Certified Director (NCD) and will be listed in NCD’s online directory of certified directors. They will also have access to exclusive resources such as webinars and publications on best practices in corporate governance.

10. American College of Corporate Directors (ACCD) Certification

The American College of Corporate Directors (ACCD) Certification is a professional certification program for corporate directors. It is designed to provide board members with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead their organizations. The ACCD Certification Program consists of three levels: Certified Director, Advanced Director, and Master Director.

The Certified Director level requires a minimum of two years of board experience and completion of an online course covering topics such as corporate governance, financial literacy, risk management, and strategic planning. The Advanced Director level requires five years of board experience and completion of an online course covering topics such as mergers and acquisitions, corporate strategy, sustainability, and cyber security. The Master Director level requires ten years of board experience and completion of an online course covering topics such as executive compensation, succession planning, crisis management, and global governance.

The ACCD Certification Program takes approximately 18 months to complete depending on the level achieved. To get certified at any level you must first submit an application form along with supporting documents including your CV/resume, references from current or former board members or executives, a copy of your most recent financial statement (if applicable), proof of board experience (e.g., meeting minutes), and a signed code of conduct agreement. Once your application is approved you will be assigned a mentor who will guide you through the program.

The cost for each certification level is $2,500 USD plus applicable taxes for the Certified Director Level; $4,000 USD plus applicable taxes for the Advanced Director Level; and $5,500 USD plus applicable taxes for the Master Director Level.

Do You Really Need a Chairman Certificate?

The answer to this question is ultimately up to the individual or organization in question. A Chairman Certificate is a document that officially recognizes an individual as a chairman of an organization. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to: providing evidence of an individual's position within an organization, granting access to certain privileges within the organization, helping to establish credibility and authority when representing the organization, and providing recognition for a person's leadership role.

In many cases, having a Chairman Certificate may be beneficial in order to demonstrate one's legitimacy as a leader within the organization. It can also provide proof that an individual has been officially appointed as chairman of the board or other governing body. Furthermore, it can be used as evidence of an individual's commitment and dedication to their duties as chairman.

On the other hand, there are some circumstances where having a Chairman Certificate may not be necessary. For example, if someone is already well-known in their field and respected by their peers, they may not need such formal recognition in order to demonstrate their qualifications as chairman. Similarly, if they have already been appointed by their peers or superiors without requiring such certification, then they may not need it either. In these cases, it may simply be more efficient and cost-effective to do without one.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Chairman Certificate will depend on your own specific circumstances and goals. If you determine that such certification could benefit you or your organization in any way, then obtaining one could prove very useful. However, if you feel that it is unnecessary for your situation or would be too costly or time consuming to obtain one then it might be best to skip it altogether.

Related: Chairman Resume Examples

FAQs About Chairman Certifications

Q1. What is a Chairman Certification?

A1. A Chairman Certification is a formal recognition of an individual's professional achievements and expertise in their field. It is usually awarded by a professional organization or association to recognize the individual's contribution to their profession and to the industry as a whole.

Q2. How do I become eligible for a Chairman Certification?

A2. To be eligible for a Chairman Certification, you must have significant experience and knowledge in your chosen field, demonstrate professional excellence in your work, and have achieved measurable success within your organization or industry.

Q3. What are the benefits of receiving a Chairman Certification?

A3. Benefits of receiving a Chairman Certification include increased credibility and visibility within your profession, recognition from peers, enhanced career opportunities, and potential salary increases.

Q4. How long does it take to receive a Chairman Certification?

A4. The length of time it takes to receive a Chairman Certification varies depending on the specific requirements established by the awarding organization or association. In general, most certifications can be obtained within 6-12 months if all requirements are met promptly and accurately.

Q5. Is there an exam required for obtaining a Chairman Certification?

A5. Most organizations require that applicants pass an exam in order to obtain their certification; however, some organizations may waive this requirement if other criteria have been met satisfactorily (such as years of experience).

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

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Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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