Critical Operations Testing2025-10-16T22:22:28+11:00

Critical Operations Testing

Test Recovery Thresholds to Ensure CPS 230 Compliance

Critical Operations Testing

Meet Tolerance Levels. Prove Your Resilience.

Critical Operations Testing

CPS 230 requires more than just a plan, it demands proof. Escalate Consulting supports APRA-regulated entities to test and validate their ability to maintain critical operations within tolerance levels during disruption. Our testing programs are tailored, structured, and evidence-based to help you meet regulatory expectations with confidence.

Validate Your Critical Operations Under CPS 230

Practical Testing That Proves Your Business Can Withstand Disruption

Under APRA’s Prudential Standard CPS 230, regulated entities must define their critical operations, establish tolerance thresholds, and demonstrate the ability to maintain them during severe but plausible scenarios. Escalate Consulting’s Critical Operations Testing is designed to meet these requirements through structured, real-world simulations that assess and improve your resilience posture.

We test your ability to deliver what’s required, when it matters most.

our Approach

What is Tested?

We test the ability of your organisation to maintain and recover critical operations those which, if disrupted beyond tolerance levels, would materially impact customers, financial stability, or compliance.

This includes:

  • Customer service delivery
  • Payment and settlement systems
  • Claims or benefits processing
  • Financial operations (e.g. payroll, invoicing)
  • Core IT systems and data integrity
  • Communications and crisis response coordination

Testing can focus on one or more of the following:

  • Inherent MTPD – The maximum outage before failure, without mitigations
  • Residual MTPD – The tolerable outage with current mitigations and controls in place

We help you confirm both – ensuring you can declare and defend your stated recovery capabilities.

Our Testing Approach

We take a structured, collaborative approach that includes:

Test Planning and Scoping

Identify critical functions, required participants, and the tolerance thresholds to be tested.

Scenario Development

Develop disruption scenarios tailored to your industry, systems, and dependencies aligned to APRA’s definition of “severe but plausible” events.

Exercise Facilitation

Conduct a facilitated tabletop or functional exercise that walks teams through response and recovery, escalation, communications, and system/process restoration.

Performance Review

Track performance against declared tolerance levels, RTOs, and response expectations.

Reporting and Recommendations

Deliver a concise report covering observations, strengths, gaps, and actions—ready for submission to Risk Committees, Boards or APRA as required.

Why Choose Escalate Consulting?

  • CPS 230 Alignment – Our testing is built around APRA’s requirements for critical operations and tolerance levels.
  • Tailored Scenarios – Each exercise is based on your real operating environment, systems, and recovery expectations.
  • Evidence of Readiness – Validate your declared MTPDs (Maximum Tolerable Periods of Disruption) and service levels through structured testing.
  • Clear Governance Insight – We deliver results in executive-ready formats that support Board review, audit, and regulatory engagement.
  • Experienced Facilitators – Our team brings deep experience in business continuity, crisis management, and regulatory assurance.

Deliverables

You’ll receive:

  • Tailored exercise brief and facilitation

  • Scenario injects mapped to CPS 230 requirements

  • Observations on performance against declared tolerance levels

  • Gap analysis and prioritised remediation actions

  • Board and Executive summary for assurance and oversight

Strengthen Your CPS 230 Position

CPS 230 requires more than having continuity plans on file, it requires assurance that they work in practice. Testing your critical operations shows APRA, your Board, and your stakeholders that your organisation is ready to respond and recover with confidence.

Whether as a one-off assurance activity or part of your annual testing calendar, Escalate will help you get the evidence you need.

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frequently asked questions

What is Business Continuity and why is it important? 2025-10-03T21:12:38+10:00

Business Continuity (BC) is the practice of ensuring critical operations can continue or resume quickly during disruptions. Aligned with ISO 22301, a robust BC program minimises operational, financial, and reputational impact while protecting employees, customers, and stakeholders. 

Who needs a Business Continuity program? 2025-10-03T21:23:25+10:00

Any organisation that relies on people, processes, or systems to deliver products or services can benefit from a BC program. Aligning with International Standards and best practice, even small or medium-sized organisations gain resilience, minimise disruption, and ensure critical operations continue during unexpected events. 

Can Escalate help if my organisation is new to Business Continuity? 2025-10-03T21:24:04+10:00

Absolutely. We provide end-to-end support from initial assessments and program design to plan development, training, and testing ensuring your BC capability is structured, practical, and appropriate to the size and complexity of your organisation. 

How can Escalate ensure we meet industry-specific regulatory and compliance requirements? 2025-10-03T21:26:21+10:00

Many sectors have specific BC expectations. For example, APRA-regulated entities must comply with CPS 230, critical infrastructure operators under the Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act) must maintain resilience plans, and other industries may follow local or international standards such as ISO 22301. Escalate combines regulatory expertise, industry best practice, and practical experience to design and implement BC programs that meet these requirements, including policy documentation, plan testing, outcome reporting, and ongoing guidance to ensure your organisation remains compliant and resilient. 

What does a typical Business Continuity engagement with Escalate Consulting involve? 2025-10-03T21:28:03+10:00

All BC programs are different; however, depending on the client requirement, Escalate can: 

  1. Facilitate Business Impact Analysis (BIA) workshops to identify critical functions and dependencies 
  2. Develop or update Business Continuity Plans tailored to your organisation 
  3. Deliver training and awareness sessions for staff and leadership 
  4. Conduct validation testing and exercises to ensure plans are practical and effective 
How often should Business Continuity Plans be reviewed or tested?  2025-10-03T21:28:51+10:00

BC plans should be reviewed at least annually and after any significant organisational change. Validation testing (such as scenario exercises or table-top drills) should also be conducted regularly to confirm readiness and embed staff confidence in the plans. 

Can Escalate provide ongoing support after our BC program is implemented? 2025-10-03T21:29:26+10:00

Yes. We offer continuous improvement support, refresher training, and periodic plan reviews to ensure your BC capability remains effective as your business, systems, and regulatory environment evolve. 

contact info

Enhancing organisational strength through Business Continuity Planning, Crisis Management, Business Resilience, and Scenario Simulation Exercises to prepare clients for the unexpected.

hello[at]@escalateconsulting.com.au

Tel: 1300 064 410

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