A New TPN Chapter Begins
Four years have passed since the launch of the Trusted Partner Network (TPN) in 2018 and this fall season brings exciting new changes to the TPN Assessor Accreditation Program. On October 24th TPN will be accepting applications for Site and Cloud Assessors using the new accreditation criteria. This is a very important and significant milestone in TPN’s history. I feel fortunate and proud to lead the Assessor Program at TPN and to have played an important role in the development of these new Assessor Accreditation Criteria. To understand this significance, it’s important to reflect on how we arrived here, the challenges we faced in the past, the improvements of the new process, and how this affects the future.
Prior to the launch of the TPN in 2018, an examination process for accrediting Assessors was developed, and although this was an effective way to measure Assessor competency, it did have its limitations as prospective candidates needed to travel to the exam locations from all over the world. We understood how important it was to be accessible globally, and our first exam was held in the MPA Brussels office, followed by the Los Angeles and then Washington D.C. offices. As demand increased, we later hosted exams in Mumbai, Toronto, Australia, and Singapore. Like every other business, the exam process was greatly impacted once COVID hit in early 2020 and to comply with health and safety requirements, the TPN Exam was put on hold until further notice. As a result, we were unable to host any exams in the remainder of 2020. Alternatives such as a remote exam were explored, but halted due to logistical challenges. Exams finally resumed in mid 2021 with COVID safety protocols, but had to be limited to our Los Angeles office.
It became apparent that we needed to rethink the current accreditation process, especially as we were starting to plan for Cloud Assessments in addition to Site. An updated process would have to address accreditation criteria for both Cloud and Site Assessors, and also be accessible for Assessors in any region of the globe. After much research and feedback from Assessors, a new and improved criteria and process was developed. The new criteria focused on the experience and competence needed to perform a Site or Cloud Assessment as follows:
1. Media and Entertainment Knowledge
2. IT Audit, Information Security, and Cloud Security Certifications
3. Experience performing Audits and Assessments in IT, Content Security, Cyber Security, Information Security, and Cloud Security
The new criteria and process allows us to maintain the high standards and experience that is required by TPN, while providing an objective methodology to gauge the competency of an Assessor through certification examinations, without TPN having to conduct its own examination. In addition, there are many other important benefits:
1. The accreditation process is simple and easy to follow
2. Global applicants can now apply without needing to travel for the TPN exam
3. By growing global capacity, it is intended that Service Providers have the ability to work with Assessors in their own time zones and local language
4. The new onboarding process is faster, as candidates do not have to wait for the monthly TPN exam schedule
5. The new criteria can apply to both Site and Cloud Assessor
6. Accreditation criteria can easily be modified, as needed, to raise benchmarks and requirements
7. Applicants can easily see if they meet the accreditation criteria prior to applying, and can proactively apply for the required certifications if needed
8. Recognizing other certification standards for accreditation allows us to leverage existing Assessor talent
9. Allowing coursework substitution for media and entertainment experience encourages participation of talent from other industries
10. Assessor standards will be maintained with requirements for up-to-date certifications, experience, and training
After discussing these benefits, one might ask, what does this mean for TPN’s future, and for prospective Assessors applying for accreditation? This is probably the most exciting aspect of the new accreditation process.
TPN now has the ability to grow its global Assessment capacity and swiftly onboard Assessors in anticipation of the TPN Cloud and Hybrid Assessment Program launching in February 2023. Service Providers will have more choice and access to a larger pool of global Assessors in greater proximity. New Assessor applicants will have the exciting opportunity to work in the Media and Entertainment industry and to perform content security Site and Cloud Assessments. Finally, we all have the opportunity to be part of this new chapter in TPN’s continued growth.
Before I close, I want to give a special thank you to all the TPN Assessors that provided valuable insight and feedback to this process. Feel free to send me a line if you would like to chat about the new program. I can be reached at varuna_gunasekera@motionpictures.org.
And remember – If you are interested in being a part of TPN’s future, be sure to apply on October 24th and don’t miss the opportunity to join us as we begin this exciting new chapter!