NFPA, DRI Offering Disaster, Emergency Management Auditor Certifications
August 7, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRI) created a certification program to audit disaster/emergency management and business continuity programs against existing standards and regulations.
Certification levels will include Certified Business Continuity Auditor (CBCA) and Certified Business Continuity Lead Auditor (CBCLA).
NFPA and DRI teamed to create an interactive certification program that is designed to provide training, tools and hands-on experience.
Through the program, participants will be able to apply the components of disaster/emergency management and business continuity; the standards, laws and regulations; and the process of risk assessment, vulnerability analysis, loss prevention and risk mitigation.
Participants will also develop, implement, test and maintain their plans and procedures, according to the NFPA.
Course materials provide information about existing legal and regulatory requirements by industry and country, as well as emerging requirements, including NFPA 1600 Standard for Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity and DRI International's professional practices, financial services, insurance, health care, utilities and public sector guidelines, among others.
In addition, details are given about the processes by which disaster/emergency management and business continuity programs are initiated, with an eye toward corporate governance, policy and procedures.
At the end of the course, a new qualifying examination is conducted and individuals who pass will be eligible to apply for certification as a CBCA or CBCLA.
The certification level (CBCA or CBCLA) will be granted based upon the amount of demonstrated audit experience of the applicant. Those seeking the CBCLA designation will be required to provide references to verify they have at least five years of active audit experience, according to the NFPA.
The certification will be granted by DRI International.
"Education is the key to success for professionals working in environments where they are expected to be well-versed in the ever-growing set of regulatory requirements, laws and standards," said Al Berman, DRI International's executive director.
"This certification gives participants the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in helping entities assess their preparedness programs, which is something that is increasingly needed."
Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).