Quick Scan

• Risk management skills = competitive advantage: Companies with strong risk management achieve project objectives 2.5× more often (PMI Pulse of the Profession).

• Certifications covered: PMI-RMP®, Certified Risk Manager (CRM), RIMS-CRMP, and Financial Risk Manager (FRM®).

• Key takeaway: The right certification depends on your industry, role, and long-term goals.

Why Risk Management Certification Matters in 2025?

“If you don’t invest in risk management, it doesn’t matter what business you’re in; it’s a risky business.”
— Gary Cohn, Former President, Goldman Sachs

From cybersecurity threats to global supply chain disruptions, risk is no longer a siloed business concern — it’s a boardroom priority. Project managers and corporate leaders are expected to anticipate, analyse, and mitigate risk as part of their core role.

Global research underscores the point:

• PMI’s Pulse of the Profession 2024 reports that poor risk management is one of the top three causes of project failure worldwide.

• Organisations with mature risk practices deliver projects on time and on budget 30% more often.

For professionals, earning a globally recognised risk management certification is one of the fastest ways to demonstrate credibility, stand out in the job market, and accelerate career growth.

Here’s a breakdown of the top 4 certifications shaping the global risk management profession in 2025.

1. PMI-RMP® (Risk Management Professional)

Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the PMI-RMP® is the most recognised project-based risk management credential. It validates specialised expertise in identifying and managing project risks.

Best for:

• Project Managers

• Risk Managers

• Business Analysts

• Finance & Line Managers

Costs (as of 2025):

• PMI Members: USD $520

• Non-Members: USD $675

Key Benefits:

• Globally recognised across industries.

• Data-driven success: PMI notes that top performers achieve their goals 2.5 times more often and spend 13 times less money correcting issues.

• Enhances credibility for leadership and consulting roles.

2. Certified Risk Manager (CRM)

The CRM program, from the National Alliance for Insurance Education & Research, focuses on risk in the finance and insurance sectors.

Best for:

• Risk Managers

• Insurance Professionals

• Licensed Brokers & Agents

• Accountants & Solicitors

Costs:

• Approx. USD $430 per course module

Key Benefits:

• Comprehensive coverage of the five stages of risk management:
  Identification → Analysis → Control → Financing → Administration.

• Instructors are active industry practitioners, bringing real-world case studies.

• Builds credibility in the insurance and financial services sectors.

3. RIMS-CRMP (Certified Risk Management Professional)

Issued by the Risk Management Society (RIMS), this is the only ISO/IEC 17024-accredited risk management certification, making it especially prestigious.

Best for:

• Professionals with 1–7 years’ experience in risk management (depending on degree level).

• Enterprise-wide risk managers.

Costs:

• RIMS Members: USD $350

• Non-Members: USD $500

• • USD $100 application fee

Key Benefits:

• Competency-based — focused on applied skills, not just theory.

• Enhances earning potential and competitiveness for senior roles.

• It is the only globally accredited certification of its kind.

4. Financial Risk Manager (FRM®)

The FRM® certification, managed by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP), is the gold standard for financial risk management.

Best for:

• Risk Analysts

• Enterprise Risk Managers

• Operational Risk Specialists

• Finance Professionals considering a career switch

Costs:

• One-time Enrollment Fee: USD $400

• Exam Fees: Vary by level and registration period (USD $550–$750 each)

Key Benefits:

• Recognised by global banks, regulators, and investment firms.

• US demand is high — average FRM holders earn USD $100k–$250k annually.

• Strong pathway for professionals shifting into finance/risk careers.

FAQs

Q1. Which risk management certification is best for project managers?

The PMI-RMP® is ideal for project managers because it focuses on project risk frameworks aligned with PMI’s global standards.

Q2. Is FRM harder than PMI-RMP?

Yes, FRM is considered more technically rigorous, covering advanced financial risk, quantitative methods, and regulations. PMI-RMP is more project-management focused.

Q3. How much can I earn with a risk management certification?

Salaries vary: PMI-RMP holders often see 20–30% salary growth, while FRM professionals in the U.S. earn USD $100k–$250k annually.

Q4. Is RIMS-CRMP worth it in 2025?

Yes. It’s the only ISO-accredited risk certification, giving global credibility for enterprise-wide risk roles.

Q5. Do I need a finance background for risk management certifications?

Not always. PMI-RMP and RIMS-CRMP are accessible to project managers and generalists, while FRM is more finance-oriented.

Final Word

Choosing the right risk management certification is itself a risk decision — it depends on your role, industry, budget, and long-term career goals.

Whether you’re a project manager seeking PMI-RMP, a finance professional aiming for FRM, or an enterprise leader pursuing RIMS-CRMP, one thing is clear: risk management skills are no longer optional — they are essential.

👉 Follow PM Training School on LinkedIn for more insights into project management, certification prep, and corporate training trends.