RMIA Certifications

Certification Process

Exam, Fees and CPD Requirements

The certification exams for CPRA (Certified Practising Risk Associate) and CPRM (Certified Practising Risk Manager) are designed to assess your familiarity with the knowledge statements outlined in RMIA’s Risk Management Body of Knowledge (RMBoK).

Both exams are completed online and are administered by GSI Professional Training, ensuring accessibility and convenience for candidates.

  • The CPRA exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 2 hours. To pass, candidates must achieve a score of at least 70% (70 out of 100).

  • The CPRM exam includes 150 multiple-choice questions and allows 3 hours for completion. A minimum score of 70% (105 out of 150) is required to pass.

Upon successful completion of the exam, the applicant’s certification will be issued.

To maintain certification, applicants must adhere to RMIA's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirements. Certified members are required to:

  • Achieve a minimum of 20 CPD points in any 12-month cycle from their membership anniversary date.

  • Accumulate at least 60 CPD points within the 36-month verification cycle.

There is also an annual renewal fee associated with maintaining certification. For CPRA, the fee is $150, while CPRM has an annual fee of $330. These fees are pro-rated to align with the applicant’s RMIA membership cycle.

Eligibility for CPRA and CPRM Certification

RMIA certification recognises the combination of professional experience, education and demonstrated capability required to practise effectively as a risk professional. 

Applications are assessed through a holistic review of an applicant's qualifications, professional development, risk management experience, leadership responsibilities, and supporting evidence.  

RMIA Education and Professional Development 

RMIA's education programs are designed to support certification candidates and provide comprehensive coverage of the knowledge and practice areas assessed through the application and examination process. Completing RMIA education can strengthen your application and support your preparation for the certification examination. 

  • Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Course
    RMIA's Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Course provides a practical and comprehensive foundation in contemporary risk management practice. It is aligned with relevant ISO standards and the RMIA Risk Management Body of Knowledge (RMBoK), covering the core concepts and competencies expected of certified risk professionals. 

  • CPRA and CPRM Learning Bundles
    The CPRA and CPRM Learning Bundles provide flexible, self-paced learning through RMIA's On-Demand Learning Hub. They are designed to help candidates develop their knowledge and prepare for the certification examination. 

Recommended preparation

While not mandatory, completion of the RMIA Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Course or the relevant CPRA or CPRM Learning Bundle is strongly recommended to support certification readiness and examination success. 

Other Education and Professional Qualifications 

The Educational Working Group (EWG) also considers relevant external education, qualifications and professional credentials as part of the certification assessment process. 

Examples may include: 

  • University and postgraduate qualifications 

  • Professional certifications and industry credentials 

  • Other relevant risk management education and training 

Applicants should include evidence of relevant qualifications, certifications and professional development activities with their application. 

Professional Experience 

Applicants are expected to demonstrate risk management experience appropriate to the certification level sought. 

As part of the assessment process, applicants should demonstrate the practical application of risk management principles across the six RMIA Risk Management Body of Knowledge (RMBoK) domains. Experience may be drawn from a range of professional roles, industries and organisational settings. 

  1. Communication and Consultation
    Engaging and influencing stakeholders, communicating risk information effectively, supporting decision-making and facilitating consultation throughout the risk management process. 

  2. Establishing the Context
    Understanding organisational objectives, governance environments, regulatory obligations, strategic priorities and the broader context in which risk management activities occur. 

  3. Risk Assessment
    Applying structured approaches to risk identification, analysis, evaluation and prioritisation, including consideration of risk appetite, controls and emerging risks. 

  4. Risk Treatment
    Developing, implementing and monitoring risk treatment strategies, including allocating responsibilities, managing residual risk and evaluating treatment effectiveness. 

  5. Monitoring and Review
    Monitoring risk environments, reviewing the effectiveness of controls and risk treatments, supporting assurance activities, and reporting on risk performance and emerging issues. 

  6. Governance
    Contributing to or leading risk governance activities, including developing risk frameworks, policies, risk appetite approaches, risk reporting and organisational accountability. 

Professional experience is considered alongside education, professional development and supporting evidence as part of the overall certification assessment. Applicants should demonstrate practical experience across the RMBoK domains at a level appropriate to the certification sought. 

Assessment by the Educational Working Group 

All applications are reviewed by RMIA's Educational Working Group (EWG), which assesses each applicant's education, experience, professional capability and supporting evidence against the requirements of the certification level sought. 

As part of the assessment process, the EWG may: 

  • Request additional information or supporting documentation 

  • Seek clarification about qualifications or professional experience 

  • Meet with an applicant where further discussion is required 

  • Recommend additional learning or professional development 

  • Recommend an alternative certification level where appropriate 

The EWG determines an applicant's eligibility to proceed to the examination based on the totality of evidence provided. 

Certification Process 

Step 1: Become an RMIA Member 

Current financial membership of RMIA is a prerequisite for certification. If you are not already a member, you must join RMIA before submitting your certification application. 

Step 2: Gather the prerequisite documents 

Details outlined in the specific certification page.
The level of certification is based on the years of risk experience.

  • CPRA, “Applying Risk” – 2-5 years, practitioner

  • CPRM, “Leading Risk” – 5+ years, manager/leader

  • CCRO, “Shaping Governance” - Executive level, executive/industry leader

Step 3: Submit Your Application 

Complete the relevant certification application form and submit all mandatory supporting documentation. 

Supporting documentation may include: 

  • A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) or resume 

  • A professional summary or cover letter 

  • Education qualifications and transcripts 

  • Professional certifications and credentials 

  • Referee verifications 

  • Other evidence relevant to the application 

An application fee applies. Once approved, your application remains valid for 12 months. 

Step 4: Educational Working Group Review 

The EWG reviews your application and assesses your qualifications, professional development, experience and supporting evidence against the certification requirements. The review process typically takes up to four weeks from lodgement to outcome. 

Step 5: Approval to Sit the Examination 

If your application is approved, you will be eligible to sit the certification examination. You may then advise RMIA when you are ready to be registered. Your approved application remains valid for 12 months from the date of approval. 

Step 6: Complete the Examination 

Following registration, you will receive access to the online examination portal and have up to three months to complete the examination. The examination is based on the RMIA Risk Management Body of Knowledge (RMBoK) and is administered online. 

Step 7: Achieve Certification 

If you successfully complete the examination, you will be awarded the relevant RMIA certification and may use the corresponding post-nominals. 

Step 8: Maintain Your Certification 

Certified members must continue their professional development and meet RMIA's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements. This currently includes a minimum of 20 CPD points each membership year and 60 CPD points over a three-year verification cycle.