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International Certificate in Risk Management: FAQs

Q How do I register for the Certificate?

A – Simply complete the Certificate application form which is available for download here http://www.theirm.org./Qualifications/certFees.html and return it to IRM by e-mail: studentqueries@theirm.org by post: Institute of Risk Management, 6 Lloyd’s Avenue, London, EC3N 3AX, UK or by fax: +(0)20 7709 0716.  

You will need to have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat to download the application form.

Q Can I obtain a Microsoft Word version of the application form?

A - Microsoft Word copies are not available. The Institute is moving towards an online application process.

Q How frequently do the Certificate examinations take place?

A – The Certificate examinations take place twice a year in June and November.  Dates for the forthcoming examinations can be found here http://www.theirm.org./Qualifications/overviewExams.html

Q How is the course assessed?

A – Assessment is through two 2 hour examinations: Theory of Risk Management and Application of Risk Management.

Q How long does it take to complete the course?

A – The course takes 6 – 9 months to complete.  You are strongly encouraged to enrol early, in order to benefit from the maximum amount of study time available.

Q Is it possible to apply for exemptions?

A – There are no exemptions currently given. 


Q How many study hours are required?

A – There are six units in total and each one has a recommended study time of approximately 25 hours. However, this depends on your previous knowledge of risk management and experience of studying through distance learning.  

Q What is the purpose of each examination paper?

A - The Theory of Risk Management examination is intended to test your knowledge and understanding of the material learnt, and the Application of Risk Management examination tests your ability to apply the theory of risk management to different practical organisational situations. 

Q Can I attend classes for the course?

A – The course is by distance learning only. However, the Institute is developing a policy to introduce class room teaching of the Certificate. At present, IRM is running a pilot scheme in Malaysia.   


Q Do I need to purchase any textbooks?

A – No, all learning materials are online and included within the course fee.

Q What is included in the course fee?

A –

  • Student membership of IRM
  • Entry for the two examinations
  • Course handbook
  • All learning materials
  • Access to examiners
  • Access to an online discussion board
  • Discounts at IRM and third party events
  • Free subscriptions to risk management journals    

Q How do I submit payment for the course?

A – There are four ways in which you can pay the course fee:

  • BACS transfer
  • Cheque
  • Bankers draft
  • Credit/Debit cards (MasterCard and Visa only)

All payments submitted by BACS must include the students full name and company as a reference and, if applicable, the invoice number. Payment must be made in sterling and all bank charges must be covered by the payee.   

Q Can I pay the course fee by instalments?

A – You are expected to pay the full course fee in one transaction. However, if you are self funding and would like to discuss the possibilities of paying by instalments please contact us. Typically in these circumstances, you are expected to register at the beginning of the enrolment period and pay 1/3 of the fee, followed by two further instalments. The full course fee must be received by the closing date of registration. Important note: access to the learning materials will not be granted until full payment has been received.  

Q My company is paying my course fees and has provided me with a purchase order number, can I obtain access to the learning materials?

A – No, full payment must be received before you receive access to the learning materials. If your company is paying, you may prefer to pay the course fee yourself and get reimbursed. It is your responsibility to ensure your employer pays promptly. 

Q Does IRM offer any sponsorship schemes?

A - As a not for profit organisation, unfortunately, there are no sponsorship schemes available.

Q Are there any other costs to consider apart from the course fee?

A –

Click here for full fee details http://www.theirm.org./Qualifications/certFees.html

Q What are the benefits of attending the introductory and revision workshops?

A – Attending the workshops provide you with the opportunity to meet the course lead examiner, receive advise on studying for the Certificate, practice examination questions, seek assistance and obtain clarification on challenging areas of the course.  In addition, and as important, attendance provides you with a valuable opportunity to network with other students. Learning from your peers practical experiences are invaluable. There is a £50 discount for booking both workshops together. Click here for details http://www.theirm.org/Qualifications/workshops.htm

Q Can I choose when to sit the examinations?

A – You must sit the first available examination session. If you enrol between February and May you will be entered for the November examinations, and if you enrol between August and November, you will be entered for the June examinations.  

Q Where can I sit the examinations?

A - You can view our comprehensive list of examination centres here:

http://www.theirm.org./Qualifications/overviewExams.html

Q How do I know whether my first choice of examination centre has been accepted?

A – You will normally be allocated to the examination centre of your choice. We will confirm this in your welcome letter.  

Q Can I take the examinations online?

A – No, you are required to attend an examination centre to sit your examinations.   

Q When will the results be issued?

A – Results for the June examinations are normally published during the first week of September and results for the November examinations are normally published during the last week of February.

Q When will I receive notification of the time and place of my examinations?

A – If you are based in the UK, you will normally receive an admission slip from the Institute of Chartered Secretaries & Administrators (ICSA) approximately two weeks before the examinations. If you are based outside the UK, you will normally receive your admission slip approximately four weeks before the examinations. If you do not receive your admission slip within the relevant time period, you must contact IRM.

Q Why does the ICSA issue the admission slips?

A – The ICSA manages and administers the examination centres on behalf of IRM. However, all enquiries regarding the examination arrangements must be referred to IRM.

Q There is not an examination centre where I am located, what do I do?

A – If there is no standard examination centre located in your area, you need to apply for a Special Centre. Please note that Special Centre applications are only accepted from students located outside the UK.  

Q How do I apply for a special centre and what is the deadline?

A - All Special Centre applications must be made on the appropriate form and submitted to the Institute by 28 February for the June examinations and by 31 July for the November examinations. A copy of the form can be downloaded here.

Q Are there any additional costs involved in setting up a special centre?

A -Candidates are required to pay a Special Centre application fee of £50 plus any local supplementary charges made by the Special Centre.  It is the candidate's responsibility to liaise with the Special Centre and to pay all fees directly to the centre before sitting the examinations. Failure to pay any of the fees may result in you not being able to sit the examinations.

Q Can I enrol onto the course after the closing date?  

A – Late applications will not be accepted. Please contact IRM on studentenquiries@theirm.org to have your name and email address added to our distribution list so we can remind you of the next enrolment date.   

Q How will I know my application form has been processed?

A – Once your application has been processed, you will receive an acknowledgement by email.  You will then be sent a welcome pack in the post. It normally takes 2 weeks to process an application form, and can take longer at particularly busy times.

Q When and how do I get access to the learning materials?

A - All learning materials are found within the online Certificate Support Area (CSA) which is found within the Members’ area of the website. Details of how to obtain your Member password will be sent to you on enrolment.


Q Is there any recommended reading prior to studying for the Certificate?

A – The Risk Management Standard IRM/AIRMIC/ALARM downloadable from our website is a good starting point http://www.theirm.org/publications/PUstandard.html

Q I started the qualification over a year ago but did not complete both examinations. My membership has been lapsed, what are the options available to me?

A – Lapsed students need to re-enrol and pay the full course fee to sit the next available examinations.

Q Can I defer my studies?

A - You may defer your examinations for up to one year.  If you wish to defer you must complete a deferral application form and send it to us by 31 March for the June examinations and by 31 August for the November examinations.  You may only defer an examination paper once and you must still complete the Certificate programme within the two year time limit.  You will be required to pay a fee for each paper you defer.

Q What happens if I need to withdraw from the Certificate programme?

A - We recognise that a change of circumstances may mean that a student has to withdraw from their course of study.  A refund of the fees paid less an administration charge of £250 will be made if written notice is received by the Institute before the close of the enrolment period.  No refunds are permitted after the enrolment closing date.