Introduction to Certification

 

 

The Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM) is an international certifying organization of and for professional records and information managers. The ICRM was incorporated in 1975 to meet the requirement to have a standard by which persons involved in records and information management could be measured, accredited and recognized according to criteria of experience and capability established by their peers.

 

 

 Objectives
The primary objective of the ICRM is to develop and administer the program for professional certification of records managers, including certification examinations and a certification maintenance program. The ICRM serves as the official certifying body for both the Association of Records Managers and Administrators, International, (ARMA International) and the Nuclear Information Records Management Association (NIRMA).

 

Benefits of Certification
Research has shown that CRMs and CRM candidates believe that attaining certification status results in enhanced professionalism and personal growth. The records and information management knowledge gained through the certification process and the improved attitude of self-esteem and confidence can result in CRMs obtaining increased job responsibility with commensurate salary benefits.

 

CRMs receive a Newsletter and a Directory. Each CRM is also entitled to attend the ICRM Annual Meeting and the ICRM reception held at the Annual ARMA International Conference. Individuals who have qualified as examination candidates, but who have not yet completed the process also receive the Newsletter and may attend both the Annual Meeting and Reception. The ICRM is a volunteer organization. CRMs assist in the development of professionalism in records and information management and the promotion of the value of certification for records managers. They share their experience and knowledge by participating in ICRM committees and through writing, teaching, and speaking.

 

The Certification Process
Attaining the CRM designation is based on educational background, work experience and the passing of a six part examination.

 

The six part examination is divided into:

     Part 1 Management Principles and the Records Management Program

     Part 2 Records Creation and Use

     Part 3 Records Systems, Storage and Retrieval

     Part 4 Records Appraisal, Retention, Protection and Disposition

     Part 5 Equipment, Supplies and Technology

     Part 6 Case Studies

 

Parts 1 to 5 each consist of 100 multiple choice questions. Part 6 consists of case studies which require essay responses.

 

Applying for the Examination
Persons wishing to become a CRM must complete and submit an application form (ICRM Form #01) with supporting documentation indicating acceptable work experience and education. These credentials are reviewed and evaluated by the ICRM's Certification Standards Committee to determine if the certification requirements have been met. Application to take specific parts of the examination is done on ICRM form #05.

 

Professional Work Experience
The ICRM has determined that a professional records and information manager must have acceptable work experience in three or more of the following categories:

     Management of a Records Management Program

     Records Creation and Use

     Active Records Systems

     Inactive Records Systems

     Records Appraisal, Retention and Disposition

     Records Protection

     Records and Information Management Technology

 

Acceptable work experience may have been acquired if a person has: conducted studies and surveys or developed, designed, and implemented records management systems; has direct managerial or operational responsibility for programs; or has taught in an accredited college/university on a full time basis courses in records management.

 

Education
The optimum combination of experience and education 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 Certification Standards Committee of the Board may, at its discretion, accept two years of additional experience as a substitute for one year of education.

 

Applicants may not sit for the examination until their credentials (the application form with supporting documentation) have been approved by the Certification Standards Committee. Applicants who, in the judgment of that Committee, do not furnish adequate written documentation of acceptable education and experience will be notified and offered the opportunity to provide additional supporting material. If acceptable documentation is still not received by the appropriate date, their files will be closed. They may apply again (as a "Resubmission") at such time as they can provide the proper documentation.

 

For more information, visit the ICRM website.