Identity Management Institute (IMI)

The Identity Management Institute (IMI) was established to provide leadership for the identity management field. Identity management is an evolving field and appears to be a professional area which can contribute a great deal for solving some of today’s increasing challenges. Traditionally, identity management has been about managing system access to safeguard company information assets. Today’s identity management challenges however are different and require new set of risk definitions and expertise to effectively address all identity risks. For example, identity theft and related fraud costs are on the rise and new regulations are constantly introduced at the State and Federal levels to establish requirements and guidelines for protecting consumer personal information. Although, these new set of identity management rules and legal requirements are decentralized and pound companies from every corner, they must be addressed as part of every impacted company’s identity risk management practices. IMI is established to help support the profession and address identity risks through awareness, guidelines, training, and collaboration by creating membership and certification programs.

The mission of the Identity Management Institute includes:

1- Redefine and promote the identity management profession and address all identity risks inside or outside of an information system,
2- Foster a community and governing body for all identity management professionals,
3- Establish an independent accreditation process of the highest standard of excellence for the identity management professionals,
4- Serve the members and the public through advocacy for the profession, awareness regarding the identity risks, education, and collaboration for solving the challenges,
5- Contribute to the field through Critical Risk Domains (CRD), standards and awareness tools,
6- Educate members and the public through events and tools that promote best identity management practices, and
7- Promote the highest professional ethics and standards for the identity management profession.

To increase the knowledge and credibility of the professionals in the evolving identity management field and help win the trust of those whom rely on the identity management experts for guidance and the best service possible, the Identity Management Institute administers two professional certifications with distinct differences for those who provide their services to organizations and individuals.

CIRM – The Certified Identity Risk Manager™ designation is most suited for the professionals who provide identity management leadership for an organization. Such professionals provide their services within fields such as access administration, audit, security, privacy, compliance, fraud, project management, information technology, risk management and identity management technology.

IMI currently offers a no cost grandfathering provision which for qualified IMI members eliminates the need to take the written exam to earn the professional CIRM designation.

CIPA – The Certified Identity Protection Advisor™ designation is designed for professionals who provide consumer services in the areas of identity protection, identity monitoring, fraud resolution or consumer information management. Such professionals include agents and employees of credit bureaus and identity protection service companies. Some consumer facing professionals might also benefit by seeking the CIPA designation.

There are many reasons why you should consider joining the Identity Management Institute some of which are listed below:

1. Eligibility to petition for CIRM designation,
2. Eligibility for CIPA examination,
3. Invitation to member-only networking events,
4. Certification maintenance, and
5. Opportunity to submit articles for the Identity Management Journal.

Learn more about the Identity Management Institute.