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Business Continuity Audit Training from DRI International

   

Did you know that DRI International, the world leader in business continuity education, also offers business continuity audit courses? That's right. Our courses can prepare you to dissect and evaluate business continuity programs for audit. This skill set is invaluable for aspiring auditors, industry consultants, and business continuity professionals who'd like to ensure that their programs can hold up under the audit microscope. And the training is delivered in an exciting learn-by-doing, hands-on format that is as unique as it is effective.

 

First you'll choose a course - one based on the NFPA 1600 "Standard on Disaster/Emergency Management and Business Continuity Programs" or one based on British Standard 25999. In addition to the body of knowledge defined by the standard you selected, the training program includes two modules on auditing. The first module identifies auditing standards and guidance, defines the phases of engagement, engagement planning, performance of the audit, and communicating results.

 

During each stage of the training program, students use a hypothetical case study company to gather information and make determinations about whether the program they are auditing conforms to the standard. Findings are compiled during each exercise. The final module of the training program covers reporting findings and recommendations. The final exercise is the compilation of findings and the presentation of recommendations to the class.

 

You'll also get an audit guide, which is intended to be used when preparing for and conducting an audit, and when reporting audit findings. The audit guide identifies the persons who should be interviewed, documents that should be reviewed, and surveys that should be conducted to gather evidence of conformity to the standard.

 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to audit a business continuity program based on the BS25999 or the NFPA 1600 standard. At the end of the course, you will complete the Audit Examination, which is one of the elements required of those who subsequently plan to apply for audit certification from DRI International.*

 

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

 

* Recognize the elements of a disaster/emergency management and business continuity program as defined by the BS25999 or the NFPA 1600 Business Continuity standard

 

* Apply audit concepts as documented in The Institute of Internal Auditors International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF)

 

* Recall the BC program audit framework

 

* Identify the components of the BS25999 standard or the NFPA 1600 Standard

 

* Audit a preparedness program

 

* Determine conformity of a program to the NFPA 1600 or BS25999 standard

 

Why, Where, and When?

 

Why should you get trained in audit? Audit is more important than ever and mastering this body of knowledge will set you apart. Our audit courses will enhance your skills, knowledge, and abilities - all of which are transferable - and cultivate future career opportunities.

 

Where and when can you take the course? Classes are offered at various times throughout the year and across the country...even around the world.

 

* In addition to taking the course and passing the exam, to apply for Certified Business Continuity Auditor CBCA certification, you must demonstrate, with verifiable references, at least two years of practical experience in Emergency Management, Disaster Recovery, Business Continuity Management or Audit. This experience must have occurred within a ten-year period from your application date. To apply for Certified Business Continuity Lead Auditor (CBCLA) certification, you must possess at least five years of significant audit experience in addition to the requirements listed above.

 

   

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Issue #27August 17, 2012 
Greetings!

 

"No useful moves detected."

 

I'm not much of a game player. I prefer happy birds (although my African Grey, Robirda Johnson does sing the blues). But last night, I couldn't sleep and decided to bore myself with a little cell phone solitaire. And after flipping the cards, that's the message that flashed on the screen: "No useful moves detected."

 

It's a fitting sentiment. I know I usually share a funny story here, but today I just don't have it in me. I lost a friend earlier this week. After a long fight and playing the heck out of the hand he was dealt, Danny died. He was on the transplant list for more than a year, waiting for the life-saving call that just never came. Real life is not like TV medical dramas where doctors who look like models save the day just in the nick of time thanks to a well-timed and well-scripted turn of fate.

 

I watched as Danny's doctors, and his wife of 20 years, came up with plan after plan. They tried everything. Unfortunately, their ultimate plan was dependent on a very iffy supply chain. And that's why I'm telling you his story. You can help. If it's in conflict with your beliefs, I understand and respect that completely. But for those of you who are on the fence or maybe just didn't check the organ donor box on your driver's license, please consider it.

 

Buffy Rojas

DRI International Director of Communications

brojas@drii.org

(610) 792-4802

 

Survey: Americans Ignore Evacuation Orders     


A recent survey from Allstate shows more than one-in-four (27 percent) Americans say they would ignore evacuation orders and wait until absolutely necessary before leaving their home or seeking shelter in the event of an imminent natural disaster.

 

According to the Allstate survey, 21 percent of Americans have had their homes damaged by natural disasters. However, this elevated level of disasters and property damage have not been a call to action for many. Not only are people willing to take their chances with an approaching catastrophe, they may not be as prepared as they should be.

 

Americans' lack of evacuation plans and procedures are a cause for concern. Nearly half (46 percent) of survey respondents say they have not thought about or even discussed an evacuation plan or meeting place away from the home for their family. The majority of Americans (62 percent) also say they have not prepared an emergency kit.

 

For more on the survey and to see Allstate's video report on the findings (which you might want to use in your own awareness and preparedness campaigns), click here.

 

Flick Pick: The Evolution of Disaster

 

Disaster movies are always a good way to get the word out about BCP.  They're high-profile, entertaining, and likely to be seen by many in your organization.  Here's an awesome compilation of cinema crisis with a little bit of history attached.

 

The clip talks about the evolution of disaster movies, which were given new life by new technology - kinda like BCP, huh?  From Charlton Heston to Will Smith and beyond, it's all there, including the fact that many disaster movies were actual box office disasters themselves.

 

CEAPs, Anyone?

 

If you're behind on your CEAPs (Continuing Education Activity Points) or just need a boost to get you started, we want to help you keep your certification in good standing!

 

There are a number of activities for you to earn CEAPs, such as writing for Thrive! (DRI's magazine), having an affiliation with an organization, attending a conference, participating in regular meetings related to DR/BC, etc. Webinars related to DR/BC on the web are also a great and easy way to earn points! Not to mention, we also hosted our own webinar earlier this year titled: "The State of Healthcare and BCM and a New Certification." Watch and listen now to earn one CEAP!

 

Check out our Guidelines for CEAPs for more ideas and to know in which category they should be logged. To submit your points, log into your MyDRI profile and click the "Submit CEAP" button on your dashboard.

 

If you have any questions or need help submitting your points, contact us at info@drii.org or (866) 542-3744.

 

New and Improved Online Courses!

    

We have some exciting news for those of you who may not be able to travel to an instructor-led course or for those looking for a refresher course in any of the professional practice areas. We've just released new and improved online courses!

 

These new online courses follow the same structure as our instructor-led courses, and you can take them at your convenience. Each course includes a mini knowledge-check quiz. After all courses have been purchased and taken, our online qualifying exam is included for free! And just to remind you, once you pass the qualifying exam, you are eligible to apply for certification!

 

In addition to the professional practice courses, we're also offering a "Pandemic Influenza: Building a Continuity Plan" online course which provides an in-depth review and analysis of a specialized methodology that serves the need to prepare businesses for a potential outbreak of pandemic influenza.

 

All of these courses have been integrated to link to your MyDRI profile. Log into your profile and from your Dashboard, click on "Online Course Training" to purchase the courses. Get started on your certification or refresher courses now! If you need help or have specific questions, email us at info@drii.og or call us at 866-542-3744.


Do You Want to Speak at DRI2013?

    

The DRI2013 call for presentations is now open! DRI2013 will be held June 4-7 in Philadelphia, and it'll be even bigger and better than this year's inaugural event. We're looking for timely, innovative topics and case studies. Also, speakers receive a free full-conference pass. Click here to fill out the form and get your session in consideration. The deadline for submissions is August 31.