The Disaster Recovery Institute International (DRII) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting resilience in organizations worldwide. Founded in 1988, DRII has become a leading authority in business continuity and disaster recovery planning, offering a wealth of resources to help organizations prepare for and recover from disruptions1. DRII is also a member of the Disaster Risk Reduction - Private Sector Partnership (DRR-PSP) and has committed to the "5 Essentials for Business in Disaster Risk Reduction"2. This document provides a comprehensive overview of DRII, including its training programs, certifications, and the benefits they offer.
DRII is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access the content offered through their website, www.drii.org1. This commitment reflects DRII's dedication to inclusivity and accessibility for all.
DRII offers a wide range of training programs designed to meet the needs of professionals at all levels of experience. These programs cover various topics, from introductory courses to master-level certifications, and are available in multiple languages and formats1. DRII also provides flexible training options to accommodate different schedules and organizational needs. These options include standard weeklong sessions, specifically selected weekends, one-day business continuity awareness events, and customized programs5.
DRII provides a series of online business continuity courses, BCOE 0100 through 1000, based on the latest version of the DRI Professional Practices for Business Continuity Management. These courses cover essential business continuity management concepts, methodologies, and terminology6. While these courses offer valuable knowledge, they do not include the exercises, activities, or interaction with instructors and classmates found in instructor-led training6.
DRII offers a variety of in-person and online instructor-led courses, including:
DRII also offers a variety of workshops on specific topics, such as:
For those seeking the highest level of certification, DRII offers the Master's Case Study Review. This program challenges participants to apply their knowledge and skills to a hypothetical business continuity planning scenario10. The program consists of 10 problem-solving exercises that cover various aspects of disaster/emergency management and business continuity10.
DRII offers a range of certifications that validate an individual's knowledge and experience in business continuity, cyber resilience, risk management, and related fields11. These certifications are globally accepted and recognized, combining exam success with work experience for enhanced credibility12. They demonstrate a commitment to professional development in the resilience industry.
The CBCP is DRII's flagship certification and the most widely recognized and held business continuity certification in the world. It is designed for professionals who have demonstrated both knowledge and skill in the business continuity/disaster recovery industry. To obtain the CBCP, individuals must meet specific experience requirements, pass a qualifying exam, and complete an online application13.
In addition to the CBCP, DRII offers various other certifications in different categories, such as business continuity, cyber resilience, and risk management. These certifications cater to professionals with varying levels of experience and expertise. For a complete and up-to-date list of certifications, please refer to the DRII website. Some notable certifications include:
|
Certification Name |
Description |
Target Audience |
Experience Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Associate Business Continuity Professional (ABCP) |
Entry-level certification for individuals with limited or no experience in business continuity. |
Individuals new to the field or seeking a foundational understanding of business continuity principles. |
None 14 |
|
Certified Functional Continuity Professional (CFCP) |
Certification for professionals with expertise in a specific area of business continuity, such as IT disaster recovery or crisis communications. |
Individuals with specialized knowledge and experience in a particular business continuity domain. |
Varies depending on the specific functional area. |
|
Master Business Continuity Professional (MBCP) |
The highest level of certification offered by DRII, demonstrating mastery of business continuity principles and practices. |
Experienced business continuity professionals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills. |
Significant experience and successful completion of the Master's Case Study Review. |
|
Certified Cyber Resilience Professional (CCRP) |
Certification for professionals specializing in cyber resilience and the protection of critical infrastructure from cyber threats. |
Individuals involved in cybersecurity, IT risk management, and critical infrastructure protection. |
Varies depending on the specific focus area within cyber resilience. |
|
Certified Risk Management Professional (CRMP) |
Certification for professionals with expertise in risk management principles and practices. |
Individuals involved in identifying, assessing, and mitigating organizational risks. |
Varies depending on the specific risk management domain. |
|
Certified Public Sector Continuity Professional (CPSCP) |
Certification for professionals working in the public sector and responsible for ensuring the continuity of government services. |
Government employees and contractors involved in business continuity and disaster recovery planning for public sector organizations. |
Varies depending on the specific role and responsibilities within the public sector. |
|
Certified Healthcare Continuity Professional (CHPCP) |
Certification for professionals working in the healthcare industry and responsible for ensuring the continuity of patient care and healthcare operations. |
Healthcare professionals involved in business continuity and disaster recovery planning for hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. |
Varies depending on the specific role and responsibilities within the healthcare sector. |
It is important to highlight that individuals with existing DRI certifications can upgrade to higher levels without retaking exams, except for Audit and MBCP certifications. This allows professionals to advance their careers and maintain their certifications more efficiently.
DRII training programs and certifications offer numerous benefits to individuals and organizations:
For Individuals:
For Organizations:
The cost of DRII training programs and certifications varies depending on the program and format. For example, the Pandemic Preparedness for Organizations workshop costs $795 for one day of training7. The Master's Case Study Review - Web-Based Training costs $1,69519. More detailed information on pricing can be found on the DRII website or by contacting their customer care center.
The application and renewal fees for DRII certifications also vary depending on the specific certification and level. For instance, the application fee for the Associate Business Continuity Professional (ABCP) certification is $200, with an annual renewal fee of $175. The Certified Business Continuity Professional (CBCP) certification has an application fee of $400 and an annual renewal fee of $20014.
DRII training programs and certifications have received positive feedback from participants. One reviewer noted that the BCLE 2000 course provides a clear and simple format for presenting DRII's methodology for establishing and maintaining a Business Continuity program16. Another reviewer highlighted the value of DRII certification in demonstrating expertise and professionalism in the field16.
While DRII is a leading provider of business continuity and disaster recovery training and certification, other organizations offer similar programs. These include:
DRII plays a crucial role in fostering organizational resilience by providing individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to prepare for and recover from disruptions. Their comprehensive training programs, globally recognized certifications, and commitment to thought leadership make them a prominent authority in the business continuity and disaster recovery industry.
The increasing importance of cloud computing in disaster recovery highlights the need for professionals to stay abreast of the latest technological advancements and incorporate them into their resilience strategies. DRII's training programs, such as the IT Disaster Recovery Planning workshop, can help professionals gain the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively leverage cloud technologies for disaster recovery.
Furthermore, the growing demand for certified professionals in the resilience industry underscores the value of DRII certifications. These certifications not only validate an individual's expertise but also enhance their career prospects and earning potential. By investing in DRII training and certification, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to resilience, reduce their risk exposure, and improve their overall preparedness for disruptions.
In conclusion, DRII serves as a vital resource for organizations and professionals seeking to navigate the complexities of today's dynamic and interconnected world. Their commitment to excellence in resilience education and certification empowers individuals and organizations to thrive in the face of adversity and ensure continued operations.