Exam CISM topic 1 question 595 discussion

An operational full test directly evaluates the functionality of backup power generators under normal conditions. It involves testing the entire system—ensuring that the generators can provide the required power load, start automatically in response to a power outage, and run for the necessary duration. This type of test is highly efficient for verifying the real-time operability of backup generators because it simulates actual operational conditions without causing disruption to the organization's critical services.

Initially I chose C. After reading the Testing and Maintenance section (page 346) in the CISM Study Guide, by Mike Chapple, I chose Simulation Test. I first thought in a simulation test you do not activate physical systems. In the description it states, "Unlike with the tests previously discussed, some of these response measures are then tested. This may involve the interruption of noncritical business activities and the use of some operational personnel." So based on this information, simulation test would be the most EFFICIENT, since we are not interrupting operations, in which senior management does NOT like at all. Just my 2 cents. :)

'most efficient' - B, Full interruption test is not efficient as it will cause downtime.

Full Interruption test

The goal is to verify that backup power generators are functioning. FULL INTERRUPTION TEST results in operational disruption and is hence not the most EFFICIENT way. OPERATIONAL FULL TEST can result in unplanned disruptions as well. PARALLEL RECOVERY TEST does not cause disruptions but uses max resources, and therefore not the most EFFICIENT way. Simulation failure test minimizes the risk of disruption and downtime while still testing the functionality of the backup power generator. Running the system or facility on both the main power supply and the backup power generator simultaneously

D definitely. As per CISM online glossary, D is the only one where you fully rely upon the backup

The MOST efficient way to verify that backup power generators are functioning is option D, the "Full interruption test." A Full interruption test, also known as a "full-scale test" or "blackout test," involves intentionally shutting down the primary power source to see if the backup power generators can successfully take over and supply power to the critical systems. This test simulates a real-life scenario in which the primary power source fails, and it verifies the readiness of the backup generators to respond effectively.

D. Full interruption test

Parallel Test may not be correct. Because In Parallel test both primary and backup should be active. Usually, we don't active generator always. But when power stop, then we on Generator. Hence, Full Interruption Test may be correct answer, because it start backup once the primary stop.

D. Full interruption test

C. Parallel recovery test All other options involve intentionally triggering a failure in the primary power source to see how well the backup generators respond, which is not efficient at all.

Using the official CISM Review Manual, 16th Edition, for the types of incident response plan tests, I only see Checklist, Structured walkthrough, simulation test, parallel test, and full interruption test. The closest is the parallel test.

A. The most efficient way to verify that backup power generators are functioning is through an operational full test, which involves running the backup power generators under load for an extended period of time to ensure that they can sustain power to critical systems during an extended outage. The other options listed are not specifically designed to test the functionality of backup power generators.

Think just simulating a power failure should be enough to check if the backup generator kicks in. While a full interruption would confirm this as well, I am not sure if it's the most "efficient"

I think C. Concurrent recovery test is the correct answer for this; D. Full interruption test is not efficient because it results in a total outage when the test fails.

Parallel testing is the most effective way of testing as it does not hinders the production/ critical processes running in the org

Not sure you have to do a full test to make sure a generator works