Describes the principles and terminology of exercising and gives guidance on the processes and methods for developing or improving continuity and contingency capabilities.

This Published Document (PD) establishes the principles and terminology of exercising and gives guidance on the processes and methods for developing or improving continuity and contingency capabilities.NOTE For the purposes of this PD, testing is defined as a particular type of exercise that incorporates an expectation of a pass or fail element within the aim or objectives of the exercise being planned. Accordingly, the term “exercise??, where used in the PD, might also refer to testing activities.The purposes of this PD are to: provide a basis for understanding, developing and implementing an effective exercise programme within an organization; provide confidence in the organization’s ability to conduct exercises and tests with internal and external stakeholders; assist the organization in developing and assessing its exercising and testing capability in a consistent, cost-effective and risk-assessed manner that reflects good practice; and encourage constant improvement in contingency and continuity programmes within an organization.This PD is intended for use by anyone with responsibility for operations or the provision of services, whether in public, private or not-for-profit organizations, from top management through all levels of the organization; from organizations with a single site to those with a global presence; from small to very large organizations.