[A-5] What is a BCM-8530 ISO 22301 BCMS Lead Auditor Course?

Overview of BCM-8530 ISO 22301 BCMS Lead Auditor Course [A-5]

The ISO 22301 BCMS Lead Auditor blended learning, or 100% online course, is the most advanced level of business continuity management audit training for ISO certification, financial, IT internal and external auditors.

This comprehensive course is equivalent to the international certification of an ISO22301 BCMS Auditor. It applies to regulatory requirements and depends on the participants' host country.

As we return to normal after COVID-19, it is now also offered as "Hybrid Learning", a combination of online (50%) and face-to-face interaction or 50% onsite, allowing busy and interested auditors to study with minimal schedule disruption.

This course is NOT a four-day, hour-by-hour direct conversion course from its brick-and-mortar version but revamped with several guiding principles.

• Complete the course by developing the relevant toolkits for the entire auditing process.
• Built with BCM knowledge, followed by the integration of BCM auditing concepts.
• Attend the remote e-proctored examination while maintaining its integrity. 
• Provide participants with downloadable handbooks and the latest audit program based on the latest ISO22301 update.
• Access to additional audit readings for those who are already experienced
• Facilitated by experienced IT/Financial and ISO22301 BCMS auditors
• Able to conduct the audit via an electronic platform without travelling to another country or state.

Why may IRCA certification be helpful or not?

If you are already ISO-certified or an IRCA-certified auditor with another ISO standard, this would be an excellent course to attend as it focuses on the depth of a typical BCMS audit, which can only be developed from a BCM perspective.   

One challenge is maintaining your IRCA certification, as you have to demonstrate that you have completed several ISO22301 external audits before being re-certified.

To recognise the knowledge acquired from the BCM, you will be awarded the Business Continuity Certified Planner certification.

Here is a quick overview of the course, divided into modules 1 to 4. Module 1 to 4 and their relationship to the 300-400-5000 level courses are explained.

The conduct of each module is described with the corresponding on-site learning outcome.

Course Content & Course Requirement

Below is a snapshot of what you can expect from the program. Each module's syllabus has been carefully crafted to ensure that the outcome matches each day of the BCM-8530 ISO 22301 BCMS Lead Auditor competency level.  

Click the "Course Content" icon to learn more about each module's content (syllabus).  Click the "Course Requirement" icon to determine what you can expect as participants for each module.

Module (Day)	Course Content	Course Requirement

Breakdown of the Time Spent

Module	Mode of Study	Flexible (Hours)	Mandatory & Fixed Timing (Hours)
	E-learning/ Self Study-Pace	8	-
	Facilitated Online Workshop 3 hours of self-study and pre-preparatory work  for the assignment 6 Hours Schedule Online Classes	3	6 (3-hour x 2 separate sessions)
Total Hours	Blended Learning [BL] 0r 100% Online Module 1 and 2  Note that participants attending Hybrid Learning [HL] will attend the same BL Module 1 and Module 2	11	6

Module 3 and 4 Can Be Offered at Blended Learning (Online) or Hybrid Learning (Onsite)

	[BL] Web Training and Discussion Workshop (2 Hours Self Study + 3-Hour Schedule Online Classes)	Two sessions	6 (3-hour x 2 separate sessions)
	[BL] Web Training and Discussion Workshop (2 Hours Self Study + 2 Hours Schedule Online Classes)	Two sessions	6 (3-hour x 2 separate sessions)
Total  Hours	Blended Learning [BL] 100% Online Modules 3 and 4	Four 3-hour sessions	18
	[HL] Onsite face-to-face Workshop	1-day onsite	8
	[HL] Onsite face-to-face Workshop	1-day onsite	8
Total Hours	Hybrid Learning [HL] Onsite Day 3 and Day 4	2-day onsite	16
	BCCLA Qualifying Examination for Business Continuity Certified Lead Auditor  (after A-5 course)	-	3 and 1/2 hour
	BCCA Qualifying Examination for Business Continuity Certified Auditor (after A-3 course)	-	2 and 1/2 hour

What are the Differences and Concerns?

The primary concern with blended learning (100% online) is that it will be another E-Learning training over a video channel.  Note that Module 1 is to ground your knowledge on business continuity management, and Module 2 will be to understand how to audit a BCM program or an ISO 22301 BCM System.

if the course is "Hybrid Learning" or 50% online and 50% On-site, subject to it being organised in a country.

The entire process is designed such that the content will provide the same outcome with pre-readings provided before the class, preparation of assignments supported by detailed guidance notes, eLearning for learning of fundamentals, and the online "face-to-face" is for sharing and elaboration by experienced facilitators.

Instructors: Note that instructors delivering the modules will remain the same as those providing the onsite training.  They have at least 5 to 30 years of BCM and audit-related experience.

International Participation: Another significant change will be the participation of more international delegates compared to the traditional majority of Asian participants. Participants will be expected to discuss and work as teams worldwide.

Readings: More pre-readings should be expected, as the objective is to ensure that knowledge that could be acquired via reading is done outside the training session. More time is allocated to sharing experiences with the participants and facilitators.

Live Audit: Despite being virtual, there is a balance between knowledge-based acquisition activities, presentations, discussions, exercises and case studies. About two-thirds of the time is spent on activity-based learning. A live audit will be conducted. 

Course Schedule

	BCM Audit Course Calendar Learn more about the four "RUNs" for the year
Blended Learning [BL] is entirely online	RUN 1 is quarter 1 of the year, i.e. January to March.	Hybrid Learning [HL] is Modules 1 and 2 online and Modules 3 and 4 onsite.

More Information About Blended Learning Auditing BCMS Courses

BCM Institute offers two levels of BCM auditing courses: A-3 BCM-8030 ISO22301 BCMS Auditor [A-3] and the ISO22301 BCMS Lead Auditor [A-5].

Please feel free to send us a note if you have any questions.

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