The Management of Risk (MoR) certification, developed by PeopleCert and formerly AXELOS, provides a comprehensive framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling risks across all levels of an organization. This certification is a globally recognized standard, equipping professionals with a structured approach to managing uncertainty. It is designed for managers and individuals who are responsible for identifying, prioritizing, and managing risk within a variety of organizational contexts, including strategic, programme, project, and operational perspectives.
If you are a risk manager, project manager, or part of a senior management team seeking to improve decision-making, enhance performance, and secure a robust understanding of corporate governance, the MoR certification is your definitive path.
The MoR course is divided into two main levels: MoR Foundation and MoR Practitioner. The curriculum is built around four key elements of the MoR framework: Approach, Principles, Processes, and Embedding and Reviewing.
The syllabus covers a breadth of critical areas, starting with the fundamentals. You will learn the definitions of risk and risk management and how they relate to corporate governance. The course delves into the primary principles that underpin successful risk management, the customized approaches an organization might take, and the specific processes involved in managing risk, such as identifying context, identifying risks, assessing risks (estimation and evaluation), planning responses, and implementing them.
Furthermore, a significant portion focuses on the challenge of embedding risk management into the organizational culture and the continuous process of reviewing and improving the risk management framework. For those targeting the Practitioner level, the course demands the application of these principles in complex, real-world scenarios.
It is important to understand that the exam path has two distinct checkpoints. The MoR Foundation exam validates your recall and understanding of the terminology and concepts. The MoR Practitioner exam, which must be taken after passing the Foundation level, assesses your ability to apply and analyze the MoR guidance in a given organizational scenario.
You must prepare differently for each exam level.
The MoR Foundation is a formal, entry-level examination. It consists of 75 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within one hour. This exam is closed book, meaning you cannot refer to any study materials. The pass mark is 50%, which equates to answering at least 38 out of 75 questions correctly. This level focuses on testing your broad knowledge of the framework’s components and terminology.
The MoR Practitioner exam is a major step up. It utilizes an objective testing format based on a detailed scenario. The exam consists of four main questions, each carrying 20 marks, totaling 80 marks. The duration is three hours. Crucially, the MoR Practitioner is an open book exam, allowing you to use your official AXELOS (PeopleCert) "Management of Risk: Guidance for Practitioners" manual, but no other resources. The pass mark is 50%, requiring a total of 40 marks out of 80. The exam tests your capacity to apply the methodology to solve problems in a practical, situational context.
Preparation for the MoR exams requires a dedicated approach, especially for the Practitioner level.
Master the Guide: For both levels, your primary resource is the official handbook. Read it meticulously, highlighting key definitions, processes, and relationships.
Use the Tabbing Method for Practitioner: Since the Practitioner exam is open-book but time-constrained, creating an indexed system of tabs for chapters, appendices, and key figures is vital. Annotate your guide to link concepts.
Take Multiple Mock Exams: Practice with as many sample papers and online simulators as possible. This helps you get accustomed to the multiple-choice style (Foundation) and the scenario-based, analytical style (Practitioner). Time your practice sessions strictly to build your speed.
Enroll in an Accredited Training Course: While self-study is possible, an official accredited training organization (ATO) provides expert instruction, interactive workshops, and tailored guidance that can significantly increase your pass rate. Many courses include the official exam voucher and practice material.
All MoR exams are administered exclusively through PeopleCert. Candidates have two primary options for taking the exam. The most common and flexible method is to book an online-proctored exam. This allows you to take the exam from the comfort of your own home or office at a time of your choice, monitored via webcam by a human proctor. Alternatively, some ATOs and physical testing centers around the world offer official in-person exam sessions. You can register for your exam directly through the PeopleCert website.
Earning an MoR certification signals to employers that you possess a formalized, sophisticated understanding of risk management, making you an asset in various industries.
Risk Manager
Risk Analyst
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Specialist
Project Manager
Programme Manager
Governance and Compliance Officer
Business Continuity Manager
Quality Assurance Specialist
Internal Auditor
Operational Risk Manager
A strong grounding in MoR also paves the way for advancement into senior executive and C-suite roles, such as Chief Risk Officer (CRO) or Chief Operating Officer (COO), where strategic risk oversight is paramount.
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