Question 1

How many PCIRM practice questions are there?

Accepted Answer

90 questions across 1 version, each with the correct answer and an explanation.

Question 2

Are there free PCIRM sample questions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 8 sample questions are free; 4 are open to everyone and the rest unlock with a free account.

Question 3

What does full access include?

Accepted Answer

Every PCIRM question in study, timed and flashcard modes, explanations for each answer, and progress that saves so you can resume.

Question 4

What topics does PCIRM cover?

Accepted Answer

The Concepts and Framework of Information Risk Management (5%), Information Risk Management Fundamentals (10%), Establishing an Information Risk Management Programme (12%), Risk Identification (21%), Risk Assessment (21%), Risk Treatment (19%), Monitor and Review (6%), Presenting Risks and Business Case (6%).

Question 5

What is the BCS PCIRM certification?

Accepted Answer

The BCS Practitioner Certificate in Information Risk Management (PCIRM) is a practitioner-level qualification awarded by BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT. It validates your ability to conduct information risk assessments, perform business impact analyses, develop risk treatment plans, and apply current international standards such as ISO 27001, ISO 27005, and ISO 31000 in a professional context.

Question 6

How difficult is the BCS PCIRM exam?

Accepted Answer

The BCS PCIRM exam is considered moderately challenging. It consists of 60 scenario-based questions to be completed in 90 minutes, requiring a 65% pass mark (39/60). The exam tests practical application of risk management concepts through scenario-based questions rather than pure memorisation. Candidates with 2+ years of information security experience and who attend an accredited training course typically have pass rates above 90%.

Question 7

What is the pass mark for the BCS PCIRM exam?

Accepted Answer

The pass mark for the BCS PCIRM exam is 39 out of 60 marks, which equates to 65%. The exam is 90 minutes long and uses a variety of question types including multiple choice, multiple response, fill in the blanks, ordering, and matching questions, all based on real-world scenarios.

Question 8

Do I need any prerequisites to take the BCS PCIRM exam?

Accepted Answer

There are no mandatory prerequisites for the BCS PCIRM certification. However, BCS recommends that candidates have a good understanding of information assurance, ideally 2+ years of experience in information security and risk management, and familiarity with ISO 27001, ISO 27002, and ISO 27005. Holding the BCS Foundation Certificate in Information Security Management Principles (CISMP) or a similar qualification is beneficial but not required.

Question 9

How much does the BCS PCIRM exam cost?

Accepted Answer

The BCS PCIRM exam costs GBP 230 (approximately USD 290) for self-study candidates booking directly with BCS. This price includes the GBP 35 remote proctoring fee. VAT is additional. Training courses with accredited providers typically cost between GBP 1,500 and GBP 2,500 and usually include the exam fee. International prices may vary by region.

Question 10

What topics are covered in the BCS PCIRM exam?

Accepted Answer

The BCS PCIRM exam covers eight syllabus domains: Concepts and Framework of IRM (5%), IRM Fundamentals (10%), Establishing an IRM Programme (12%), Risk Identification (21%), Risk Assessment (21%), Risk Treatment (19%), Monitor and Review (6%), and Presenting Risks and Business Case (6%). The heaviest focus areas are Risk Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Treatment, which together account for 61% of the exam.

Question 11

What career roles does the BCS PCIRM certification prepare you for?

Accepted Answer

The BCS PCIRM certification prepares professionals for roles such as Information Risk Manager, Information Security Analyst, Cyber Security Consultant, GRC (Governance, Risk and Compliance) Specialist, Information Assurance Analyst, IT Security Manager, and Risk Assessment Specialist. The qualification is valued across both public and private sectors, particularly in organisations handling sensitive data under regulatory requirements such as GDPR, the Data Protection Act, and PCI DSS.

Question 12

What is the difference between BCS CISMP and PCIRM?

Accepted Answer

BCS CISMP (Certificate in Information Security Management Principles) is a foundation-level qualification covering broad information security management principles, while PCIRM (Practitioner Certificate in Information Risk Management) is a practitioner-level qualification with a deep, practical focus specifically on information risk management. CISMP provides a comprehensive overview of infosec topics, whereas PCIRM focuses on conducting risk assessments, business impact analyses, threat and…

Question 13

Can I take the BCS PCIRM exam remotely?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the BCS PCIRM exam is available as a remotely proctored digital exam. Candidates can sit the exam online via the BCS remote proctoring platform from any suitable location. The exam remains supervised and closed-book, meaning no materials can be accessed during the examination. A remote proctoring fee of GBP 35 is included in the exam price.

Question 14

How should I prepare for the BCS PCIRM exam?

Accepted Answer

Preparation for the BCS PCIRM exam should include attending a BCS-accredited training course (typically 5 days classroom or equivalent online), studying the official BCS syllabus v7.1, reading the recommended textbook 'Information Risk Management: A Practitioner's Guide' by David Sutton, and familiarising yourself with ISO 27001, ISO 27005, and ISO 31000 standards. Practising with mock exam questions and scenario-based exercises is essential, as the exam tests practical application of concepts…

PCIRMBCS Practitioner Certificate in Information Risk Management practice test

Full access

Practice PCIRM in the simulator.

PCIRM, by the numbers.

Everything about PCIRM.

Exam information

What PCIRM covers

How do I earn this certification?

How to study for this exam?

What's changed on this exam?

Who should take this exam?

Three ways to practise

Study mode

Timed mode

Flashcards

PCIRM questions, answered

PCIRMBCS Practitioner Certificate in Information Risk Management practice test

Full access

Practice PCIRM in the simulator.

PCIRM, by the numbers.

Everything about PCIRM.

Exam information

01Exam format90 min · 605

02Registration$290 · BCS Online Proctored, online proctoring3

03ValidityNo expiry - lifetime certification1

04In our question bankv1 (90)

What PCIRM covers

01The Concepts and Framework of Information Risk Management5%2 topics

1.1Explain the need for information risk managementExplain the need for information risk management8 obj.

1.2Explain the context of risk in organisationsExplain why organisations must take account of information risk6 obj.

Hands-on skills & common mistakesConfusing information risk management with IT risk management only

02Information Risk Management Fundamentals10%4 topics

03Establishing an Information Risk Management Programme12%3 topics

04Risk Identification21%3 topics

05Risk Assessment21%2 topics

06Risk Treatment19%2 topics

07Monitor and Review6%2 topics

08Presenting Risks and Business Case6%2 topics

How do I earn this certification?

01PrerequisitesCISMP1

02Current levelPCIRM, PCIAA, PC-DP +14

03Next level optionsCCP1

04Alternative pathsPCIAA, PC-DP, CRISC +14