IRM–Global ERM Level 1 Certification Programme

Students gain foundational expertise in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) through IRM’s globally recognized Level 1 Qualification—the world’s most respected entry-level certification in risk management. Designed for students and professionals from any discipline, the IRM Level 1 curriculum builds critical skills in identifying, assessing, and managing risks across all business functions, preparing learners for careers in risk leadership, strategy, consulting, governance, and decision-making roles.

Foundations of Modern Enterprise Risk Management

Risk today is embedded in every business decision—from technology and cyber security to supply chain, finance, marketing, governance, ESG, and cross-border operations. IRM’s Level 1 Examination introduces students to the global standards, frameworks, and practical tools required to navigate uncertainty and strengthen organizational resilience.

Learners explore how risks emerge, evolve, and impact diverse functions, and how organisations build systems, processes, and cultures to anticipate threats and capitalize on opportunities. The curriculum aligns with ISO 31000, the COSO Risk Framework, and contemporary real-world applications used by global enterprises.

Students engage with case studies, scenario exercises, current affairs, and applied risk challenges to build a strong analytical and decision-making mindset. The program is designed to help students understand how risk influences business strategy, operational performance, stakeholder expectations, and long-term sustainability.

Risk in the Modern Enterprise: Evolving Complexity

Today’s organizations rely heavily on networks—outsourced partners, suppliers, IT vendors, alliances, distributors, contractors, and digital service ecosystems. This interconnected world gives rise to the Extended Enterprise, a key component of the Level 1 curriculum.

Students learn to evaluate:

Third-party risk
Vendor and supply chain disruptions
IT and cyber vulnerabilities
Regulatory pressures
Cross-functional interdependencies
ESG-driven risks
Black Swan and high-impact low-probability events

This integrated learning approach prepares learners to understand the full spectrum of risks shaping modern organizations.

Career Pathways in Enterprise Risk & Governance

IRM’s Level 1 Qualification opens opportunities across industries, as risk management is not limited to insurance but central to every major business function.

Graduates pursue roles such as:

Risk Analyst (Enterprise / Operational / Strategic Risk)
Governance & Compliance Support
Business Continuity & Crisis Management Assistant
ESG & Sustainability Risk Associate
Consulting & Assurance Support Staff
Process Improvement & Internal Control Assistant
Audit and Risk Advisory Intern
Data, Operations & Financial Risk Support Roles

Professionals from marketing, finance, HR, supply chain, IT, and operations often pursue the IRM pathway to advance into leadership roles where risk intelligence is a critical competency.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing the IRM Level 1 Track will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of enterprise-wide risks and how uncertainties impact organizational performance across all departments.

• Apply globally recognized ERM frameworks, including ISO 31000 and COSO, to identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor risks.

• Analyze internal and external risk environments, considering strategic, operational, financial, technological, regulatory, and ESG dimensions.

• Develop the ability to think critically, interpret risk events, and recommend structured responses to support business decision-making.

• Understand the Extended Enterprise and evaluate risk arising from third-party relationships, partnerships, and modern digital ecosystems.

• Build awareness of global risk trends, Black Swan events, and interdependencies shaping today’s business landscape.

Feature	Description
Global Risk Landscape	Understanding global risk trends, interconnected events, and macro-level uncertainties.
Risk Culture & Maturity	How organisations build systems, behaviours, and governance practices to support ERM.
Risk Identification, Assessment & Mitigation	Tools and techniques for analysing risks across departments and business processes.
Risk Appetite & Tolerance	Frameworks for setting boundaries on acceptable risk-taking to inform decision-making.
Risk Frameworks	Learning ISO 31000, COSO, and global standards applied by enterprises worldwide.
Black Swan & Emerging Risks	Studying unpredictable, high-impact events and emerging global disturbances that affect organisational resilience.

Category	Insight
Skill & Knowledge	97% report improved analytical thinking and risk perspective.
Application	92% understand processes for identifying and managing risks.
Current Trends	86% show improved awareness of global interconnected events and frameworks.
Exam Success	70% cleared the exam in the past 12 months.
Industry Spread	60% work in non-insurance roles — reflecting ERM’s cross-functional scope.

Certification Benefits

Upon successfully completing IRM Level 1, candidates receive:

A Global Certificate recognized across industries
Eligibility for IRM Level 2 (Professional Qualifications)
Access to the IRM India Network & Alumni Community
Stronger employability across risk, strategy, consulting, audit, and governance roles