IAMBD | Certified Member of the Corporate Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors (CMCSCBD).
Note: Membership is not a prerequisite for obtaining certifications from the association.
Certified Member of the Corporate Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors (CMCSCBD), distance learning and online certification program.
Overview
In response to evolving regulatory expectations, stakeholder demands, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) imperatives, many companies have established a Corporate Sustainability Committee as a standing committee of the Board of Directors. From a legal perspective, this committee plays a critical role in helping directors fulfill their fiduciary duties in an era where sustainability issues can present material risks and opportunities.
The establishment of such a committee is rooted in principles of corporate governance, notably the duty of care and the duty of loyalty owed by directors to the company. These fiduciary duties require directors to make informed, good-faith decisions in the best interests of the corporation and its stakeholders. As environmental regulations tighten, and as investors, regulators, and civil society increasingly scrutinize corporate sustainability practices, board-level oversight of sustainability issues has become not only best practice but, in some jurisdictions, a legal necessity.
The primary legal function of the committee is oversight. This includes overseeing the company’s sustainability strategy, monitoring compliance with applicable sustainability-related laws and regulations, and ensuring the accuracy and adequacy of sustainability disclosures. The committee must verify that sustainability disclosures are not misleading or materially incomplete, as this could expose the company and its directors to legal liability under law or civil litigation.
The committee oversees risk management processes related to climate change, biodiversity loss, labor practices, and other sustainability concerns that could impact the company’s operations, reputation, or access to capital. In jurisdictions with mandatory climate risk disclosures, such as the EU, the UK, or states like California, the committee plays a key role in ensuring compliance and integrating sustainability risks into enterprise risk management frameworks.
The committee must advise on corporate policies and codes of conduct that touch on sustainability, such as codes of ethics, environmental policies, supplier codes of conduct, and anti-corruption programs.
Documenting the committee’s work is essential. Meeting minutes, decisions, and the rationale behind recommendations must be clearly recorded. This documentation helps demonstrate that the board exercised due care and diligence, which can be critical in defending against shareholder lawsuits or regulatory enforcement actions.
As there is growing emphasis on director accountability, members of the Corporate Sustainability Committee may be held personally liable in cases of oversight failure, particularly if such failure contributes to significant environmental or human rights harm or disaster. Directors are increasingly encouraged to undergo training in ESG-related legal and regulatory obligations to fulfill their oversight roles effectively.
The Corporate Sustainability Committee is a vital component of modern corporate governance. It allows the Board of Directors to institutionalize the oversight of sustainability issues and to ensure that the company is proactively managing legal risks and meeting its obligations in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
Objectives
The Certified Member of the Corporate Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors (CMCSCBD) program is designed to support both current and aspiring Corporate Sustainability Committee members in effectively fulfilling their fiduciary responsibilities.
The program provides with the skills needed to become a Certified Member of the Corporate Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors (CMCSCBD), 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: These are directors already serving on boards that have established or are planning to establish a Corporate Sustainability Committee. The training ensures they understand better their fiduciary duties in the context of sustainability, and how sustainability risks and opportunities affect long-term corporate strategy and risk management.
2. Members of the Corporate Sustainability Committee: This includes non-executive and independent directors specifically appointed to oversee sustainability-related matters.
3. Prospective Board Members and Sustainability Committee Candidates: Executives and professionals being considered for board or committee positions benefit from training that prepares them to meet expectations and discharge fiduciary responsibilities related to ESG and sustainability governance.
5. Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) and ESG Executives: While not board members, senior executives who regularly report to the board and interact with the committee need to understand the committee’s expectations and concerns.
Course Synopsis
What is sustainable development?
Harmonizing three core elements:
1. Economic growth,
2. Social inclusion, and
3. Environmental protection.
Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG).
1. Environmental - pollution, carbon emissions, resource efficiency, climate change, biodiversity.
2. Social - labor standards and practices, respect for human rights, health & safety, diversity, community relations, development of human capital.
3. Corporate Governance – transparency, corruption, litigation, sustainable development policies and practices.
The Brundtland Report.
Socially Responsible Investing (SRI).
Dow Jones Sustainability Indices.
The Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA).
17 Goals to Transform Our World.
17 Sustainable Development Goals with 169 associated targets.
Resolution adopted by the General Assembly on 25 September 2015.
Integrated Governance, a new model of governance.
The role of governance.
The value creation process.
Positive and negative externalities.
Case study.
Effectively implementing a sustainable strategy.
Board committees and their link to sustainability.
The Corporate Sustainability Committee.
The Corporate Sustainability Committee Charter.
Several case studies.
Integrating environmental and social challenges and opportunities into a company’s corporate strategy.
Closing remarks.
Become a Certified Member of the Corporate Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors (CMCSCBD)
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 Corporate Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors (CMCSCBD) program with VISA, MASTERCARD, AMEX, Apple Pay, Google Pay etc.
Purchase the Certified Member of the Corporate Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors (CMCSCBD) 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 Corporate Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors (CMCSCBD) program with PayPal
What is included in the program:
A. The official presentations (463 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 Corporate Sustainability Committee of the Board of Directors (CMCSCBD) 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.
