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Corporate Director Certificate

Corporate Director Certificate
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Corporate Director Certificate Brochure
Corporate Director Certificate Brochure
The certificate is awarded to corporate board directors who complete three qualifying programs.
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diverse group of participants sitting in a classroom
Board Governance Comparison Chart
Compare programs at-a-glance to find what's right for you.
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Corporate Director Certificate Brochure
Corporate Director Certificate Brochure
The certificate is awarded to corporate board directors who complete three qualifying programs.
Learn More
diverse group of participants sitting in a classroom
Board Governance Comparison Chart
Compare programs at-a-glance to find what's right for you.
Learn More
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

Corporate Director Certificate

The Harvard Business School (HBS) Corporate Director Certificate will enhance your board leadership skills and improve your ability to succeed as a director in an increasingly complex environment. The certificate is awarded to corporate board directors who complete three qualifying programs in the areas of board leadership, oversight of financial reporting and internal control, and executive compensation.

To earn the certificate, current board directors must apply to and be accepted into the three programs (virtual or in-person) listed below, as well as successfully complete the three programs within 36 consecutive months.

If you previously completed a qualifying program in a virtual format, your program can be counted towards your Corporate Director Certificate.

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Corporate Director Certificate

The Harvard Business School (HBS) Corporate Director Certificate will enhance your board leadership skills and improve your ability to succeed as a director in an increasingly complex environment. The certificate is awarded to corporate board directors who complete three qualifying programs in the areas of board leadership, oversight of financial reporting and internal control, and executive compensation.

To earn the certificate, current board directors must apply to and be accepted into the three programs (virtual or in-person) listed below, as well as successfully complete the three programs within 36 consecutive months.

If you previously completed a qualifying program in a virtual format, your program can be counted towards your Corporate Director Certificate.

Select up to three programs to compare key features and benefits. Compare   Clear All Selections
Board Governance
Audit Committees in a New Era of Governance
  • 3 Upcoming Sessions
  • (1 of 3)
    Status Waitlisted
  • Date 15–17 NOV 2023
  • Format In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
  • Location HBS Campus
  • $7,500
    Status Accepting Applications
  • Date 17–19 JUL 2024
  • Format In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
  • Location HBS Campus
  • $7,500
    Status Accepting Applications
  • Date 20–22 NOV 2024
  • Format In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
  • Location HBS Campus
  • $7,500

Meet evolving regulatory requirements while ensuring that financial reporting, compliance, and risk management efforts align with strategy.

Board Governance
Compensation Committees
  • 3 Upcoming Sessions
  • (1 of 3)
    Status Waitlisted
  • Date 12–14 NOV 2023
  • Format In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
  • Location HBS Campus
  • $7,500
    Status Accepting Applications
  • Date 14–16 JUL 2024
  • Format In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
  • Location HBS Campus
  • $7,500
    Status Accepting Applications
  • Date 17–19 NOV 2024
  • Format In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
  • Location HBS Campus
  • $7,500

Structure more effective compensation plans to drive long-term performance, profitability, and employee satisfaction.

Board Governance
Making Corporate Boards More Effective
  • 3 Upcoming Sessions
  • (1 of 3)
    Status Waitlisted
  • Date 08–11 NOV 2023
  • Format In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
  • Location HBS Campus
  • $11,250
    Status Accepting Applications
  • Date 10–13 JUL 2024
  • Format In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
  • Location HBS Campus
  • $12,500
    Status Accepting Applications
  • Date 13–16 NOV 2024
  • Format In-Person Learning takes place on the HBS campus or a designated location.
  • Location HBS Campus
  • $12,500

Strengthen your board’s ability to fulfill multifaceted responsibilities, work effectively as a team, and foster company success.

Certificate Benefits

Master the leadership and decision-making skills that drive long-term corporate successMaster the leadership and decision-making skills that drive long-term corporate success
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Receive tangible recognition for your accomplishmentReceive tangible recognition for your accomplishment
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Expand your personal and professional networkExpand your personal and professional network
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Access to HBS resourcesAccess to HBS resources
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Certificate Benefits Dropdown down

Master the leadership and decision-making skills that drive long-term corporate success

  • Learn how to work more effectively with fellow directors and company management.
  • Examine the qualities of strong board stewardship and immerse yourself in the latest research critical to today's board directors.
  • Network with a highly accomplished group of global peers.

Receive tangible recognition for your accomplishment

  • Your certificate is a meaningful credential that signifies your ongoing dedication to professional development and the breadth of your learning.

Expand your personal and professional network

  • Extend your network by working with accomplished directors from various backgrounds, industries, and countries around the globe.
  • Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions.

Access to HBS resources

  • A complimentary, one-year digital subscription to Harvard Business Review for each program you complete
  • Membership in our exclusive LinkedIn group, where you can continue to engage with peers as well as with HBS Executive Education
  • Updates on timely faculty research via the weekly Leadership Insights newsletter.

Who Should Participate

The Corporate Director Certificate is appropriate for directors of corporate boards, and participants must meet admissions criteria for all three programs to be eligible for the certificate.

Program options for aspiring board members can be found by visiting the Board Governance page.

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Who Should Participate

The Corporate Director Certificate is appropriate for directors of corporate boards, and participants must meet admissions criteria for all three programs to be eligible for the certificate.

Program options for aspiring board members can be found by visiting the Board Governance page.

Getting Started

To be considered for the Corporate Director Certificate, you must be accepted to each individual program and currently serve on a corporate board. To earn the certificate, you must complete the three programs within 36 consecutive months. The three programs are conveniently offered in succession each July and November, giving you the option to complete the certificate in as little as two weeks.

To learn more, please contact a Program Advisor.

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Getting Started

To be considered for the Corporate Director Certificate, you must be accepted to each individual program and currently serve on a corporate board. To earn the certificate, you must complete the three programs within 36 consecutive months. The three programs are conveniently offered in succession each July and November, giving you the option to complete the certificate in as little as two weeks.

To learn more, please contact a Program Advisor.

Frequently Asked Questions
Corporate Director Certificate

How do I earn the Corporate Director Certificate?
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To earn the certificate, you must complete the three open-enrollment programs (virtual or in-person) within 36 months from the date of your first qualifying program. Upon successful completion of all three programs, you will be awarded the Corporate Director Certificate.

If I completed one or two qualifying programs at HBS in the past, do these count toward the Corporate Director Certificate?
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You may receive credit for up to two qualifying programs that you have completed successfully since July of 2016. If you are interested in requesting credit for past qualified programs, please contact a Program Advising team member to review your program history and next steps. Please note that the amount of time you will have to complete your remaining program(s) will depend on the date of the first qualifying program for which you claim credit. All three programs must be completed within 36 months.

What are the benefits of completing the Corporate Director Certificate? Do I get alumni status?
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While the Corporate Director Certificate does not grant HBS alumni status, there are a number of benefits. After you complete your first program, you will receive:

  • A complimentary, one-year digital subscription to Harvard Business Review. You will receive a year's subscription after completion of each program.
  • Membership to our exclusive LinkedIn group where you can continue to engage with peers as well as with HBS Executive Education.
  • Updates on timely faculty research, thought-provoking articles, and emerging business trends via the weekly Leadership Insights newsletter.

How do I apply? What are the admissions requirements?
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To be considered for the Corporate Director Certificate, all interested candidates must be accepted to each of the three qualifying programs. To learn more, please contact our Program Advising team to review your program options, each program's qualifications, and the application process.

Is there a discount available for the three required programs?
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No, there is no discount available.

If I am a director on a nonprofit board, do I qualify for the Corporate Director Certificate?
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The Corporate Director Certificate is for corporate directors only.

Does participation in Women on Boards, Accelerating Board Diversity, or Preparing to be a Corporate Director count toward the Corporate Director Certificate?
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These programs are for aspiring board members and therefore, does not count toward the Corporate Director Certificate.

Will accommodations be provided for me in between programs?
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Access to on-campus accommodations in between programs is based on space availability, and can be confirmed closer to a program's start. Please consult with a Program Advisor for additional information.

How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect the Corporate Director Certificate completion timeline?
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We are offering a 12-month extension of the completion deadline for the Corporate Director Certificate. Anyone who has already taken one qualifying program, as well as anyone who completes a qualifying program before December 31, 2020, will have 48 months to earn their certificate.

Program Finder
Full Program Schedule
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Corporate Director Certificate Brochure
Corporate Director Certificate Brochure
The certificate is awarded to corporate board directors who complete three qualifying programs.
Learn More
diverse group of participants sitting in a classroom
Board Governance Comparison Chart
Compare programs at-a-glance to find what's right for you.
Learn More
Corporate Director Certificate Brochure
Corporate Director Certificate Brochure
The certificate is awarded to corporate board directors who complete three qualifying programs.
Learn More
diverse group of participants sitting in a classroom
Board Governance Comparison Chart
Compare programs at-a-glance to find what's right for you.
Learn More
Need Help? Contact Us:
Program Advising team
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu

View Frequently Asked Questions

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