How frequently do the Diploma exams take place?

The Diploma examinations currently take place once a year in the first full week of June.

Why do the Diploma examinations take place once a year, whereas the Certificate exams take place twice a year?

The Institute presently does not have the infrastructure or network of examiners to administer two sessions of Diploma examinations a year. However, it is the intention over the next few years for IRM to initially provide Diploma students a re-take opportunity during the winter examinations.  

Where are examinations taken?

IRM has an extensive list of examination centres throughout the world. Please see here.

When do I receive details about where and when I take my exams?

The Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) administer the examination centres on behalf of the IRM. UK Students will receive their admission slip, providing details of exam centre location and timings at least 2 weeks before the exams, and overseas students will receive their details at least 4 weeks prior to the examinations.

What are special centres?

In circumstances where a preferred exam centre is not available, students may apply to set up a special centre by completing the special centre application form. This option is only available to overseas students.

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

Students who choose to set up and take their exams at a special centre are required to pay any local supplementary charges. It is the student's responsibility to liaise with the centre and pay all fees directly to the centre.  

How do I apply for a special centre?

To attend a special centre, candidates must download the special centre application form from IRM’s website and attach it to their diploma application form on registration.  

Why should I take the International Diploma in risk management?

IRM recognises that competent risk management professionals need not only a thorough knowledge of their subject, but also skills, and specifically the skills needed to implement risk management in a practical setting, which in turn enhance career portability and personal status and reward.

The Diploma involves not merely the acquisition of knowledge, but the ability to apply this knowledge critically to organisational risk management challenges.

Successful completion of the Diploma enables students to apply for membership as an indication of their achievement and new professional standing which allows them to use the Institute’s designatory letters.

When can I register for the Diploma?

Registration is between 1 October and 31 December. Prospective students can, however, join the Institute at any time during the year, but cannot obtain access to learning materials until 1 October.

How much does it cost to take the Diploma?

As an estimate, it costs £3500 - £4000 to complete the programme, spread over however many years it takes you to obtain the qualification. The pricing structure is as follows:

• One-off admission fee
• Annual student subscription
• Module fee
• Online resources fee

The actual fees are available from the diploma application form and from the fees page on the website. 

Can I pay the fees by instalments?

The Institute requires all payments for the current academic year to be made by the closing date of registration. Students who have difficulty in paying their fees should contact IRM’s education team prior to 14 December to discuss their circumstances.

Does IRM offer any sponsorship schemes?

As a not for profit organisation, there are no sponsorship schemes provided by the Institute. 

How long does it take to complete the qualification?

Most students should complete the Diploma between 3 and 5 years. This will of course depend on previous risk management knowledge, work and personal commitments, and experience of studying by distance learning. 

What is the maximum time limit given to complete the Diploma?

The maximum timeframe to complete the Diploma is 8 years. 

How much time is required to study a diploma module?          

As a guide, each module for levels 1 and 2 will take approximately 120 – 150 hours. Again, this is dependent upon previous knowledge and experience.

What is the structure for the Diploma?

The Diploma takes students through a structured three level learning process.

Level 1: Five core modules, covering key concepts and tools used in enterprise wide or integrated risk management. These include:

Principles of Risk – covering the background to risk management

Risk and Organisations – examples of how risk affects different organisations

Risk Decisions – techniques for risk and decision analysis

Risk Leadership – risk programme development including governance and ethics

Risk Solutions – practical solutions to risk issues including risk control, risk financing, business continuity and project risk management

Level 2: Specialisms aimed at developing knowledge in specific fields of risk management. Modules will be phased in from October 2008, including:

Level 3: is a practical assessment, designed to test the skills, knowledge and ability to critically appraise what has been learnt in Levels 1 and 2.

How is the Diploma assessed?

Each module for levels 1 and 2 is assessed by a three hour written examination. Level 3 is assessed by an 8000 word practical assignment, which can be relevant to students’ own role and environment.

You must study all Level 1 modules in sequential order. Students will need to complete Level 1 and 2 prior to moving onto Level 3.

How long do students have to complete the assignment?

Once students have obtained approval on their proposed topic from IRM, they have 6 months to complete and submit their assignment. 

Do students receive a certificate of completion?

Successful students will receive a certificate of completion along with their final set of examination results. However, students are strongly encouraged to apply for Institute membership as an indication of their achievement and new professional standing. This allows them to use the designatory letters MIRM.

When will I receive my results?

Exam results will be sent by post by the end of the first week of September. IRM are looking at providing results online and further information will be available in due course.   

When will the specialist modules be available?  

The specialist modules are to be progressively launched from October 2008. Confirmation on which modules will be available from 1 October 2008 will be posted on IRM’s website by the end of 2007.  

Can Diploma modules be taken on a stand-alone basis for the purpose of continuous professional development?

Yes, all core and specialist modules can be taken on a stand alone basis. Please complete and return the Diploma application form indicating which module you wish to complete by the closing date of registration.

Is it possible to postpone my examinations to the next available sitting?

Students wishing to defer their examinations to the following examination session may do so but MUST advise the IRM in writing before 1 March. Under no circumstances will such requests be considered after 1 March.

Students may apply to defer taking examinations for up to one year. Where an application for deferral is successful, students must pay the difference in fees between those paid and the fees due the following year.

What happens if I don’t attend my examinations?

If, after payment, a student withdraws or fails to attend the exam on the day, no part of the fees will be refunded or transferred to the next academic year unless there are extenuating circumstances agreed by IRM. In cases of extenuating circumstances, deferral requests MUST be received in writing together with supporting documentary evidence at least one week in advance of the examination.  

What does IRM recognise as acceptable and non-acceptable reasons for deferment?

All applications are subject to individual review by IRM and students applying for deferment MUST produce evidence of the reason for the request. The Institute’s decision is final and there is no appeal process.

Acceptable reasons for deferment:

• Death, serious illness or major non-cosmetic medical operation, either of the student or a close family member. Close family members are defined as partners, children, siblings, parents or grandparents only. Evidence to be supplied would normally be a death certificate, doctor’s letter or hospital appointment letter
• Military or Jury service
• War, riot or civil insurrection

Non-acceptable reasons for deferment:

• Work and travel commitments
• Holidays
• Weddings
• Moving home
• Childcare
• Travel disruption

Requests for deferments without supporting evidence will NOT be considered.

What support do students receive whilst studying for the Diploma?

IRM supports its students through a comprehensive package, including:

• Diploma module handbooks
• Online learning materials
• Online module discussion boards
• Access to module examiners
• Practice examination questions
• Past examination papers
• Optional Diploma workshops and taught support
• Local voluntary study groups

When will taught support for the Diploma be available?

The Institute does not currently offer classroom based taught support to students. The Institute is however, in the process of developing a policy to work with universities in offering such an option, but this is not likely to be available until 2009.

Can I change my examination centre?

Any requests to change examination centres must be received no later than 1 March. After this date, students will be required to sit at the original centre chosen. Please note there is a fee payable to change examination centres.

What if I require special arrangements for the Diploma examinations?

Students who require any special arrangements must inform IRM’s education team no later than 1 March. If appropriate, students may be required to provide evidence, on which they are basing their request.

What if I’m not happy with my examination mark?

IRM aims to ensure all assessments are marked fairly, consistently and accurately, and that results of assessments are based on valid judgements. However, on occasion, IRM recognises that students who are not happy with their examination mark may wish to appeal against a result given. Details of the Institute’s appeals process and how to appeal can be found in the Guidance Information for Students.

Am I able to receive feedback on my performance in the examination?

IRM offers a feedback report service to Students who achieve a Fail or Marginal Fail. Students can pay a fee of £40 to receive feedback on their examination script. This service is NOT available for those who achieve a pass, merit or distinction. All requests MUST be sent in writing, together with the fee.

Can I have access to my examination script under the Data Protection Act?
IRM’s policy is consistent with the Data Protection Act 1998, under which awarding bodies are not legally obliged to provide access to examination scripts.  

Schedule 7 Paragraph 9 of the Data Protection Act states that “personal data consisting of information recorded by students during an academic, professional or other examination are exempt”.
‘Examination’ is defined under the Act as including “any process for determining the knowledge, intelligence, skill or ability of a candidate by reference to his performance in any test, work or other activity”.

I would like to see my script to see what comments have been made by the examiner to gain feedback on my performance.

Examiners mark scripts according to IRM’s defined criteria.  Marked examination scripts do not contain information or comments on where students might have made improvements.

I would like to see my examination script as the result I achieved does not match my expectations.
If you believe the fail or marginal fail you achieved does not reasonably meet your expectations, you can formally request an appeal against the result. The request must be received by IRM within 14 working days of receipt of your results. The full appeals process can be found in the Guidance Information for Students.

How can I pay my Diploma fees?

All fees can be paid by cheque, credit card, BACS and bank draft or an invoice can be requested.

All fees MUST be received by the closing date of registration, otherwise students will not be entered for the examinations or receive access to the online student support and learning materials.

What are IRM’s payment terms?

IRM’s standard policy is that payment should be paid within 14 working days of receipt of an invoice. If your employer is sponsoring you through the Diploma and their terms of payment are longer than 14 days, it is your responsibility to ensure payment is received by the closing date of registration. Therefore invoices cannot be requested after 14 December if payment is to be received by 31 December.

Can I apply for exemptions from the Diploma?

Candidates who believe they have previously studied part or all of the Diploma syllabus may apply for exemptions. Please see the exemptions process in the Guidance Information for Students and the application form for further details which can be found on IRM’s website.