The Institute of Organisation Development


The Certified Director

IoD offers two designations, namely the Certified Director and Chartered Director designations. Each of these designations symbolises particular recognition given by the IoD to the person that qualifies for it and the assessment for both designations is based on the IoD Director Competency Framework.

Obtaining an IoD designation showcases your commitment towards directorship as a profession and signals to nominations committees that the applicant holds a particular skill and expertise related to directorship and governance in general.

The Certified Director
This entry-level designation is aimed at governance practitioners with limited to no directorship experience but who want to professionalize themselves and build their directorship career pathways. This designation tests and recognizes knowledge of governance. 

Advantages of being a Certified Director:
1. Demonstrated Competence:
Certification as a director provides external validation of an individuals competence and expertise in corporate governance and directorial responsibilities. It signifies that they have met specific criteria and standards set by the IoD.

2. Enhanced Professional Reputation:
Holding a recognized director certification enhances an individuals professional reputation and credibility. It demonstrates their commitment to ongoing professional development and staying current with best practices in corporate governance.

3. Networking Opportunities:
Certification programs often provide opportunities for directors to connect with other certified professionals, creating a valuable network for sharing insights, experiences, and professional opportunities.

4. Access to Resources and Updates:
Certified directors often have access to specialized resources, such as publications, research, and updates on emerging trends and regulatory changes in the field of corporate governance.

5. Career Advancement:
Certification can enhance career prospects by demonstrating a commitment to excellence in directorship and increasing the individuals competitiveness for board positions and leadership roles.