Thursday, November 20, 2008

Certified Records Manager

The Certified Records Manager designation is awarded by the Institute of Certified Records Managers. CRM candidates must meet education and experience criteria before being approved to sit for a six-part exam. The first five parts consist of multiple choice questions. Candidates are asked to write two case studies on specific records management issues. Candidates have five years to complete the exam cycle.

The Nebraska ARMA Chapter strongly supports all its members who pursue certification.

The following is a list of FAQ's on becoming a CRM:

Questions and Answers about the CRM Certification.
by: Joanna Blackburn, CRM

Have you always wondered about those three little letters after someone's name and wondered what it took to get the certification? If so, here is an introduction to the process and an invitation to learn more: 

Q: What does it mean to be a CRM and why do people want this credential? 
A: The CRM designation is based on a combination of educational background, professional work experience and successful completion of a series of examinations. For some people, attaining it means a higher salary or new job opportunities. Others feel the prestige of being a recognized, certified professional is very rewarding. In any case, it represents the top credential in the records and information management field.

Q: Who runs it? Do I have to be an ARMA member to try for the CRM?
A: The governing body is the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM), which is an international certifying organization of and for professional records and information managers. It is independent, but associated with ARMA for administrative purposes. Although many CRM's belong to ARMA and many ARMA members are CRMs, there is no requirement for ARMA membership. ICRM also maintains a toll-free information line, 1-877-244-3128 www.icrm.org. 

Q: What is the process to becoming a CRM?
A: Persons wishing to become a CRM must complete and submit an application form (ICRM Form #01) with supporting documentation indicating relevant work experience and education. These credentials are then evaluated by the Certification Standards Committee to determine that the eligibility requirements have been met. The optimum combination of experience and educational requirements are a baccalaureate degree from a four-year accredited college and three years of full time or equivalent professional experience in records management. The work experience must be in three or more categories. Other combinations of education and experience are acceptable. (See Information Sheet #3 Qualifying for the CRM Examination and #4 Documentation of Education and Experience for further information.) 

Q: What are the tests like?
A: There are six tests or parts in all: five objective (1.5 hrs, 100 multiple-choice questions each) and one case study test (four extremely short hours, two cases). The first five tests can be taken separately or all at once (the shotgun approach), but Part 6 can only be taken after the candidate has passed all of the first five. Candidates may retake any Part as often as necessary, but all parts must be passed within a period of five consecutive years. If not, the part(s) taken and passed initially must be repeated so that the passing of all parts occurs within a five-year period. The passing score for each part is 70%.

Q: How much does it cost?
A: Application: Prospective candidates pay a non-refundable $100 fee for processing their original application and evaluation of credentials. Applicants who fail to meet mandatory qualifications are required to resubmit a new application (and fee!) if the request is more than one year after the original application date.

Tests: A fee of $100 per examination is charged for Parts 1 through 5. The fee for Part 6 is $150. These fees are refundable only if the registration is canceled more than one month in advance.

Hint: Does your job description reference the "CRM" as being required or desirable? If so, your organization may assist you with the fees, time off for test taking and extra compensation for receiving the credential. This might be a good time to review your job description.

Q: When and where are the tests?
A: The exam dates are in May, August and November. Examinations are administered at any location at which a qualified proctor can be indentified.  Local tests can be proctored by a reputable testing/training center. Go to icrm.org for a list of the local training centers in our area.  Basically, proctors agree to receive the test material, monitor the exam period and return the test to graders.

Q: What happens after someone receives the CRM? 
A: Well, after a wild dance of victory & happiness (!!?), the new CRM changes his or her business cards, then starts documenting the 100 hours of continuing education that need to be received every five years. CRM's are expected to conform to the ICRM Code of Ethics and participate in activities to improve the records management profession. There is a one year grace period for paying the $150 annual dues. 

Q: Where can I get further information and some advice about applying and studying for the tests?
A: The first step is to obtain the Preparing for the CRM Examination: A Handbook from the ICRM, 5818 Molloy Road, Syracuse NY 13211 because it will be invaluable in guiding you through the process for $30. Start building your application to meet the next deadline, obtain transcripts and locate copies of the study materials in the bibliography. The Nebraska ARMA Chapter will be including many of these materials in its library.

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