C3P Cohorts

Kickoff (Optional)

This optional session will include introductions amongst the instructor(s) and participants, an overview of the program and approach, and confirmation that all participants have the required access to course materials. Duration: 1 hour or as needed.

Deep Dive Foundations and Low Impact

This session will cover key points from the CIP Deep Dive course day 1 material. A review of foundational information, NERC Glossary terms, and low impact requirements will be provided. CIP-002 and CIP-003 will be reviewed. Ample time for Q&A and in-depth discussions will be provided.

Deep Dive Policy and Procedural Requirements

This session covers key aspects of the CIP Deep Dive course day 2 material. A review of CIP requirements that are primarily procedural in nature will be provided. Standards covered are CIP-004, CIP-006, CIP-008, CIP-009, CIP-011, and CIP-013. Ample time for Q&A and in-depth discussions will be provided.

Deep Dive Technical Requirements

This session covers the most technical requirements in the CIP standards located in CIP-005, CIP-007, CIP-010, CIP-012, and CIP-015. Topics related to the use of cloud and virtualization are also discussed. Ample time for Q&A and in-depth discussions will be provided.

Audit Prep+ Policy and Background

This session will cover NERC and FERC policy and procedure, auditing standards, Rules of Procedure, the Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Program, the audit process, and other foundational elements of compliance oversight.

Audit Prep+ Evidence

This session will cover the Evidence Request Tool and associated topics on the preparation and presentation of evidence during an audit.

Tech Foundations

This session will highlight key material from the Technical Foundations for NERC CIP course and provide time for deeper explanations, discussions, and questions related to the material.

Internal Controls Overview and Background

This session will review the origins and history of NERC’s Internal Controls initiatives, internal control concepts, and control frameworks.

Internal Controls Application

This session will examine how controls are applied in a NERC CIP program along with specific examples and group discussion.

Internal Controls Implementation

This session will discuss aspects of implementation of control programs, the “Green Book” government guide to internal control, and incorporation of controls into an internal compliance program.

Supply Chain Security

This session will cover key aspects of the Supply Chain security course including an overview of supply chain risks, compliance approaches for the risk management program, and discussion of available guidance on supply chain risk.

Audit Lab Practical

This session will support the Audit Lab, a practical exercise that simulates an actual audit. This will include mock interviews and review of prepared responses to written information requests based on example documentation and evidence for a hypothetical utility.

Test Preparation

This session will explain C3P testing procedures including the online knowledge tests and essay requirements. Sample questions will be reviewed and scoring criteria will be explained. This session will prepare participants to successfully pass the knowledge test and complete the essay requirements for C3P certification.

A C3P Cohort is a scheduled, structured learning experience that unites a group of learners with an instructor that guides the learning experience. Course material and study guides are available online for participant review at their convenience. Regular overview and Q&A sessions are scheduled for the cohort to confirm understanding, more deeply explore key concepts, and answer questions.

Cohorts are available to everyone that is currently enrolled in the C3P program. There is no additional cost to participate in a cohort. Although registration is not required to participate in Cohort sessions, we strongly recommend enrolling to a specific Cohort to provide awareness to the instructors and ensure you receive all Cohort-related communications.