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.*
*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 between now and December 31, 2020, will
have 48 months to earn their 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.*
*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 between now and December 31, 2020, will
have 48 months to earn their certificate.
Qualifying Programs
In designing the certificate, HBS has selected programs that prepare you to strengthen
your board, design better compensation policies, ensure effective risk management,
and promote a corporate culture that motivates top executives and valued employees.
In designing the certificate, HBS has selected programs that prepare you to strengthen
your board, design better compensation policies, ensure effective risk management,
and promote a corporate culture that motivates top executives and valued employees.
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
Access to digital content curated by the program faculty chairs regarding the latest
thinking and challenges in corporate governance
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 HBS@Work monthly newsletter
Who Should Participate
The certificate is appropriate for directors of corporate boards. Directors must meet
the admissions criteria for all three programs to be eligible for the Corporate Director
Certificate.
The certificate is appropriate for directors of corporate boards. Directors must meet
the admissions criteria for all three programs to be eligible for the Corporate Director
Certificate.
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. Simply indicate your
interest in pursuing the certificate by checking the box included on eligible program
applications. When checked, a member of our Program Advising team will contact you
to discuss the certificate. To earn the certificate, you must complete the three programs
within 36 consecutive months.* The three programs are conveniently offered in succession
each July, giving you the option to complete the certificate in as little as two weeks.
To be considered for the Corporate Director Certificate, you must be accepted to each
individual program and currently serve on a corporate board. Simply indicate your
interest in pursuing the certificate by checking the box included on eligible program
applications. When checked, a member of our Program Advising team will contact you
to discuss the certificate. To earn the certificate, you must complete the three programs
within 36 consecutive months.* The three programs are conveniently offered in succession
each July, giving you the option to complete the certificate in as little as two weeks.
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 HBS Corporate Director Certificate.
The open-enrollment programs that qualify you to earn the HBS Corporate Director Certificate, assuming successful completion within 36 months*, are as follows:
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 between now and December 31, 2020, will have 48 months to earn their certificate.
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.*
To be considered for the HBS 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.
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:
Access to digital content curated exclusively by the program faculty chairs.
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 our HBS@Work monthly email newsletter.
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.
*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 between now and December 31, 2020, will
have 48 months to earn their certificate.
