IAMBD | Online Training and Certification
Note: Membership is not a prerequisite for obtaining certifications from the association.
Our training and certification programs.
1. Certified Member of the Board of Directors (CMBD), distance learning and online certification program. You can find the program below on this page.
2. Certified Member of the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors (CMRBD), distance learning and online certification program. You may visit:
https://www.iambd.org/Distance_Learning_for_the_Risk_Committee_of_the_Board.htm
3. Certified Member of the Corporate Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors (CMCSCBD), distance learning and online certification program. You may visit:
https://www.iambd.org/Distance_Learning_for_the_Sustainability_Committee_of_the_Board.htm
Certified Member of the Board of Directors (CMBD), distance learning and online certification program.
Overview
The Board of Directors (BoD) holds the ultimate authority and fiduciary responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of a corporation. Its responsibilities are grounded in statutory laws, common and civil law principles, regulatory standards, and corporate governance codes.
One of the most fundamental responsibilities of the Board of Directors is the duty to act in the best interests of the corporation and its shareholders. This fiduciary obligation is traditionally divided into two primary duties: the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. In common law jurisdictions, these duties are well-developed through judicial interpretation. In civil law jurisdictions, similar concepts are embedded in commercial codes or corporate statutes.
The duty of care requires directors to make decisions with the diligence, prudence, and attentiveness that a reasonably informed person would exercise under similar circumstances. This includes reviewing materials before meetings, understanding the business operations, and actively participating in discussions and decision-making. Directors are expected to rely on information, reports, and expert opinions that are reasonably believed to be reliable. A failure to properly inform themselves or to supervise executive decisions may constitute a breach of this duty.
The duty of loyalty requires directors to place the interests of the corporation above their own personal interests. This duty prohibits self-dealing and conflicts of interest.
Beyond these core fiduciary duties, modern corporate governance imposes additional layers of responsibility. Boards are expected to oversee risk management frameworks and internal control systems that safeguard the company’s assets and reputation. This includes oversight of cybersecurity, financial reporting, compliance with anti-corruption laws, environmental and social responsibilities, and emerging risks such as artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
Directors may also face personal liability for breaches of duty or failures in governance. While directors are typically protected by indemnification provisions and directors’ and officers’ insurance, these protections do not extend to acts of gross negligence, fraud, or willful misconduct.
Gross negligence is more than simple carelessness or failure to exercise ordinary care. It generally refers to a conscious and voluntary disregard of the need to use reasonable care, which is likely to cause foreseeable grave injury or harm to persons, property, or both. It is considered a serious breach of duty, often bordering on recklessness.
A board member that knowingly avoids training, especially in critical areas like cybersecurity, compliance, or risk management, may breach their duty of care or duty of oversight. This could rise to gross negligence if they fail to understand major regulatory or cybersecurity risks, make strategic decisions without seeking expert advice, or ignore clear warning signs (e.g., regulator letters, audits, or risk assessments). Legal consequences may include personal liability (especially in shareholder lawsuits or regulatory actions), and insurance exclusions.
The responsibilities of the Board of Directors are multifaceted and legally complex. They require a careful balance between strategic oversight and operational detachment, legal compliance and business innovation, shareholder interests and broader societal expectations. Directors must continuously educate themselves, seek expert advice when necessary, and exercise independent judgment to fulfill their duties effectively and to shield themselves and the corporation from legal and reputational harm.
Board training is essential to ensure that directors understand their legal duties, strategic responsibilities, and emerging risks facing the organization. Well-informed boards make better decisions, provide more effective oversight, and enhance corporate governance. Training helps directors stay current with changes in laws, regulations, and industry standards, such as ESG requirements, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. In today’s complex environment, untrained boards can expose organizations to operational, legal, and reputational harm. Continuous education fosters accountability, ethical leadership, and resilience in navigating crises and strategic challenges.
Objectives
The Certified Member of the Board of Directors (CMBD) program is designed to assist current and prospective board members in fulfilling their fiduciary duties.
The objectives of the program include:
1. Enhance Understanding of Board Responsibilities.
2. Strengthen Strategic Oversight Skills.
3. Promote Effective Risk Management.
4. Promote Regulatory Compliance.
5. Integrate Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Considerations.
6. Improve Decision-Making.
The program provides with the skills needed to become a Certified Member of the Board of Directors (CMBD), a certification that provides independent evidence to firms and organizations that you have a quantifiable understanding of the subject matter.
Target Audience
1. Current Members of the Board of Directors: Individuals already serving on corporate, nonprofit, or advisory boards who seek to enhance their understanding of governance responsibilities, improve decision-making, and stay updated on legal and regulatory developments.
2. Executives Transitioning into Board Roles: Professionals preparing for board service who want to gain foundational knowledge in corporate governance, fiduciary duties, and strategic oversight.
3. Owners and Founders of Private Companies: Entrepreneurs and business owners aiming to establish effective governance structures or prepare their companies for growth, investment, or public listing.
Course Synopsis
Introduction.
- Overlapping and inter-dependent roles.
- Management, board, shareholders, stakeholders.
- Principles, New York Stock Exchange, Commission on Corporate Governance.
- Board composition and role.
- Board duties and obligations.
- Management’s relationship with the board.
- Example, cyber risks and the Boardroom.
Governance, risk, compliance.
- OECD principles of corporate governance.
- The Financial Stability Board's Thematic Review on Risk Governance.
- The Financial Stability Board's Thematic Review on Corporate Governance.
- Policies, procedures, baselines, guidelines, ethics.
- Conflicts of interest.
- Examples and case studies.
Laws, standards and best practices for the Board of Directors in the USA.
- Important federal rules and regulations.
- The Securities Act of 1933.
- The Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
- The Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.
- The Dodd-Frank Act of 2010.
- Various SEC regulations and rules from the Federal Reserve for banks and other financial entities.
- The Sarbanes Oxley Act and the Board of Directors.
Laws, standards, and best practices for the Board of Directors in the European Union (EU).
- European Union, legal acts after the Treaty of Lisbon.
- Delegated acts, implementing acts.
- The European system of financial supervision (ESFS).
- The European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB).
- The European Banking Authority (EBA).
- The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).
- The European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA).
- 8th Company Law Directive (2006/43/EC) - From SOX to E-SOX.
- Corporate governance, auditors, audit committee.
- Directive 2014/56/EU.
The Solvency II Directive of the European Union.
- Governance, risk, and compliance.
- Fit and proper requirements for persons who effectively run the undertaking or have other key functions.
- Case studies.
The Basel III framework and the Board of Directors.
- The Financial Stability Board (FSB).
- Basel III, the G20 and the FSB.
- The Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
- Basel III - Corporate governance and risk management.
- A. Board practices.
- B. Senior management.
- C. Risk management and internal controls.
- D. Compensation.
- E. Complex or opaque corporate structures.
- F. Disclosure and transparency.
- The December 2017 amendment, corporate governance, and oversight.
Closing remarks.
Become a Certified Member of the Board of Directors (CMBD)
We will send the program up to 24 hours after the payment. Please remember to check your spam or junk folder, as emails with attachments may occasionally be filtered there.
You are entitled to a full refund within 60 days of your payment. If you decide not to proceed with any of our programs or services for any reason, simply send us an email — we’ll process your refund with no questions asked.
Payments are processed by our strategic partner and service provider, Cyber Risk GmbH (Dammstrasse 16, 8810 Horgen, Switzerland, registered in the Commercial Register of the Canton of Zürich, Company Number: CHE-244.099.341).
The all-inclusive price is $297 (one time fee). There is no additional cost, now or in the future, for this program.
First option: You can purchase the Certified Member of the Board of Directors (CMBD) program with VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX, Apple Pay, Google Pay etc.
Second option: QR code payment.
i. Open the camera app or the QR app on your phone.
ii. Scan the QR code and possibly wait for a few seconds.
iii. Click on the link that appears, open your browser, and make the payment.
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Third option: You can purchase the Certified Member of the Board of Directors (CMBD) program with PayPal
What is included in the program:
A. The official presentations (1189 slides, delivered as downloadable PDF files)
The presentations are designed to support both online and offline study, offering maximum flexibility for busy professionals. Whether you prefer to learn at your desk, on the go, or without an internet connection, the presentations are readily accessible and designed to adapt seamlessly to your individual schedule and learning preferences.
You have complete control over your learning experience, allowing you to progress at your own pace. You can move quickly through topics you’re already familiar with and dedicate more time to areas that require deeper understanding. This self-paced approach ensures efficient, focused learning that fits seamlessly into your professional and personal commitments, with no deadlines, no pressure, no expiration date, and no time limit to complete the program.
B. Up to 3 online exam attempts per year
To earn the Certified Member of the Board of Directors (CMBD) designation, candidates are required to pass a single certification exam. If a candidate does not pass on the first attempt, they are encouraged to review the official training presentations and retake the exam.
Each candidate is permitted up to three exam attempts within a 12-month period, starting from the date of the first attempt.
- If the first attempt is unsuccessful, a second attempt is allowed using the same exam credentials.
- If the second attempt is also unsuccessful, a third attempt is permitted, again using the same credentials.
- If the candidate does not achieve a passing score after the third attempt, they must wait one year before retaking the exam. New exam credentials will be issued at that time.
There is no additional cost for any additional exam attempt.
To learn more, you may visit:
https://www.iambd.org/Questions_About_The_Certification_And_The_Exams_1.pdf
https://www.iambd.org/IAMBD_Certification_Steps_1.pdf
C. The Certificate, with a scannable QR code for verification.
You will receive your certificate via email in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format within 7 business days of passing the exam. Each certificate includes a scannable QR code for verification. For the purposes of this policy, business days are Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays.
D. One web page of the International Association of Potential, New and Sitting Members of the Board of Directors (IAMBD) dedicated to you (iambd.org/Your_Name.htm).
When third parties scan the QR code on your certificate, they will be directed to your dedicated page on the IAMBD website. Here, they can verify that you are a certified professional and confirm the validity and legitimacy of your certificates.
On this dedicated web page, we will display your name, the certificates you have received from us, images of your certificates, and, if applicable, a picture of your lifetime membership certificate.
This is an example:
https://www.iambd.org/Helga_Steiner.htm
Professional certificates are among the most commonly falsified documents. Employers and third parties need a quick and reliable way to verify their authenticity. QR code verification provides an effective and efficient solution to this need.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I want to learn more about the International Association of Potential, New and Sitting Members of the Board of Directors (IAMBD).
The IAMBD is a global community of experts who explore career avenues and acquire lifelong skills. It is wholly owned by Compliance LLC, a company incorporated in Wilmington, NC, with offices in Washington, DC. Compliance LLC provides risk and compliance training and certification in 57 countries.
Several business units of Compliance LLC operate as successful associations, offering membership, weekly or monthly updates, training, certification, interest representation, and other services to their members. The business units of Compliance LLC include:
- The Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance Professionals Association (SOXCPA), the largest Association of Sarbanes-Oxley professionals in the world. You may visit: https://www.sarbanes-oxley-association.com
- The Basel iii Compliance Professionals Association (BiiiCPA), the largest association of Basel iii Professionals in the world. You may visit: https://www.basel-iii-association.com
- The International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals (IARCP). You may visit: https://www.risk-compliance-association.com
The Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional (CRCMP) certificate has become one of the most recognized certificates in risk management and compliance. There are CRCMPs in 57 countries. Companies and organizations around the world consider the CRCMP a preferred certificate.
You can find more about the demand for CRCMPs at: https://www.risk-compliance-association.com/CRCMP_Jobs_Careers.pdf
2. What types of training does the association offer?
The IAMBD provides distance learning and online certification programs globally, along with in-house, instructor-led training programs for companies and organizations in many countries.
A. Distance learning and online certification programs.
A1. Certified Member of the Board of Directors (CMBD), distance learning and online certification program. To learn more, you may visit:
https://www.iambd.org/Distance_Learning_and_Certification.htm
A2. Certified Member of the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors (CMRBD), distance learning and online certification program. To learn more, you may visit:
https://www.iambd.org/Distance_Learning_for_the_Risk_Committee_of_the_Board.htm
A3. Certified Member of the Corporate Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors (CMCSCBD), distance learning and online certification program. To learn more, you may visit:
https://www.iambd.org/Distance_Learning_for_the_Sustainability_Committee_of_the_Board.htm
B. Instructor-led training.
For instructor-led training, you may contact Lyn Spooner.
3. Is there any discount available for the distance learning programs?
To keep our programs as affordable as possible for all members, we do not offer a discount on the first program. However, you will receive a $100 discount on your second and every subsequent program.
For example, after purchasing the Certified Member of the Board of Directors (CMBD) program for $297, you are eligible for exclusive discounts on additional programs, including:
1. Certified Member of the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors (CMRBD) program for $197 (regular price: $297).
2. Certified Member of the Corporate Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors (CMCSCBD) program for $197 (regular price: $297).
3. The Certified Information Systems Risk and Compliance Professional (CISRCP) program for $197 (regular price: $297).
4. The Certified Cyber (Governance Risk and Compliance) Professional - CC(GRC)P program for $197 (regular price: $297).
5. The Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional in Insurance and Reinsurance - CRCMP(Re)I program for $197 (regular price: $297).
6. The Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional (CRCMP) program for $197 (regular price: $297).
Note: Programs 3-6 above are offered by the International Association of Risk and Compliance Professionals (IARCP).
To receive the URL for the discounted rate, please email us with the subject line: "Request for Discounted Program URL."
In the email, please let us know:
a. Which was the name and email address of the person or legal entity that had purchased the program from the IAMBD.
b. Which is the program you want to purchase now at $197 instead of $297.
You will receive the URL for the discounted price for your second and subsequent programs within 48 hours (business days).
4. Are your training and certification programs vendor neutral?
Yes, absolutely. All of our training and certification programs are completely vendor-neutral. This means we do not promote or rely on any specific tools, products, or service providers. Instead, we focus on universally applicable concepts, frameworks, and best practices that are recognized across the industry. Our goal is to provide participants with knowledge and skills that are transferable to any organization or environment, regardless of the technologies or vendors they use. By staying independent from vendors, we ensure that our programs remain objective, practical, and relevant to a wide range of roles and sectors.
5. Are there any entry requirements or prerequisites required for enrolling in the training programs?
There are no entry requirements or prerequisites for enrollment in our programs. We believe that learning should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, academic credentials, or professional experience. In contrast to providers that set stringent prerequisites or entry barriers, our approach prioritizes accessibility and openness. We do not believe that the opportunity to learn and grow should be limited by prior qualifications. Whether you're just beginning your career, changing paths, or expanding your expertise, our programs are designed to support individuals at all levels. Each course provides a clear and structured learning path, allowing individuals at all levels to gain valuable insights, and build practical skills. Our approach empowers motivated learners from different industries and career stages to gain value and opportunity from the program.
6. I want to learn more about the exam.
You can take the exam online from your home or office, in all countries.
It is an open book exam. Risk and compliance management is something you must understand and learn, not memorize. You must acquire knowledge and skills, not commit something to memory.
You will be given 90 minutes to complete a 35-question exam. You must score 70% or higher.
The exam contains only questions that have been clearly answered in the official presentations.
All exam questions are multiple-choice, composed of two parts:
a. A stem (a question asked, or an incomplete statement to be completed).
b. Four possible responses.
In multiple-choice questions, you must not look for a correct answer, you must look for the best answer. Cross out all the answers you know are incorrect, then focus on the remaining ones. Which is the best answer? With this approach, you save time, and you greatly increase the likelihood of selecting the correct answer.
TIME LIMIT - This exam has a 90-minute time limit. You must complete this exam within this time limit, otherwise the result will be marked as an unsuccessful attempt.
BACK BUTTON - When taking this exam you are NOT permitted to move backwards to review/change prior answers. Your browser back button will refresh the current page instead of moving backward.
RESTART/RESUME – You CANNOT stop and then resume the exam. If you stop taking this exam by closing your browser, your answers will be lost, and the result will be marked as an unsuccessful attempt.
SKIP - You CANNOT skip answering questions while taking this exam. You must answer all the questions in the order the questions are presented.
We do not send sample questions or past exams. If you study the presentations, you can score 100%.
When you are ready to take the exam, you must follow the steps: https://www.iambd.org/IAMBD_Certification_Steps_1.pdf
7. How comprehensive are the presentations? Are they just bullet points?
The presentations are not collections of bullet points, they are thoughtfully structured, in-depth learning materials designed to provide clear explanations, context, and real-world relevance. Unlike slide decks that rely on brief summaries, our presentations guide you through each concept in a comprehensive and engaging manner. They are highly effective for both online and offline study, making them ideal for professionals who value substance and flexibility in their learning experience.
8. Do I need to buy books to pass the exam?
No. If you study the presentations, you can pass the exam. All the exam questions are clearly answered in the presentations. If you fail the first time, you must study more. You can:
- Highlight key terms and sections to help you focus during review.
- Add digital sticky notes (just like Post-it notes) anywhere in the document to remind yourself where specific answers or explanations are.
- Underline or circle text using freehand drawing tools.
- Add bookmarks to easily navigate to important sections.
- Search each document using keywords to quickly find what you need.
9. Is it an open book exam? Why?
Yes, it is an open book exam. Board members need deep understanding or risk and compliance management, critical thinking, and the ability to apply principles in real-world situations, not simply the ability to memorize facts. The goal of our certification programs is to help you build lasting knowledge and practical skills that you can confidently use in your professional role.
In real-life scenarios, board members have access to regulations, frameworks, and reference materials, and are expected to use them thoughtfully. Our open book exam reflects this reality by assessing your comprehension and ability to apply what you've learned, rather than testing your memory.
10. Do I have to take the exam soon after receiving the presentations?
No, there is no set exam date, you may take the exam at any time that suits you. Your account will not expire. Any future updates to the training materials will be made available to you at no cost.
The Association reserves the right to amend the General Terms and Conditions (GTC) at any time. Any changes will become effective upon publication on the website of the association, and will apply exclusively to training programs purchased after the date of modification.
For our distance learning and online certification programs, the General Terms and Conditions in effect at the time of purchase shall apply for a period of eighteen (18) months from the date of payment. If a participant does not pass the exam within this 18-month period, access to the program will remain valid, and the participant may take the exam at a later date. In such cases, however, the participant shall be subject to the General Terms and Conditions in force at the time the exam is taken.
11. Do I have to spend more money in the future to remain certified?
No. Your certificate is issued with lifetime validity and does not expire. There are no renewal fees, no hidden costs, and no requirement to retake the exam in the future. Once certified, you remain certified.
12. Ok, the certificate never expires, but what about changes in the field?
Things do change. While many organizations introduce mandatory recertification as a recurring revenue stream, we’ve taken a different approach. Although we were advised to "introduce multiple recurring revenue streams to keep business flowing", we made a conscious decision to prioritize long-term value for our members over short-term profit. That’s why no recertification is required for our programs.
Instead, we are committed to keeping you informed and up to date, at no cost. We invite you to visit the Association’s Reading Room each month and explore our newsletter, where you’ll find valuable insights, regulatory updates, timely alerts, and new opportunities. This ongoing access ensures you remain current and well-informed in a dynamic and constantly evolving field.
13. I would like to receive a printed certificate. Can you send me one?
Unfortunately, we do not issue printed certificates. Instead, you will receive your official certificate via email in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format, which includes a scannable QR code for instant verification. Certificates are issued within 7 business days after you pass the exam. Please note that business days refer to Monday through Friday, excluding weekends and public holidays.
To ensure authenticity and transparency, the association creates a dedicated web page for each certified professional (iambd.org/Your_Name.html). This page will include your full name, a list of all certificates you have earned from the association, and images of your certificates.
When a third party scans the QR code on your certificate, they are directed to your personalized verification page. This allows employers, clients, and other stakeholders to easily confirm that your certification is valid, current, and legitimately issued.
Professional certificates are among the most frequently falsified documents. Providing a secure, scannable QR code with direct access to official verification offers a fast, reliable, and efficient solution. You may also print your certificate from the PDF file at any time, with the embedded QR code ensuring instant and reliable validation.
14. What is the refund policy?
The association maintains a clear and customer-friendly refund policy. You are entitled to request a full refund within 60 days of your payment, no questions asked. If, for any reason, you decide that one of our programs or services is not right for you, simply send us an email within this 60-day window.
Once we receive your request, we will process your refund within one business day. There are no forms to fill out, no explanations required, and no delays. Our goal is to provide a risk-free and stress-free experience.
15. Why should I get certified, and why should I choose your certification programs?
1. Flexible and Convenient Learning: Our training programs are designed with flexibility in mind. Participants can access course materials and complete the certification exam anytime, from anywhere. This is especially beneficial for professionals with demanding schedules who need to learn at their own pace.
2. Affordable, All-Inclusive Pricing: Each program is offered at a low, all-inclusive price. There are no hidden fees or additional costs, now or in the future, for any reason.
3. Discounts on Additional Programs: When you enroll in a second program, you receive a $100 discount. This means the all-inclusive cost for your second (and every additional) program is $197 (compared to the regular price of $297). There are no hidden fees or recurring charges. This discount is our way of supporting your continued professional development.
4. Multiple Exam Attempts Included: Each program includes up to three exam attempts per year at no additional cost, as outlined above.
5. No Recertification Required: Your certificates are issued with lifetime validity. No recertification is required, and your credentials will not expire.
6. Potential for Career Advancement and Industry Recognition: There is a clear and growing demand for qualified Board members. Certified individuals are often recognized by employers, may enjoy broader career opportunities, and may be preferred for promotions or new roles. Earning a professional certification demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and your active engagement in a global community of experts.
However, it’s important to note that no certificate, regardless of its reputation, can guarantee a new or better job. Career advancement depends on many factors, including supply and demand, market conditions, and timing. Certification is a valuable asset, but it is only one part of a larger professional development journey.
7. The fit and proper requirement in regulations: Firms and organizations hire and promote fit and proper board members who can provide evidence that they are qualified. Supervisors and auditors ask for independent evidence that board members are qualified, and have the necessary knowledge and experience.
8. Increased Earning Potential: Professionals who invest in gaining new skills and recognized certifications may become eligible for higher-paying roles. Training and ongoing professional development may significantly enhance your earning potential and contribute to long-term career success. However, it’s important to understand that increased earnings are not guaranteed. Compensation and career advancement depend on various factors. Certification is a valuable tool, but not a guarantee on your path to career growth.
