RIMS, the risk management society, has introduced two new educational programs aimed at enhancing certification options for federal risk management leaders and professionals responsible for business continuity. This announcement came on April 28, 2025, and reflects RIMS’ commitment to advancing the skills of risk professionals.
The new initiatives are part of agreements with the Association for Federal Enterprise Risk Management (AFERM) and The Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRI International). Through the collaboration with AFERM, RIMS will provide resources and preparatory courses to help AFERM members achieve the RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) and the RIMS-CRMP-FED certifications. The RIMS-CRMP is recognized globally as the only accredited risk management certification. The RIMS-CRMP-FED micro-credential, introduced with AFERM’s support in 2018, focuses on applying risk management strategies within federal agencies.
All preparatory workshops for these certifications will be conducted online by RIMS instructors, making it accessible for participants regardless of their location.
In addition to the partnership with AFERM, RIMS has teamed up with DRI International to offer a joint Exam Prep Bootcamp. This four-day online program is designed for resilience professionals who want to pursue both the RIMS-CRMP and DRI’s Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) certifications. The bootcamp will include live instruction and preparation for both certification exams, with exam fees included in the program cost.
Gary A. LaBranche, CEO of RIMS, expressed that these partnerships align with RIMS’ mission to provide career opportunities for risk professionals. He emphasized the shared goal of both AFERM and DRI International to advance the field of risk management and promote business resilience.
Beyond expanding certification opportunities, RIMS has laid out its agenda for 2025, which includes several initiatives aimed at supporting the risk management profession. These initiatives focus on issues such as transparency in third-party litigation funding, a national framework for data privacy and cybersecurity, reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), nonprofit tax reform, and investing in future workforce development.
This move by RIMS highlights the growing importance of risk management in today’s business environment, as professionals seek to enhance their skills and adapt to new challenges.