FAQ

This Frequently Asked Questions section covers most of the questions you may come across during your consideration of enrolling the Professional programmes and membership of The Institute of Crisis and Risk Management (ICRM). You can find our contacts, which are listed near the end of this page, if you need further assistance.

What are the professional designations?
Established in 2001 by The Institute of Crisis and Risk Management, the different professional designations' programmes, are a graduate-level, lecturing curriculum and professional assessment program for business crisis and risk management expert/ consultants / specialists. It sets the global standard for professional management knowledge, skills, practices and standards across the entire business community.

Who should enroll?
The programmes are designed for individuals and teams in all sectors with active roles in promoting business growth and sustaining results. The diversity of professional experience and geography in the classroom will enhance the learning experience for all participants, whom will benefit from the opportunity to develop working case studies about their own charters and receive feedback utilizing the combined experience of the programme's participants.　

The different professional programmes are designed for management and/or related professionals/advisors/business consultants who wish to take business challenges in future. Other interested professional bodies or specialists can take the different modules or programmes not only to broaden their knowledge and skills, but also to increase their core competencies for career education and professional development.　

What is the mode of teaching?
Classes are generally held outside office hours. Please refer to ad about the time schedule for details. Students are required to attend at least 80% of the scheduled lessons. In addition, students are strongly advised to undertake private study, some of which will required research on the internet.

How would I benefit?
The credential of the professional programmes will serve as a "Professional Passport" into the business, risk and crisis management sector, and play a key role in the process of business / management decision-making. It tells clients, employers and colleagues that the holder of the professional designation and certification has mastered a rigorous curriculum covering a broad range of risk management and crisis, and business related topics and is committed to the highest ethical standards in the profession.

What is the assessment structure?
The professional examination and assessment is generally about 3 hour in duration. Some modules are composed of multiple-choice questions. The last module of professional code of conduct and business ethics is compulsory for all participants. This module will either have the essay writing and/or multiple-choice question. Participants need to submit a practical projects (individual/group project) for continuous assessment.. Examination results are reported as "pass "or "fail." Candidates who fail the assessment are encouraged to repeat the level or resit the assessment after a lapse of three months or next intake.


A. Entry Requirements

Do I need any academic qualifications to study at different programmes such as the "CRP, CCC, CST, CPM" programme?
In general, you should have a professional diploma or college degree or possess the professional qualification, and with 3 years of working experience in the management position. Mature applicants beyond the age of 21, with extensive working experience, or the application is recommended by his/her employer will also be considered on the individual basis. If any interested applicants are likely to benefit from the programme and to complete it successfully, they may also apply. In general, you do not need to have any pre-requisite knowledge in the programme. Some previous work experience is an advantage..

What are the criteria for entry?
You MUST be 21 years of age or above. Overseas applicants should note that the course is not yet available for them. The medium of language is Cantonese. The teaching notes are in English.

Admission to the programmes are competitive and are based on professional achievement and organizational responsibility. Because of the interactive nature of the programmes, the number of participants is limited. Early application is encouraged as qualified candidates are admitted on a rolling, space available basis and programmes often fill quickly. Applications received after the cutoff date will be considered only if space remained in the class.

B. Programme Offered

What programmes are on offer?
The ICRM offers the different programme leading to the professional designation of "Certified Risk Planner (CRP), Certified Crisis Consultant (CCC), Certified Continuity Planner (CCP), Certified Security Trainer (CST), and Certified Professional Mediator (CPM)". For details of the specific programme, please contact the Institute or designated course providers directly by email.

Can I select the best preferred module of study to suit my particular needs?
No. First of all, you may study all module in the different professional programmes. These programme offer applicants the opportunity to follow the designed sequences of the module of studies within the framework of "Professional Curriculum and Learning Path" of the programme. For further information and advice, an application form requesting ICRM professional support is available for you to download from website or by sending your request to the Office.

Can I change my intended module of study, for example, changing from a specific module to another module during my study in any Programme?
No. You should be aware, however, that when you change your study from one module to another, you must pass all modules and satisfy with professional "certification and assessment" regulations and requirements before obtaining the professional designation such as CRP, CCC, CCP, CST, or CPM. Prior approval should be sought before the commencement of each module.

C. Modules Selection

What modules can I study?
You are strongly encouraged to study all module after making your registration in the specific "professional" programme. The medium of instruction is Cantonese and/or English; and training notes will be in English. For details, please refer to the course contents.

How long will a course last?
Each module lasts for about 3 to 6 hours for tutorial session, 6 hours for individual/group projects, and 3 hours for assessment or examination. The programme will be held at different intervals at different academic and /or educational institutions. Under normal circumstances. the duration of professional programme is about 30+ ~ 80 hours. Written notice of schedules will be notified to the applicants accordingly.

How do I know if I am capable of studying a specific modules?
You can submit your application for study to our Institute or by sending your request to the Institute. For other details, please refer to the admission criteria as organized by the course providers.

How do I decide what modules to study?
If you are a new applicant, we advise you to start with a module as arranged by the Institute/course provider, which is designed to introduce you to study and establish good study patterns. Most of the course materials will be tailor-made for the applicant, and set books or reading materials are recommended for reference upon registration, if practicable.

D. Study Load

How much time will I need to spend on study?
On average, most "professional Certificate programmes'" applicants are expected to spend, in general, between 30 to 40 teaching hours for all modules. In diploma, the teaching hours will be about 60+ hours. Applicants are strongly encouraged to have sufficient hours for self-study and revision.

Do I have to pass the module I have enrolled before I move on to studying another module?
In general, No. But you should arrange your own time for self-study and achieved the minimum "pass" result in all modules before going through the process of professional designations and certification. You should also note that the last module - business or professional ethics, or the designated module requires mandatory successful completion of this module to qualify for a "professional" designation.

E. Assessment and Certification

When will I sit for the professional assessment and certification?
You will expect to sit your "professional assessment and certification depending on whether you are able to complete all modules, mid-term and/or final projects then. The programme comprises time constrained written papers which are either set and marked by the course providers, or appointed examiners and markers or by local lecturers and fully moderated by the course providers. Timetable will be announced during registration of each intake.

F. Study Period

How long does it take for me to get a professional designation?
For tutorial class, if you study of the programme for the maximum of six modules within the designated period, the approximate time for you to obtain a certificate and professional designation may be about 30+ hours, and a diploma and professional designation may be about 60+ hours . In general, you are expected to study between 10-15 hours for each module. The contents of the module are comprehensive and require further reading on the training materials.

Do I have to complete the whole program?
Yes. The advantages of professional program allow you to set your own objectives and goals. If you are not aimed at obtaining the specific designation, it is your choice to select individual module for self-learning, training or career development.

G. Support Services

How will I study?
Applicants will receive packages containing specially structured and tailor-made learning materials such as written texts, cases, worksheet, assignment questions and other supplementary materials. If practicable, the ICRM also makes use of other media, such as video and audio programmes, computer software, CD-ROMS, etc. as well as other electronic components/internet resources to enrich applicants' learning experience.

Where can I study?
Please refer to the brochure and ad of the course providers. In general, the ICRM provides the most flexible mode of evening/day study. With the availability of the online / integrated learning facilities in future, you may also study at home, your place of work, public libraries or even during your business trips.

Will I meet other applicants when I study at the professional programmes?
Yes. You have opportunities to meet the fellow members of your tutorial group by attending tutorials sessions. Some applicants get together as self-help groups in their homes, the public library, or other convenient locations.

H. Tuition Fee

How much will a program cost?
Programme fees reflect the operating costs of the individual modules. Please refer the details of the brochure and ad of the course providers or on our website. The ICRM and/or the course provider reserves the right to cancel a programme and make alterations in relation to its guest speakers, lecturers, contents, dates, time, and venue without prior notification. Graduates needs to pay extra fees for the certification, designation and membership.

Can I have any discount of tuition fee, if I am 65 years old?
Yes. If you are an elderly person aged 65 or above holding a Senior Citizen Card, the ICRM will offer you a 30% or special discount on the tuition fees. For those who have some compassionate grounds or financial difficulties, please contact us for special consideration and arrangements.

I. Accreditation

Will the CRP designation be recognized?
ICRM has been linked up with different academic institutions or universities, and professional assoiciations for organizing this professional programme and to validate its own modules on a self-accreditation basis. In general, certain modules/program may carry exemptions from the examination requirements of professional associations or academic tertiary institutions.

For example, the professional programme of Certified Risk Planner and its designation of CRP is widely accepted and recognized by different academic institutions and/or professional associations in Hong Kong, and CPM in European Association. It is considered to be a trend for individual employers and/or organizations to recognize this designation as a guarantee of their aspiration in pursuit of best practice business crisis and risk and other-related management. It is also a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognize of CRP, CCP, CCC, CST, CPM or other professional certifications or qualifications to which this professional designation may lead".

J. Advanced Standing

Do you count my previous qualifications when I study for a programme?
Yes. Successful completion of programme at the professional certificate level may be counted towards your professional certification. Applicants may apply for module exemptions based on prior learning and, where necessary, prior experience, and professional qualification. If you possess a qualification eligible for exemption, you are strongly advised to submit more detailed information and document (transcript, course curriculum, and contents) to the Institute for assessment before the commencement of the course.

K. Study Abroad

Can I study a selected modules, or other programmes in a place other than Hong Kong?
The modules or other programmes do not limit the location where you start your self-study and interest but for administrative purpose, you should provide us with a Hong Kong address for correspondence. For some programme, tutorial attendance is not compulsory. While assignments and assessment are compulsory requirements of the programme, you may send your assignments from overseas at your own expense. Some modules will be compulsory for all participants in person for taking the examination. However, the mode of self study is available now but the online examination may NOT be available now.

L. Institutional Module/Programme Transfer

Will I be able to transfer my professional modules or programme to other academic tertiary institutions or universities abroad?
No. You are strongly advised to contact the individual institutions first for more details if you would like to further study of higher degree abroad. The professional designation and academic qualification will have their own standards of recognition, certification, and accreditation.

M. Application Period

When can I start my study for the professional programmes and designations?
The application / certification period for different programmes and designations starts at the regular intervals. Please refer to the details of schedule on the website, or contact the course providers / us by email.

N. More Information

How can I get more information about the courses or other professional programmes or designations?
You may contact us in person or by email to obtain the detailed information, or other programmes / designations and related applications from the Institute or other education Institutions or the course providers or visit our homepage at www.icrmasia.com for such information. You may also call our Information Centre at (852) 3521 0798 for further information; or contact us with email at info@icrmasia.com. The Institute is open for applicants during office hours.