A Competency-Based Certification
Our Competency-Based Certification is designed for seasoned professionals who have demonstrated their expertise through hands-on experience. Unlike traditional, exam-only certifications, this process focuses on evaluating your practical skills, experience, and accomplishments in various business resiliency disciplines.
How this works:
1) Pick your Certification
Choose from one of the certifications we offer. Your certification advisor will provide you with an application pack.
2) Submit Your CV
Highlight your skills and your experience in business resiliency domains.
3) Answer Competency-Based Questions
Provide responses to competency questions that showcase your practical skills, critical thinking, and decision-making.
4) Board Review
A panel of industry experts evaluates your CV and responses to assess your depth of experience and leadership capability.
5) Earn Your Certification
Upon successful completion, you’ll receive your certification, recognizing your proven expertise.
Certified Specialist in Crisis Management (CSCM)
Competencies Required:
Technical Skills
- Crisis Framework Knowledge: Understanding the full crisis lifecycle, including preparedness, response, recovery, and post-crisis evaluation.
- Risk Assessment: Ability to identify, evaluate, and prioritize risks that could escalate into crises.
- Crisis Communication: Expertise in crafting clear, effective messaging for stakeholders during high-pressure situations.
- Scenario Planning: Proficiency in designing, conducting, and analyzing crisis simulation exercises.
Soft Skills
- Leadership Under Pressure: Ability to lead teams and inspire confidence during high-stress scenarios.
- Quick Decision-Making: Making sound decisions with limited information and time.
- Conflict Resolution: Navigating and resolving disagreements within teams or with external stakeholders during crises.
- Emotional Intelligence: Staying composed, managing stress, and guiding others effectively.
Certified Specialist in Cyber Resilience (CSCR)
Competencies Required:
Technical Skills
- Threat Awareness: Understanding cyber risks, attack vectors, and emerging threat landscapes.
- Risk Mitigation Planning: Designing and implementing practical measures to minimize cyber risks.
- Incident Response Expertise: Creating and executing response plans tailored to organizational needs.
- Systems and Tools Knowledge: Familiarity with cybersecurity tools (e.g., firewalls, intrusion detection systems, backup solutions).
Soft Skills
- Analytical Thinking: Assessing complex technical situations and determining the best course of action.
- Collaboration: Working across IT, security, and business teams to coordinate cyber resilience efforts.
- Effective Communication: Translating technical risks into actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
- Adaptability: Responding to rapidly evolving cyber threats with flexibility and focus.
Certified Specialist in Operational Resilience (CSOR)
Competencies Required:
Technical Skills
- Regulatory Knowledge: Deep understanding of operational resilience regulations like DORA, FCA/PRA guidelines, and similar frameworks. (Note: This can be tailored to your industry and region)
- Critical Service Mapping: Identifying key business services, their dependencies, and potential vulnerabilities.
- Testing and Monitoring: Designing meaningful tests to evaluate resilience and interpreting results for improvement.
- Framework Implementation: Translating regulatory requirements into operational strategies that work.
Soft Skills
- Strategic Planning: Aligning operational resilience goals with broader business objectives.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Gaining buy-in from executives, regulators, and teams for resilience initiatives.
- Attention to Detail: Ensuring compliance with complex and evolving regulatory requirements.
- Problem-Solving: Addressing gaps and challenges in resilience frameworks effectively.
Certified Specialist in Business Continuity (CSBC)
Competencies Required:
Technical Skills
- Continuity Planning: Developing and maintaining robust business continuity frameworks tailored to organizational needs.
- Business Impact Analysis (BIA): Identifying critical processes, resources, and interdependencies.
- Testing and Maintenance: Designing exercises to test plans and refine them based on real-world feedback.
- Resource Allocation: Planning for personnel, technology, and financial resources needed for continuity.
Soft Skills
- Crisis Communication: Clearly conveying plans and updates to internal and external stakeholders during disruptions.
- Collaboration: Coordinating cross-departmental efforts to ensure alignment in continuity strategies.
- Problem-Solving: Finding creative workarounds for challenges that arise during disruptions.
- Resilience Mindset: Cultivating a proactive approach to identifying and addressing risks.
Certified Specialist in Disaster Recovery (CSDR)
Competencies Required
Technical Skills
- Disaster Recovery Frameworks: Understanding industry-standard frameworks, such as ISO 22301, and their practical applications.
- Recovery Objectives: Establishing Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs) aligned with business priorities.
- System Mapping: Identifying and documenting critical systems, applications, and interdependencies.
- Backup and Restoration: Designing and managing robust backup systems and testing restoration processes.
- Disaster Recovery Testing: Planning, conducting, and evaluating disaster recovery exercises to identify gaps and improve readiness.
Soft Skills
- Strategic Planning: Aligning disaster recovery strategies with organizational goals and risk appetite.
- Collaboration: Coordinating with IT, business units, and external vendors to implement effective recovery plans.
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing recovery scenarios to identify risks and develop actionable solutions.
- Communication Skills: Articulating disaster recovery plans and updates to stakeholders, including technical and non-technical audiences.
- Resilience Mindset: Cultivating a proactive approach to anticipate and address potential disruptions.
Certified Specialist in Supply Chain Resilience (CSSR)
Competencies Required
Technical Skills
- Supply Chain Mapping: Identifying and analyzing dependencies, critical suppliers, and potential bottlenecks.
- Risk Assessment: Evaluating vulnerabilities within the supply chain and implementing proactive mitigation strategies.
- Contingency Planning: Developing alternative sourcing, transportation, and logistics plans to address disruptions.
- Supplier Management: Building robust relationships with suppliers and establishing performance benchmarks.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: Leveraging tools and analytics to monitor and respond to real-time supply chain risks.
Soft Skills
- Strategic Thinking: Aligning supply chain resilience strategies with overall business objectives.
- Collaboration and Negotiation: Working effectively with internal teams, external suppliers, and logistics providers.
- Communication Skills: Articulating risks and contingency plans to stakeholders at all levels.
- Problem-Solving: Developing creative solutions to navigate unforeseen disruptions.
- Leadership in Uncertainty: Guiding teams and suppliers through crisis situations with confidence and clarity.
Certified Specialist in Third Party Risk Management (CSTP)
Competencies Required
Technical Skills
- Third-Party Risk Assessment: Identifying, evaluating, and categorizing risks across your vendor portfolio.
- Due Diligence Processes: Conducting pre-contract assessments and ongoing evaluations of third-party performance.
- Compliance Expertise: Understanding regulatory requirements related to vendor management, such as GDPR, ISO 27001, and SOC 2.
- Contractual Risk Mitigation: Drafting and negotiating contracts with clear performance and risk mitigation clauses.
- Vendor Monitoring: Using tools and analytics to track vendor performance and flag potential risks in real time.
Soft Skills
- Stakeholder Communication: Articulating third-party risks and strategies to senior management and teams.
- Relationship Management: Building trust and collaboration with vendors to strengthen partnerships.
- Critical Thinking: Balancing the benefits of outsourcing with the associated risks.
- Problem-Solving: Addressing vendor-related issues proactively to prevent disruption.
- Negotiation Skills: Ensuring agreements align with organizational objectives while mitigating potential risks.
Certified Specialist in Scenario Testing (CSST)
Competencies Required
Technical Skills
- Scenario Development: Designing realistic and comprehensive scenarios tailored to specific risks and operational contexts.
- Testing Frameworks: Understanding best practices and methodologies for structuring scenario-based tests.
- Impact Analysis: Evaluating test outcomes to identify gaps, assess impacts, and prioritize corrective actions.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring scenario testing aligns with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Report Writing: Documenting test results, findings, and actionable recommendations clearly and effectively.
Soft Skills
- Facilitation Skills: Leading and coordinating testing exercises with cross-functional teams.
- Critical Thinking: Analyzing complex test outcomes to derive meaningful insights.
- Collaboration: Engaging with stakeholders to ensure alignment and buy-in for testing initiatives.
- Communication Skills: Articulating testing goals, results, and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Adaptability: Adjusting scenarios dynamically based on test progress and emerging insights.
Certification Pricing
Our fees are straightforward, covering everything you need to complete your certification
—no hidden costs, no surprises.
$450
Application Fee
$0
Initial Certification Fee
$50
Annual Recertification Fee
Earn your Nano-Degree in Business Resilience
The Nano-Degree in Business Resilience is the ultimate recognition of mastery within the ForwardRx certification framework. This distinguished credential is awarded to professionals who have successfully completed all ForwardRx certifications, demonstrating expertise across every critical discipline of business resilience.
Unlike traditional certification tiers that may require additional courses, tests, or fees, the Nano-Degree is a culmination of your journey through the ForwardRx certification path. Once you’ve earned all the ForwardRx certifications, you are eligible to apply for the Nano-Degree—at no additional cost.
The Nano-Degree signifies that you have the comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and strategic vision to guide organizations through uncertainty and ensure their long-term success.
With the Nano-Degree, you are recognized as a professional who can:
- Demonstrate Expertise: Experience in all key areas of business resilience.
- Integrate Strategies: Align diverse resilience disciplines into cohesive, effective programs.
- Inspire Confidence: Be the trusted leader organizations turn to for navigating complex challenges.
- Advance Organizational Success: Build resilience frameworks that enhance adaptability, efficiency, and growth.
Get Certified
Ready to advance your career and master the art of business resilience? Connect with a Certification Advisor today to explore the right path for your goals, discuss your options, and start your journey.
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