IMD Board Readiness Diploma
Board membership is a unique responsibility that demands insight, foresight, and decisive leadership. To make a lasting impact, board members must navigate complex challenges, balance diverse stakeholder expectations, and drive meaningful outcomes. The journey to becoming an effective board leader begins with preparation – and the IMD Board Readiness Diploma is designed to guide you every step of the way.
Designed for aspiring board members and executive directors, this unique learning experience is tailored to your profile and aspirations. Combining cutting-edge research with practical application, it equips you with the confidence and expertise to navigate board challenges and positions you as a trusted, forward-thinking leader in governance.
Drawing on the research and world-class thought leadership of the IMD Global Board Center, our governance programs offer the breadth and depth of knowledge necessary for board members to make a truly meaningful contribution in their roles.
Hear what IMD board diploma graduates say
IMD board diploma graduates speak about their learning experience, just after receiving their diplomas.
- Meet your dedicated coach and discuss your learning goals.
- Start your learning journal, identifying your journey objectives.
Online, 5 weeks, 6-8 hours per week
Begin with the core program, Mastering Board Governance. Learn how a board functions and understand good governance principles. Engage in weekly board simulations with feedback.
On campus, three 2-day programs
Continue with the programs of your choice, focusing on key areas that bring value to the boardroom:
Online
Complete your learning journey with a board simulation, and finance and governance assessments.
You will be invited to participate in a graduation ceremony (attendance is optional), and also receive a diploma SmartCertificate.
After gaining relevant and substantive board experience, you may continue your journey with the High Performance Boards program to earn the IMD Board Director Diploma.
You will engage in a range of activities aimed at supporting your development of key governance capabilities and prompting reflection about the implications for you as a board member.
Vice-Chair Board of Directors, Vontobel Swiss Financial Advisers AG, Switzerland
I’m formally launching my board career. IMD’s board education is a strong credential to evidence good board governance skills that drive impact and value. Executive search firms are very interested to know that I have this diploma. It honed my governance experience and skill set and broadened my perspective. I now have a better awareness of where I could have blind spots and the actions I can take to work on them.
Founder & Deputy CEO, Arctica Finance, Iceland
IMD enlightened me on how exemplary boards function and helped me find my role and balance on boards in order to make a real contribution. Anyone who is an aspiring board member and wants to feel prepared for the next stage really needs to take this diploma.
Non-Executive Director, Elliott Scott HR & Member of the Board of Advisors, Lifeed, Italy
With boards comes responsibility. Transitioning to a board career demands good governance foundations and solid frameworks. IMD provided just that, with its blend of theory and practice. Being certified with the diploma and having that boards language provides credibility, depth and experience.
Map out your journey
Browse our 2025 governance program calendar, and start tailoring our your learning journey today.
Choose from a wide portfolio of governance programs, and personalize your learning journey to best match your development goals.
