CRM Corner

by Dr. Ann Bennick, CRM

As a past ICRM Mentor for the Ark-La-Tex Chapter of ARMA International, I want to encourage each person involved in the records/information management profession to consider attaining the status of Certified Records Manager, administered by the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM). The ICRM, incorporated in 1975, has developed a standard ". . . by which persons involved in records and information management . . . [can] be measured, accredited and recognized according to criteria of experience and capability established by their peers."  (www.icrm.org/intro.html, p.1) This certification process recognizes and confirms your education, experience, and demonstrated knowledge as a professional records manager.

The ICRM is the official certifying body for ARMA International and the Nuclear Information Records Management Association. Although we encourage you to join ARMA and the Ark-La-Tex chapter, you do not have to be an ARMA member to apply for or sit for the six-part CRM examination. There are, however, experience and education minimums needed to qualify you to take the examination. (It is possible to substitute professional experience for education, based on a specified formula.)

Benefits. Many CRMs report that the process of attaining the CRM status enhances their knowledge and increases their enthusiasm for the profession. It often leads to increased job responsibility, increased compensation, and recognition within the company as a professional. Certainly, the recognition of your peers, heightens self esteem. Once the CRM is attained, you must periodically complete a specified number of continuing education hours to maintain your status. This continuing education requirement ensures that you will remain current in the profession.

The Examination. Parts 1-5 of the examination are presented as 100 multiple choice questions. Part 6 requires essay responses to case studies. Parts 1-5 may be taken in any order. Part 6 may not be attempted until parts 1-5 have been completed. The examination topics are as follows:

•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

The examination is given twice a year--on the first Thursday and following Friday of May and November. Every effort is made to locate a proctor near the applicant. Application deadlines are January 1 for the May examination and July 1 for the November examination.

The ICRM maintains a comprehensive web site www.icrm.org which provides more detailed information, including:

•application forms which can be downloaded,
•both a short form and detailed examination outline,
•examination application dates
•examination dates and times,
•frequently asked questions, and
•information about the certification maintenance program (CMP).

The Ark-La-Tex chapter of ARMA International has held several CRM workshops in recent past for interested records professionals.  If you are interested in becoming a CRM and would like assistance, please feel free to contact our current CRM Liaison, Janine Briley, CRM.  jbriley@qxqxq.com.