Board-Certification in Cybersecurity Leadership (BCCL)

Lead Ethically. Govern Intelligently. Transform with AI.

About This Certification

The Board-Certification in Cybersecurity Leadership (BCCL) prepares non-technical and strategic leaders to govern cybersecurity risks, ensure compliance, and guide organizations through increasing digital threats.

This certification bridges executive decision-making with cyber risk governance, helping you lead confidently across boardrooms, operations, and regulatory environments — without needing to be a technical expert.

Recommended for: Risk Managers, Compliance Leaders, Executives, Directors, Public Sector Officials, and Non-Technical Team Leaders

Evaluate and validate your ability to lead cybersecurity initiatives with strategic vision, risk-aware governance, and measurable protection outcomes. Through scenario-based responses and portfolio submissions, you’ll demonstrate mastery in:

  • Cybersecurity Governance & Strategy – Develop enterprise-wide cybersecurity frameworks, align security with business goals, and oversee governance to protect critical assets.
  • Risk Management & Threat Mitigation – Identify, assess, and reduce cybersecurity risks through proactive threat intelligence, vulnerability management, and incident readiness.
  • Regulatory Compliance & Legal Considerations – Ensure adherence to global cybersecurity regulations, enforce data privacy policies, and prepare for audits with confidence.
  • Incident Response & Crisis Management – Lead incident response teams, manage high-pressure cybersecurity crises, and oversee forensic investigations with decisive action.
  • Security Operations & Technology Leadership – Direct security architecture, implement effective controls, and manage technical teams to maintain robust security operations.
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Cybersecurity Culture – Build a security-first culture, engage executives and stakeholders, and drive alignment on cybersecurity priorities.

Assessment Framework

You will complete a four-component portfolio based assessment applied leadership assessment, focused on real-world performance:

  • Situational Judgment & Decision Making. Evaluates your response to security breaches, ethical dilemmas, and compliance trade-offs.
  • Professional Leadership. Documents your leadership in managing risk, leading change, or contributing to secure digital environments.
  • Leadership Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement. Assesses your ability to align technical and non-technical teams, boards, and external partners.
  • Performance & Impact Assessment. Evaluates your ability to make risk-informed, measurable decisions in a cybersecurity context.

Education: Undergraduate Degree

Experience: 3+ years in cybersecurity leadership, IT governance, or risk management.

Training: 60 hours of cyber leadership training (governance, incident response, risk management, compliance).

Alternative Pathway:

  • Military: E-7+ (or equivalent) with cybersecurity operations experience.
  • Professional: 5+ years in IT security leadership, risk management, or cyber governance.

Program Costs & Payment Options

Certification Path

Cost (Full / Member)

  • Core Certification

    $675 / $540

  • Core + Specialization

    $999 / $750

  • Core/Spec/Learning Path

    $1,598 / $1,199

NBLC Members receive 25% off all programs. Join Membership >

Download Candidate Handbook for more information.

Add-On: Specialization Modules

Enhance your certification with a targeted specialization module in one of five domains. Specialization modules are optional but strongly recommended to tailor your learning to your sector.

Specialization

Details

Critical Infrastructure & Operational Technology Security

Protect and secure critical infrastructure systems, safeguard operational technologies, and ensure resilience against evolving threats.

Assessed Domains: Cyber Risk Management, Incident Response Leadership, and Crisis Management in Cybersecurity

CPI/D Security & Emerging Tech Leadership

Lead security strategies for critical process industries and emerging technologies, balancing innovation with robust protection measures.

Assessed Domains: Cloud Security Best Practices, Emerging Cyber Threats, and AI & Security

Regulatory Compliance & Legal Cyber Leadership

Ensure adherence to cybersecurity laws and regulations, align policies with legal requirements, and manage compliance programs effectively.

Assessed Domains: Cyber Regulations, Data Privacy Laws, and Compliance Auditing

Cyber Risk & Incident Response Leadership

Identify, assess, and mitigate cyber risks while leading rapid, effective incident response to protect organizational assets and continuity.

Assessed Domains: ICS/SCADA Security, Operational Technology Risk, and National Security Considerations.

CISO & Cybersecurity Governance

Develop enterprise-wide security strategies, oversee governance frameworks, and align cybersecurity initiatives with business objectives.

Assessed Domains: Cybersecurity Governance, Risk Strategy, and Executive Leadership.

Pricing & Options

Memb. Price
Full Price
Core Certification
$507
$675
Specialization Module Add-On
$300
$399
Optional Exam Prep Course
$975
$1,299
NBLC Annual Membership
$179

* Membership includes: certification discounts, 1 free retake/year, quarterly coaching, research access

Lead Cybersecurity From the Front

Govern risk with clarity and confidence
Align people, policies, and performance
Protect digital assets and organizational trust