Board Certification School 2026
Board Certification School 2026
Overview
Lead with confidence. Govern with purpose.
Be prepared to navigate challenges in the boardroom and collaborate on the tough decisions that move your credit union forward. At Board Certification School, industry experts will guide you through all the essentials of your role, culminating in the chance to earn your Certified Credit Union Board Member (CCUB) designation by passing the end-of-school exam. Through this credit union board certification training, you’ll gain a strong foundation in the essential knowledge needed to support you at every stage of your board journey.
Attend the Pre-ConferenceUnderstanding the Numbers: A Director’s Guide to Credit Union Finances (Financial Literacy Certificate) Earn your Financial Literacy Certificate (required by NCUA within the first 6 months of your role). This session is a perfect way to meet compliance requirements, gain confidence in your financial oversight responsibilities, and learn more about the fiduciary responsibilities of board members. |
PLUS! Maximize your learning and savings by attending Credit Union Board Roundtable, held immediately before the certification school at the same location.
Session topics
- Finance fundamentals
- Board governance
- Strategic planning and oversight
- Board operations and development
- Compliance fundamentals
- Board of Directors responsibilities
Who should attend
- Credit union board members
- Credit union board directors
- Credit union board chairs
Designations
Schedule
Dive into the full 2026 schedule and get a sneak peek at the top-notch speakers and relevant topics that will be covered in Cleveland!
Inside, discover topics such as:
- Fiduciary duty
- Board responsibilities
- Financial oversight
- Board governance
- Strategic planning and oversight
And discover the sessions that will lead you to earn your Certified Credit Union Board Member (CCUB) designation after the end of the school exam.
*The full event schedule is available as a PDF and can be downloaded from your browser.
**Schedule is subject to change
Pricing & Registration
Members in multiple categories receive the lowest price.
Member discounts
All credit unions are invited to register for this event. Members receive a significant discount.
Additional discounts available to member credit unions:
- Less than $50 million in assets save 20%
- Council members save 25%
- League staff save 20%
- Multi-Attendee discount - Register four attendees and get the 5th free
Please include all registrations in the same order for the discount to apply
Only one discount can be applied per registration. If a registration qualifies for more than one discount, the highest-value discount will be applied.
Other non-credit union attendees should contact us to confirm eligibility.
Need help accessing member pricing? Contact 800-356-9655 or [email protected].
Hotel & Travel
Recommended travelArrive: Sunday, June 14. Sessions will begin on the morning of Monday, June 15. Nearest airport: CLE |
A historic hotel nestled in the heart of downtown Cleveland, the Hotel Cleveland is within steps of Public Square and Tower City Center, and just a short walk away from iconic Cleveland places, including Lake Erie, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Progressive Field, and Playhouse Square.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel Cleveland
24 Public Sq
Cleveland, OH 44113
216-696-5600
Hotel Reservation: 216-696-5600
Room Rate: $239+ taxes & fees
Hotel reservation deadline: May 12, 2026
*Room rates and availability cannot be guaranteed. Rooms may be sold out prior to the reservation deadline, so make your reservations early! Room reservations and fees are the responsibility of the registrant. To claim this room rate, call for reservations and reference America's Credit Unions.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Discounted airfare through our airline partners:
Delta Airlines
- Book online here
- Call to book: (800) 328-1111 (Mon. through Fri. from 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET) and use code NY3XT
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
United Airlines
- To make flight reservations online please click on discount code ZR7G651311
- Call to book: (800) 426-1122 (Mon. through Fri. from 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET) and use code ZR7G651311
Attendee Info
Board Certification Guest Pass | $299
Includes 3 Conference Breakfasts (Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday)
Includes Social Event: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Experience
Spend the evening exploring music history inside the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Enjoy private access to one of Cleveland’s most iconic landmarks, where music history, immersive exhibits, and a lively atmosphere set the stage for an unforgettable evening.
What to expect
- Exclusive access for conference attendees
- Food, drinks, and live entertainment
- Explore exhibits at your own pace, including the interactive Garage with hands-on instruments and guided instruction
- Transportation provided to and from the venue
- 10% discount at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum Store
This experience is included with your conference registration. Attendees are welcome to bring a guest to join the fun for an additional fee.
This short 5-question quiz is modeled after the CCUB exam you’ll take at Board Certification School and only takes a few minutes to complete. Put your knowledge to the test.
Code of Conduct
We are committed to making every event experience welcoming, respectful, and safe.
Cancellations and substitutions
- Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected] with a brief explanation. Cancellations received more than 30 days before the event are subject to a 25% administrative fee. No refunds will be granted for cancellations received on or after 30 days before the event.
- Substitutions are accepted before the start of the program. Additional fees may apply. Please include the event name, current participant, and new participant name when requesting a substitution to [email protected].
Pre-conference
Understanding the Numbers: A Director’s Guide to Credit Union Finances (Financial Literacy Certificate)
Kick off your event experience with the Financial Literacy Pre-con, designed specifically for new board members.
Sunday, June 14, 2026 | 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Cost: $595 (flat rate)
Designed to build core financial confidence, this session introduces the fundamentals of credit union financial management and business acumen. Attendees will learn how to read and interpret financial statements, understand what the numbers are saying, and determine whether their credit union is performing well or facing challenges.
Ideal for board members of all experience levels, the session provides essential knowledge to support more meaningful participation in financial conversations. Attendees will explore key financial statements, basic ratios, and how current financial results connect to effective board oversight and strategic alignment.
Social Event
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Experience
Monday, June 15th | 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Spend the evening exploring music history inside the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Enjoy private access to one of Cleveland’s most iconic landmarks, where music history, immersive exhibits, and a lively atmosphere set the stage for an unforgettable evening.
This experience is included with your conference registration. Attendees are welcome to bring a guest to join the fun for an additional fee of $299*. Tickets must be purchased on our conference website or at the registration desk.
*Fee also includes the guest's conference breakfast for all three days.
Sponsors
Thank you for your interest in sponsoring Board Certification School.
America’s Credit Unions events provide great opportunities to build relationships and get your brand in front of credit union leaders around the country. More details on sponsorships for this event can be found on our Exhibiting & Sponsorship Opportunities page.
FAQs
Board Certification School is an in‑person training program designed to prepare credit union board members for effective governance while earning the Certified Credit Union Board Member (CCUB™) designation.
The event is ideal for new and newer board members, as well as directors seeking foundational refreshers, updates and best practices.
- Board governance and fiduciary duties
- Financial oversight and financial statement interpretation
- Risk management, compliance, and cybersecurity oversight
- Strategic planning, ethics, and CEO oversight
The program is primarily lecture‑based and instructor‑led, with guided discussions, case examples, and applied learning activities to reinforce key concepts.
Yes. Attendees who complete the program and pass the end‑of‑school exam earn the Certified Credit Union Board Member (CCUB™) designation.
Yes. The CCUB exam is administered on‑site during the program and is included with registration.
The exam is open-book. Attendees will be provided with the event slide decks prior to the conference start and can utilize these for the exam.
You’ll gain insight into:
- What distinguishes high‑performing boards from those that simply meet requirements
- How boards can evaluate their own effectiveness and composition
- The board’s role in setting strategic direction while maintaining clear governance boundaries
The pre‑conference, Understanding the Numbers: A Director’s Guide to Credit Union Finances, focuses on financial statements, ratios, and oversight fundamentals. It’s recommended for new board members or directors seeking greater confidence in financial oversight. This program also qualifies for meeting the NCUA Financial Literacy requirement for Board Members within their first six months
Board Certification School focuses on foundational education, certification, and structured learning with hands-on activities and resources.
Credit Union Board Roundtable is designed for experienced directors and chairs seeking peer discussion and advanced strategic insights. There is also a chance to recertify the CCUB or CCUSC designations at Credit Union Board Roundtable.
Yes. Sessions address board‑level cybersecurity oversight, risk management, and governance considerations related to emerging technologies, including AI.
Yes, guest passes are available for purchase with registration (for an additional fee). This includes:
- Three conference breakfasts (Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday)
- Access and transportation to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Excursion (included with member registration).
The Exam is not required to attend, but is required to earn your CCUB designation. This exam is taken onsite, multiple choice, and attendees are able to refer to notes and event slides.
Event resources and handouts will be available approximately one week prior to the event via a website. Material will be available for you to access onsite, or print before attending if you prefer. All material will be available for 2 months following the event.
