Operational Resilience Audit Courses

These operational resilience audit (ORA) courses are designed with BCM professionals operating globally in mind.

Courses are available as Blended Learning (100% Online) as well as Hybrid Learning (50% Online and 50% Onsite) and are divided into three levels of competencies:

At the end of each course, participants would be assessed through assessments and examinations to ascertain his/her level of competency.

They can look forward to receiving an internationally recognised OR certification through any of our OR certification courses.

More Information About Operational Resilience Audit ORA-5000 [ORA-5] or ORA-300 [ORA-3] Course

OR-300 Operational Resilience Implementer [OR-3] course and the OR-5000 Operational Resilience Expert Implementer [OR-5] course.

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Overview of ORA-300 Blended Learning Course

In BCM Institute’s ORA-300 Blended Learning course, the onsite ORA-300 Operational Resilience Auditor two-day course is now conducted in 2 modules (or four compulsory 3-hour sessions) across four weeks.

This course allows potential OR auditors and appointed reviewers of the OR initiative to be grounded on the fundamentals of operational resilience.

This two-module course is offered as the "OR Implementer" or OR-300 in the OR-5000 course.  This OR audit specialist track was the foundation for auditors to advance to OR audit modules 3 and 4.  Note that attending Module 1 and 2 for ORA-5000 is mandatory.

This protracted time frame allows one to understand the concepts taught in digestible bite sizes with targeted online interactions. Care and consideration have been implemented to ensure the content and syllabus are of the same standard and rigour as our onsite classes.

You will learn the same syllabus taught by the same industry practitioners you would have onsite. However, the same practitioner and many OR experts from other regions will be available during the scheduled online classes. 

We have catered for the two-time zone.  One course starts at 2 pm (GMT+8) and the other at 9 pm (GMT+8).  Google your city time versus Singapore to find your start time from where you are.

Below is a snapshot of what you can expect from the program. Each module's syllabus [Course Content] has been carefully crafted to ensure that the outcome [Course Requirement] matches each day of the OR-300 Operational Resilience Implementer competency level.

	Module (Day)	Course Content	Course Requirement

Operational Resilience Audit for Financial Institutions

An array of regulatory developments impacting the financial services industry, such as refining the managing of disruptions, increasing interconnectedness and third-party/ outsourcing dependencies and dependencies on IT and rapid digitalisation, means operational resilience will remain a significant area of concern for the board, regulators, policymakers, investors and customers.

The challenge is organisations' approaches to dealing with differing regulations globally. In terms of resilience structure, organisations have looked at their governance frameworks and ensured they are fit for purpose, as well as utilising stress and scenario testing to assess their capabilities, which is more than their existing business continuity and crisis management programs.

What are the Differences and Concerns?

Concerns: The primary concern with blended learning is that it will be another eLearning training over video channels. After more than two years of continuous improvement, the entire blended learning (100% online) process is designed such that the content will provide the same outcome or, in fact, better.

Instructors: Note that instructors delivering the modules remain the same as the onsite training.  They are involved in risk management with solid business continuity and crisis management backgrounds and have worked or are still working at a financial institution.

International Participation: Another significant change will be the participation of more international delegates compared to the traditional majority of Asian participants.  Be expected to discuss and work as teams from around the world.  Feedback from past participants highlights that they have learnt many practices from Asia-Pacific and other regions.

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

Onsite Versus Remote Learning

The "brick-and-mortar" operational resilience courses are available in the capital cities, such as Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The good news is that you can attend the course via our 100% online version.

During the last three years of conducting blended learning (online), the participants felt that our re-engineered online learning is not another 2-days of continuous training but rather a package of self-paced, self-directed.

Also, most face-to-face exposure is to learning directly from experts and fellow international participants. 

We hope to see you at our next session.

Find out more about ORA-5000 [ORA-5] & ORA-300 [ORA-3]

 

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

 

Welcome to the frequently asked questions or FAQ for BCM Institute's ORA-300 Blended Learning course.

Should I attend ORA-300 or ORA-5000?

This is the course to attend if you are exploring to understand operational resilience audit.

However, if you are designated as part of the ORA audit team, proceed to attend the ORA-5000 course.  The OR Audit Expert or ORA-5000 course will provide the participants with a complete framework to plan for the ORA initiative, implement the ORA program, and sustain the ORA program.

For our colleagues operating in financial institutions, OR-5000 should be your pre-requisite.

What is included in the course fee?

When you are attending the course, the fee of Singapore Dollar (SGD) 2,400 includes:

During the course:

• Access to the complete set of soft copy templates.
  • Note that hard copies of the templates are only provided for a classroom-based course

After the course:

• The award of an ORCP e-certificate (upon completion of module 2 and passing the examination conducted at the end of the course)
• Review of assessments
• ORCS application processing fees

However, the ORAS application must be completed within three months from the notification of passing the ORA-300 course.

An application processing fee of SGD 75 will be payable for the application for ORAS certification.  Please opt for processing fees included in the invoice if you are applying for the specific certification.

• Yes. Module 1 is compulsory as it forms the initial assessment for the "grounding" of operational resilience knowledge.  
• Once you have completed Module 1, you will attend Module 2.
• The successful completion of the course will allow the participants to be awarded the "Operational Resilience Certified Planner" certification.

  

  
  

Do I need to complete the ORAS exam while attending a Blended Learning course?

• Yes

I noticed that the course is held at Asian Timing. Is there any time for me, as I reside outside the Asia Pacific Region?

• US/ Europe/ Middle East
• Asia Pacific

• The time of the 3-hour online workshop is set at Singapore Timing, which is Greenwich Meridian Time (GMT) + 8 hours.
  • 2:00 (pm) Singapore (SG) Time is 10:00 (am) as Dubai is GMT+4 Hours
  • 2:00 (pm) Singapore (SG) Time is 11:30 (am) as Mumbai is GMT+5.5 Hours
    
    

• 9:00 (pm) Singapore (SG) Time is 1 pm as London is GMT+0 Hours
• 9:00 (pm) Singapore (SG) Time is 9 am as New York is GMT-12 Hours

What Certificates will I be Receiving Upon Competing in the course?

As the blended learning course is conducted over four weeks, you will be expected to receive a certificate of completion (COC) and an initial "Operational Resilience Certified Planner" certification.

Learn more by reading about What Certificates I will receive After Completing OR-300 (Blended Learning).

Let us know if you need further clarification; we'll gladly help.

More Information About Blended Learning ORA-5000 [ORA-5] or ORA-300 [ORA-3]

Contact our friendly course consultant colleagues to learn more about our blended learning program and when the next course is scheduled.

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Emerging Trends in Operational Resilience Auditing: A 2024 Report

Operational resilience has become a top priority for organizations across industries, prompting the rise of specialized auditing practices.

This report explores key emerging trends shaping the landscape of operational resilience auditing in 2024.

1. Increased Regulatory Scrutiny

Regulatory bodies worldwide are implementing stricter requirements for operational resilience, mandating regular audits and stress testing exercises. This drives demand for skilled auditors familiar with relevant regulatory frameworks.

2. Focus on Third-Party Risk Management

Modern businesses' interconnectedness amplifies third-party vulnerabilities' impact. Audits increasingly scrutinize third-party contracts, risk management procedures, and control environments to ensure supply chain resilience.

3. Integration with Cybersecurity Audits

The convergence of cyber and operational risks necessitates combined audits examining IT infrastructure, data security, and incident response capabilities alongside traditional operational resilience assessments.

4. Adoption of Technology-Assisted Auditing

Advanced analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation are transforming how audits are conducted. These tools enable auditors to analyze vast datasets, identify hidden patterns, and streamline data collection, freeing time for deeper analysis and judgment.

5. Shift Towards Scenario-Based Testing

Static assessments give way to dynamic scenario-based testing that simulates real-world disruptions. This approach helps organizations refine their resilience plans and identify vulnerabilities under pressure.

6. Evolving Threat Landscape

Auditors must stay informed about emerging threats like climate change, geopolitical instability, and cyberattacks, continuously adapting their methodologies to address these dynamic risks.

7. Growing Demand for Skilled Professionals

The burgeoning field of operational resilience auditing creates a talent gap.

Training and certification programs are crucial to upskill existing professionals and attract new talent to meet the rising demand.

8. Emphasis on Business Continuity Management (BCM) Integration

Effective operational resilience relies on integrating resilience principles into existing BCM frameworks.

Auditors focus on ensuring BCM programs align with organizational objectives and address emerging threats.

9. Continuous Improvement and Learning

Operational resilience is an ongoing journey, not a destination.

Audits should emphasize the importance of continuous improvement, learning from incidents, and adapting resilience plans based on evolving threats and organizational changes.

10. International Collaboration and Harmonization

Harmonization across jurisdictions and industries is critical as regulations and best practices evolve.

International collaboration among regulators, auditors, and professional bodies is gaining momentum to facilitate knowledge sharing and consistent approaches.

By staying informed about these trends, audit professionals can adapt their practices, embrace new technologies, and contribute to building robust and adaptable operational resilience for organizations in the face of ever-changing risks.

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