Fall 1996 Articles

Disaster Recovery Journal

Volume 9, Issue 4
Fall 1996

Professional Certification Comes Of Age

By Jay Bender

In a recent article addressed to the members of DRI International, Barney F. Pelant noted the maturity and success that professional certification as a business continuity / disaster recovery planner has achieved since its humble beginnings in 1988. When the program was first introduced, questions quickly arose from critics such as “Who is the DRI and where did they obtain the credentials to certify others as Disaster Recovery Planners?” Today, after administering over 2,035 CDRP examinations and receiving over 1,850 applications, the respect of the industry and the profession is widely acknowledged.
The DRI was founded in 1988 by a group of key industry leaders that included Richard L. Arnold, Greg Therkalsen, Marvin Davis, Mel Musson, Charles Perkins and Dr. Curt Hartog along with the assistance of Washington University in St. Louis. Originally established as a For-Profit Corporation, the corporate structure was changed in June 1989 to a General Not-For-Profit Corporation under the laws of the State of Missouri.
Certification Standards

The year 1989 also saw the establishment of the DRI’s Certification Board which is comprised of recognized professional business continuity / disaster recovery professionals and is charged with the development and administration of certification standards and with the approval of all applicants for certification. The basis for the certification program is the“Common Body of Knowledge” which was developed by the Certification Board and was first published in 1993. While the original members were appointed to the Certification Board, today’s members are elected by the membership.

A Financially Independent Organization

Today, the DRI International is a financially independent organization which is supported by fees from its certification and education programs, and from the annual account maintenance fees of the members. During the years from 1988-92, the rather substantial start-up costs of the DRI were supported by Systems Support Incorporated, the parent organization of the Disaster Recovery Journal. In July 1992, a financial agreement was made between Systems Support and the DRI for the repayment of those start-up costs, thereby establishing the independence of the DRI.

A Membership Organization

One of the key factors establishing DRI’s status as an organization which belongs to its members is its corporate structure and its charter with the State of Missouri. As a nonprofit organization, the assets of the organization must be used to benefit the members and serve the business continuity industry. Unlike a for-profit corporation, there are no provisions for paying dividends or providing a return on investment to any individuals. After paying the operating expenses and funding any legally defined reserves, all additional revenue must be invested in activities that are consistent with the purpose for which the organization was formed — specifically, business continuity education and certification. Further, if DRI International would cease to exist, any remaining assets would have to be passed to a similar nonprofit organization. This organization would need to have a mission statement and a set of goals similar to those of DRI International.
A second key factor is the DRI’s election process by which the members of the Certification Board are elected to three year terms by annual elections of the members in good standing. The Certification Board is the key certification policy committee within the DRI.

An International Organization

In early 1996, DRI officially changed its name to the Disaster Recovery Institute International and changed its Bylaws to include International Affiliates. In March of this year, DRI Canada was incorporated to serve the rapidly expanding Canadian membership and it became the first International Affiliate. The decision to expand internationally reflects a commitment by DRI International to support the growth of the industry in countries outside of its strong base in the US and Canada.

A Commitment to International Standards

In April 1996, the DRI International and the Business Continuity Institute announced an agreement in principle to develop an integrated set of certification standards for professionals in the industry and the levels of membership they can attain. The Institutes are working towards a target date of January 1, 1997 for the implementation of these international standards.
DRI International has also established an Education and Standards Council whose mission will be to support the definition and establishment of a premiere business and service continuity education process for the public, private, not-for-profit, and academic sectors.
The mission of the DRI International is to provide the leadership and best practices that serve as a base of common knowledge for all business continuity and disaster recovery planners and organizations in our industry. It will continually strive to meet the needs of its members and of other individuals and organizations in the industry.
Learn more about how you can enhance your professional credibility and participate in this dynamic organization by contacting the DRI International at (314) 434-2272.

Jay Bender is Executive Director for DRI International.

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Last Updated--Thursday, Oct 24, 1996.