RIMS-CRMP Stories

John Button is the senior principal enterprise risk advisor at Gartner. He earned his RIMS-CRMP in 2022 and in 2023 began serving on the RIMS-CRMP commission. He discussed how the certification and his board participation has enhanced his knowledge and his enthusiasm for the practice of ERM..

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

Button: Several ERM professionals I knew highly recommended the RIMS-CRMP. I was seeking a certification that could provide a comprehensive overview and framework of risk management that could inform my focus of ERM.

RIMS: How do the domains of the RIMS-CRMP reflect in the regular responsibilities of a risk officer or business leader?

Button: Given my experience in risk management since 2009, I've seen ERM evolve from a conceptual idea to a practical reality. The RIMS-CRMP domains align well with the responsibilities of risk officers and business leaders, particularly in validating best practices and emphasizing strategic risk management.

The strategic risk management component has been the most impactful aspect of the RIMS-CRMP, aiding in discussions with risk practitioners at all levels. I can’t emphasis enough how valuable the strategic risk management focus is for actual real-world application.

RIMS: How did your career experience at Gartner (and other employers) lend to your knowledge base for taking the exam?

Button: My experience at Gartner and other organizations provided a solid foundation in risk management. The RIMS-CRMP exam helped validate the best practices I had learned and exposed me to new insights, especially in strategic risk management.

My leadership at Gartner was very supportive of my pursuit of the RIMS-CRMP. They recognized its value and encouraged others to follow suit.

RIMS: How did you study for the exam?

Button: I studied the official exam prep materials and attended the recommended training courses. I highly recommend the training courses as they provide a comprehensive understanding of the RIMS-CRMP framework and provided a lot of just “in-the-trenches” experience and knowledge from the instructor.

RIMS: How has the RIMS-CRMP elevated your professional profile? How do you feel the RIMS-CRMP complements other certifications?

Button: The RIMS-CRMP is a premier risk management certification that provides a solid conceptual foundation for any risk management practice. It can be used to enhance one's career, whether it's by improving daily work or pursuing specialized roles.

I thought it also paired nicely with the OPENFAIR certification, which dives into the risk analysis piece largely and I took the FAIR exam after the RIMS-CRMP.

RIMS: It seems like you were so pleased with the result that you wanted to “be part of the team” and join RIMS-CRMP Commission.

Button: I just love the concept of risk, and the practice of risk management. After getting my certification, experiencing its value, and talking with those within RIMS, it was a natural next step to join RIMS to help evangelize and support the RIMS-CRMP.

RIMS: How has the committee updated the exam?

Button: While many of the details are confidential, I can tell you that we have really expanded the RIMS-CRMP’s reach as we continue to certify more and more practitioners. Additionally, we have planted the seeds for 2025 to continue to grow not just the RIMS-CRMP certification availability across the globe, but also its impact for both strategic and tactical application.

RIMS: How do you feel when you see that there are RIMS-CRMP holders in various and remote areas of the world?

Button: As the RIMS-CRMP continues to climb in popularity, it validates our efforts in demonstrating how valuable it is, and I also love seeing the clarity and confidence new certification holders have as they go through the prep course and pass their exams. Even for those who are quite experienced, you can see how pleasantly surprised they are in some of the new knowledge they have acquired. It never gets old.

See the full RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep calendar.

Interview by Justin Smulison, RIMS Business Content Manager