RIMS-CRMP Stories

Brayden York is a vice president and client executive at BFL Canada and a member of the RIMS Saskatchewan Chapter. He discussed how his working knowledge of ERM enabled him to earn the RIMS-CRMP certification in 2023 and how it supplements his other Canada-based designations.

RIMS: What inspired you to pursue the RIMS-CRMP?

York: I was motivated to pursue the RIMS-CRMP in 2023 to further solidify my expertise and demonstrate my commitment to excellence in risk management. The certification's global recognition and its focus on strategic risk management aligned with my career goals of staying at the forefront of the industry and enhancing my ability to drive organizational resilience.

Having already earned an insurance designation and completed Canadian Risk Management (CRM) courses through colleges and universities, I pursued the RIMS-CRMP to demonstrate my expertise in risk management. While my prior credentials and coursework provided a strong technical foundation, I recognized that the RIMS-CRMP went beyond textbook knowledge, emphasizing practical, strategic, and enterprise-wide risk management skills. This certification showcased my ability to apply advanced concepts in real-world scenarios, demonstrating a level of expertise that distinguishes risk professionals in the field and enhances my capacity to drive organizational resilience.

RIMS: You have a lengthy career in risk and insurance. How did it prepare you for the exam?

York: My extensive experience in risk and insurance provided a strong foundation for the exam. Years of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks across various industries gave me practical insights into the concepts tested. My work with enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks, stakeholder collaboration, and compliance directly correlated with the exam's content, making it easier to grasp and apply the material.

RIMS: How did the criteria for RIMS-CRMP reflect some of your daily/regular risk responsibilities?

York: The RIMS-CRMP criteria, such as analyzing risk, designing solutions, and implementing risk strategies, mirrored my daily responsibilities. For example, risk assessments, developing mitigation plans, and communicating with leadership to align risk strategies with business objectives are a core parts of my role. The certification’s emphasis on strategic decision-making also reflected my work in integrating risk management into organizational goals.

RIMS: When did you know or realize that the RIMS-CRMP was enhancing your work and your career?

York: I realized the RIMS-CRMP improved my ability to articulate risk strategies to executives, leading to greater influence in decision-making. Professionally, the credential opened doors to new networking opportunities and demonstrates I can be a trusted professional in the field of Risk Management.

RIMS: How did you study or prepare for the exam?

York: I followed the RIMS-CRMP handbook and reviewed the RIMS-CRMP study guide, focusing on the competency domains. I supplemented this with experience, industry publications, webinars, and peer discussions to stay updated on best practices.

RIMS: Why should more risk professionals in Canada pursue the RIMS-CRMP?

York: More Canadian risk professionals should pursue the RIMS-CRMP because it provides a globally recognized standard that enhances credibility and expertise. In Canada's evolving risk landscape, with increasing complexities, the certification highlights professionals with the tools to address strategic risks effectively. It also fosters a stronger risk management community through networking and knowledge-sharing opportunities.

RIMS: How does the RIMS-CRMP supplement your other designations?

York: The RIMS-CRMP complements my other designations, such as CAIB (Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker), by adding a strategic, enterprise-wide perspective to my skill set. While my other credentials focus on technical or insurance-specific knowledge, the RIMS-CRMP emphasizes holistic risk management and leadership, enabling me to bridge operational and strategic objectives more effectively.

RIMS: How do you plan to recertify?

York: To recertify, I plan to maintain my professional development by earning the required continuing education credits. This will include attending RIMS conferences, participating in webinars, and engaging in relevant training programs. I’ll also stay active in the risk management community through contributions like speaking engagements or writing articles, ensuring I meet recertification requirements while staying current in the field.

See the full RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep calendar.

Interview by Justin Smulison, RIMS Business Content Manager