The Qualified Supervisory Board Member Exam (Qualifizierter Aufsichtsrat) is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary certification program. The examination covers key governance topics such as corporate management and strategy, compliance, risk management, and sustainability (ESG).

The Certified independent board director, Financial expert (Fachaufsichtsrat Financial Expert) and Certified independent board director, Audit Committee expert exam (Fachaufsichtsrat im Prüfungsausschuss) are specialized, advanced certifications. Designed specifically for current and future members of audit committees, they deepen expertise in corporate finance, financial reporting, internal control systems, and sustainability reporting. These certifications address the heightened regulatory requirements resulting from the Financial Market Integrity Act (FISG) and the German Corporate Governance Code (DCGK).

The Qualified Supervisory Board Member Exam is designed for members of supervisory boards, advisory boards, and comparable governing bodies, as well as individuals aspiring to join them. Managing directors, management board members, heads of investor relations, or professionals who work closely with these roles and wish to optimize their collaboration with supervisory bodies are also highly encouraged to obtain the certification from Deutsche Börse. By passing the exam, participants document their deep and comprehensive knowledge of supervisory board responsibilities.

Applicants must have completed a preparatory course with a provider certified by Deutsche Börse and provide proof of leadership experience or active supervisory board activity. Detailed information regarding admission requirements can be found in the examination regulations.

If you do not meet the aforementioned criteria but can demonstrate that you will shortly be assuming a role on a supervisory board, you may still be admitted to the exam based on a discretionary decision. Registration for the exam is only possible after formal admission has been granted.

The Certified independent board director, Financial expert (Fachaufsichtsrat Financial Expert) and Certified independent board director, Audit Committee expert exams are identical. The designation of the title on your certificate depends entirely on your specific professional background and qualifications.

The title of Certified independent board director, Audit Committee expert is available to individuals who have either successfully passed the Certified Supervisory Board Member Exam or can demonstrate at least 5 years of active service on a supervisory board or comparable governing body. Before being eligible to participate in the examination, you must have completed a preparatory course with a provider certified by Deutsche Börse. Detailed admission requirements can be found in the examination regulations.

To qualify for the title of Certified independent board director, Financial expert, you must additionally provide proof of professional experience as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or comparable position, long-term practice as a certified tax advisor or auditor, or having obtained leadership experience in accounting and controlling.

Upon passing the exam, the respective title will be indicated on your certificate. In both cases, exam registration is only possible after formal admission.

Certification by the Deutsche Börse offers the following key benefits:

• Title to prove qualification and knowledge:
  Deutsche Börse has established an industry-wide standard for the continuing professional development of supervisory board members. This established certification demonstrates that your expertise across all areas of supervisory board responsibilities has been objectively verified.
   
• Preparation:
  The certification and its preparatory courses equip you effectively for your mandate and for collaborating with board members. This certification is designed to highlight your status as a representative of the strict and technical requirements expected of professional and qualified supervisory board members.
   
• Continuous professional development:
  The German Corporate Governance Code (DCGK) requires continuous professional development for board members. Through the option of recertification after three years, Deutsche Börse enables you to update your knowledge and communicate your continuous development externally.
   
• Practical application:
  The knowledge acquired is not just abstract theory but designed for immediate practical application. Mandates are typically awarded based on technical expertise or industry-specific knowledge. Passing this exam allows you to document that you have mastered the practical craft of being a board member.
   
• Networking:
  During the certification process, you will have the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with other board members and/or like-minded professionals. Through events like the Evening of Excellence, Deutsche Börse promotes networking across different courses and cohorts, fostering sustainable, long-term professional relationships.

For both examinations, the process is structured into three main steps:

• Step 1: Apply for admission at Deutsche Börse
  You must first be formally admitted to the examination. To do this, submit the completed Proof of Admission Requirement form along with your CV to Deutsche Börse. The Admission Committee will review whether you meet the professional requirements. The examination regulations define the professional (section 2.1.2), personal (section 2.1.2), and technical (section 2.1.3) admission criteria.
   
• Step 2: Choose and complete a Preparatory Course
  Parallel to the admission request, contact one of our certified providers and enroll in a preparatory course. Participation in a course is mandatory (for a list of approved providers, please refer to question 6).
   
• Step 3: Take the Exam
  Toward the end of your course, you will schedule an exam date with us. You have the option to take the exam online or in person at one of our scheduled exam days at our headquarters in Eschborn. To participate in the exam, you must also request a certificate of good conduct and an extract from the Central Trade and Industry Register. Both documents must be no older than three months on the exam date and must contain no entries. You may submit these documents after the exam day if they are not yet available before the examination.

Yes, attending a preparatory course offered by a provider certified by Deutsche Börse is a mandatory prerequisite for obtaining both certifications. This ensures that all exam-relevant content is taught in accordance with our high-quality standards.

The computer-based exam can be taken either in Eschborn or remotely. The exam takes 2.5 hours and consists of 100 questions. You must achieve a score of at least 65% of the total points to pass.

The exam format matches that of the Qualified Supervisory Board Member. However, you only need to answer 84 questions. You will have 2 hours to complete this exam, and you must achieve a score of at least 60% of the total possible points to pass.