Today's corporate world requires that boards of directors and top CEOs pursue training on corporate governance to implement the best governance programs in their respective industries. It's no longer enough for top managers to rely upon experience in their field; the most effective leaders must also learn leadership, negotiation and change management, along with a constantly growing list of other skills that the business market requires.

Corporate governance education is available through a variety of settings and media, depending on your ultimate goal. Complete a needs assessment when you're arranging for corporate governance training to determine what you, or the CEO you're enrolling, would like to accomplish.

1. A corporate governance seminar addresses specific issues within the purview of a top manager, and is usually taught by industry leaders and sponsored by professional organizations.

2. Corporate governance education and training for certification is a more formal type of single or multi-session seminar that requires attendance and participation for conferral of a professional certificate.

3. A corporate governance program leading to an advanced college degree is the most comprehensive and work-intensive training program, and addresses the widest variety of issues facing corporate directors.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Enroll in formal corporate governance educational programs at the master's or doctoral level

A corporate governance program through a college or university will provide a top manager with the best tools to face almost any challenge the business world can offer. Everyone from mid-level managers to top CEOs can benefit from advanced degrees, which are available through customizable executive education programs.

I recommend: Enhance your education in corporate governance from Harvard Business School, or earn a law school corporate governance degree from Stanford, Loyola University Chicago or Seattle University.

Select from online corporate governance training options

Complete corporate governance courses online and earn a professional certificate or degree from business education and corporate governance experts.

I recommend: Enroll in corporate governance classes to meet specific competency requirements from Excellence in Corporate Governance Online. Take your learning a step further with an exam option, and earn an Institute of Financial Consultants corporate governance certificate from Tulane.

Gain specific skills with a targeted corporate governance seminar

Many companies specialize in offering a corporate governance training course to meet every need, and professional organizations also offer a variety of specific courses, seminars and educational conferences to organization members. Align yourself with the pros, and arm yourself with business best practices for corporate governance you can utilize, or modify, to meet your organization's needs.

I recommend: Visit Change-Leaders.com to view their corporate governance course listing for board members, or consider joining the National Association of Corporate Directors to take advantage of members-only continuing education options. Check out the Corporate Governance website for listings of corporate governance educational programs and classes that are available.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Whether you take courses from corporate governance schools, pursue online training or attend professional seminars, make sure you choose corporate governance educational programs that offer the best material. Consult with contemporaries within your industry and any professional organizations with which you're allied for program recommendations.