RIMS-CRMP Stories

With more than 20 years in the risk and insurance, including the last 12 with Strathcona County, in Alberta, Canada, Tanya Stegmeier was already a seasoned professional when she earned the RIMS-CRMP in 2020. She discussed how the RIMS-CRMP coincides with other certifications and elevates her knowledge and professional profile.

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

Stegmeier: Having been involved with RIMS and the local chapter for many years, I got to see the development of the certification firsthand and was intrigued by the competency-based approach and practical nature of the certification. I started planning to obtain the certification as soon as it was rolled out, reading the experiences and outcomes of other RIMS-CRMP holders on the RIMS Certification webpage added to the appeal and value of the certification.

RIMS: You have spent the last 12+ years at Strathcona County, and you are currently its Senior Insurance & Risk Analyst. How does being an employee of the municipality prepare you for the exam (possibly at the enterprise level)?

Stegmeier: During my time in local government administration and responsible for the organization’s insurance and risk related matters, I learned a tremendous amount about risk management in the public sector, applicable legislation for liability protection, interpretation of contractual language as well as how regional and national politics affect risk management in municipalities. When I began to study for the RIMS-CRMP exam, I was pleasantly surprised to see many familiar concepts and themes I had encountered in my daily work.

RIMS: How supportive was your employer during the study period?

Stegmeier: My employer was very supportive and covered the cost of the exam prep course. They continue to cover the cost of my recertification.

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

Stegmeier: I believe it enhanced my communication and education skills. As I answered questions, prepared advice and participated in meetings, my contributions about liability, risk management and risk assessment became more strategic, concise and easily understood by my audiences. I received positive feedback from my superiors, and they seemed to take a greater interest in the topics of risk management, liability and insurance.

RIMS: How did you study or prepare ahead of the exam?

Stegmeier: I signed up for the exam prep course via distance learning, reviewed the study materials in detail and prepared my own notes, which I reviewed several times before writing the exam. I booked the exam day off and arrived at the testing center well rested, gently caffeinated, with a recent review of the study notes. Everything went smoothly.

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

Stegmeier: The knowledge and core competencies of the RIMS-CRMP certification are valid and useful everywhere risk management is practiced, which is essentially in all organizations and industries. The RIMS-CRMP is an excellent and accessible way to elevate the understanding of risk professionals and help us do our best work.

RIMS: On a related note, how does the RIMS-CRMP supplement your other credentials, such as the Canadian Risk Management (CRM) and Fellow Chartered Insurance Professional (FCIP)?

Stegmeier: I would say the RIMS-CRMP certification serves as a capstone to those other credentials as it has a higher-level strategic focus, with the CRM covering the finer details of risk management, and the FCIP covering all things insurance and liability related.

RIMS: What are your favorite methods for recertification?

Stegmeier: My top favorite recertification methods are RISKWORLD and the RIMS Canada Conference, of course! Next up are local chapter events and education along with service on the chapter board. I really appreciate that there is a good variety of options for earning points for recertification, and the process is simple.

See the full RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep calendar.

Interview by Justin Smulison, RIMS Business Content Manager