Risk Management Framework (RMF) Training

Federal agencies and contractors face increasing pressure to secure systems while staying compliant with evolving cybersecurity standards. This training offers a hands-on introduction to the latest updates to the Risk Management Framework (RMF), guiding participants through each step of the process—from system categorization and control selection to assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring. The course emphasizes how RMF supports secure system development and risk-informed decision-making across the federal IT landscape.

LevelIntermediate
Duration5 Days
ExperienceNIST SP 800-37 and SP-800-53
Average Salary$124,610
LabsYes
Experience3 years: 1 of 7 Domains

Risk Management Framework (RMF)

Course Overview

Learners will explore how recent changes in NIST guidance and federal policy affect RMF implementation, and how to apply these updates in practical, real-world scenarios. Through examples, exercises, and discussion, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to collaborate with stakeholders, streamline documentation, and leverage automation to improve efficiency and outcomes.

Ideal for federal employees, contractors, and IT professionals working with government systems, this course is especially valuable for those in roles like ISSO, SCA, or anyone involved in system authorization and compliance. By the end, learners will be equipped to confidently support RMF activities and contribute to a stronger cybersecurity posture within their organization.

Understand the purpose and structure of the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and how it supports federal cybersecurity initiatives.

Identify and explain each step of the RMF process, including categorization, control selection, implementation, assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring.

  • Apply updated NIST guidance and federal policies to real-world RMF implementation scenarios.
  • Recognize key roles and responsibilities within the RMF process, including those of the ISSO, SCA, and Authorizing Official.
  • Use tools and templates to document RMF activities effectively and support system authorization packages.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure security is integrated throughout the system development lifecycle.
  • Leverage automation and continuous monitoring strategies to maintain system security and compliance.
  • Prepare for and support system authorization efforts in alignment with current federal standards.
Course Outline
  • Chapter 1: RMF overview
    • Module A: Introduction to RMF
    • Module B: Cybersecurity policy regulations and framework
    • Module C: RMF roles and responsibilities
  • Chapter 2: Risk analysis
    • Module A: Risk management
    • Module B: Risk assessment and the RMF process
  • Chapter 3: The RMF process
    • Module A: Step 0—Prepare
    • Module B: Step 1—Categorize
    • Module C: Step 2—Select
    • Module D: Step 3—Implement
    • Module E: Step 4—Assess
    • Module F: Step 5—Authorize
    • Module G: Step 6—Monitor
Intended Audience

This course is designed for professionals who work with or support federal information systems and need a solid understanding of the Risk Management Framework. Ideal learners include:

  • Information System Security Officers (ISSOs) who are responsible for overseeing system security and ensuring RMF compliance.
  • Security Control Assessors (SCAs) and other assessment personnel who evaluate the effectiveness of security controls.

System Owners and Program Managers who need to understand how RMF fits into the system development lifecycle and impacts project planning.

Federal contractors and consultants supporting agencies with cybersecurity, compliance, or system authorization efforts.

IT professionals and engineers transitioning into federal cybersecurity roles or seeking to strengthen their understanding of federal risk management practices.

New hires or career changers entering the federal cybersecurity space who need foundational knowledge of RMF and its practical application.

This course is especially valuable for those working in or with civilian agencies, DoD environments, or any organization subject to federal cybersecurity requirements.

Prerequisites
  • Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts such as threats, vulnerabilities, and controls.
  • Familiarity with federal IT environments or general knowledge of how government systems are developed and managed.
  • Experience with system documentation or compliance processes is helpful but not required.
  • Comfort with reading and interpreting policy or technical guidance, especially NIST publications like SP 800-37 and SP 800-53.
Follow-On Courses

Related training topics

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Justify your training

Use this sample request letter — copy it into an email to your manager and personalize the bracketed details to make the case for the time and budget.

Sample training request letter

Subject: Request for Governance, Risk & Compliance training from Applied Technology Academy

[Decision Maker Name],

I'm writing to request time and budget approval to complete Applied Technology Academy's course, Risk Management Framework (RMF) Training. The information below outlines how this training benefits our organization, the tasks I'll be able to perform after completing it, and relevant cost and funding details.

Course Description
Federal agencies and contractors face increasing pressure to secure systems while staying compliant with evolving cybersecurity standards. This training offers a hands-on introduction to the latest updates to the Risk Management Framework (RMF), guiding participants through each step of the process—from system categorization and control selection to assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring. The course emphasizes how RMF supports secure system development and risk-informed decision-making across the federal IT landscape. Applied Technology Academy is an award-winning, SBA-certified woman-owned training provider (est. 2008) whose instructors are active practitioners; the course is hands-on with virtual labs and a learn-by-doing methodology.

Course Objectives
Once I've completed the course, I'll have hands-on, job-ready skills in governance, risk & compliance that I can apply immediately to our work.

Expected Organizational Benefits
After completing this course, I will be better equipped to apply these skills directly to our projects, reduce our reliance on outside expertise, strengthen our team's capabilities, and share what I learn with colleagues.

Expected Cost & Funding
Course fee: [request an itemized quote at the link below]. Applied Technology Academy supports multiple funding paths that may reduce or cover this cost: GSA MAS purchasing and government purchase orders, military credentialing funding (Army CA, AF COOL, CG COOL), VA GI Bill and VR&E, ATA Flexible Spending, and student financing. Private team cohorts are available if colleagues should attend with me.

Conclusion
This training provides practical, hands-on experience I can apply immediately to strengthen our work in governance, risk & compliance. Additional course information is available at https://appliedtechnologyacademy.com/risk-management-framework-rmf/.

Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name]

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