CRM Certification: Candidacy and
Certification Explained (Why YOU
should become a CRM!)
Presented by:
Lauren Nathanson, CRM
Chapter CRM Liaison
What is the CRM Certification?
• In the records and information management
profession, the primary certification is the Certified
Records Manager (CRM) (www.arma.org)
• Standard by which persons involved in records and
information management could be measured
• The Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM) is
the certifying organization for the CRM. The ICRM was
incorporated in 1975 as a non-profit organization.
• 902 active and 157 retired CRMs worldwide
What are the Benefits?
• Marketability
% of Job Postings That Require or Prefer CRM Candidates
Records Specialist
67%
Records Manager
60%
Sr. Records Manager
60%
RIM Professional
50%
Records Management
Director
100%
Sales
50%
What are the Benefits?
• Increased Salary and Earning Potential
– "In the U.S. when median base salary is analyzed by
isolating CRMs versus non-CRMs, the result showed a
31% higher annual median salary for individuals with
certification. (2009 ICRM Salary Survey)
• Additional knowledge gained through the
certification process
• ICRM Newsletter, member access to icrm.org,
and invitation to ICRM Business Meeting and
Reception at ARMA International Conference
Who Can Take the CRM?
• Two requirements: Education and Professional
Experience
Education
Professional
Experience
Masters Degree
2 Years
4 Years (BA/BS Degree)
3 Years
3 Years
5 Years
2 Years
7 Years
1 Year
9 Years
High School Graduate
11 Years
Who Can Take the CRM?
• Professional Experience Categories: Must have
experience in 3 or more categories
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–
–
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–
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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
Records Management Training, Education, and Awareness
Step 1: Apply!
• Fill out the application at www.icrm.org
• Include college transcripts and job experience
documentation
• Application fee is $100
• You will be informed of your status within 2
months
Step 2: Study, Study, Study
• 6 Parts to the Exam:
– Part 1: Management Principles and the Records and Information
Management (RIM) Program
– Part 2: Records Creation and Use
– Part 3: Records Systems, Storage and Retrieval
– Part 4: Records Appraisal, Retention, Protection and Disposition
– Part 5: Technology, Equipment and Supplies
– Part 6: Case Studies
• You must pass Parts 1-5 before you can take Part 6
• You can take as many Parts at one time as you wish
Step 2: Study, Study, Study
• The Annotated Outline is a GREAT Resource!
• The Exam Bibliography is helpful, but try not to get
overwhelmed (it is 16 pages long!)
• Create a study plan and commit at least 3-5 hours per
week to studying
Step 3: Take the Exams
• You can take the exams during a one-week window
every three months. Exams are administered
electronically at Pearson testing centers.
• Parts 1 to 5 each consist of 100 multiple-choice
questions. You have 80 minutes to complete each
exam.
• You must score at least 70% to pass
• You will get your score immediately upon completion of
the exam.
You have 5 Years from the
date of your first passing
exam to complete Parts 1-6
Step 3: Take the Exams
• Part 6
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60 Point Case Study
40 Point Case Study (Choose 1 of 2)
235 minutes to complete the exam
You must score 70% to pass
Grading is manual; you will receive your score within 2 months
• Exam Fees
Parts 1-5
Part 6
$100.00 each
$150.00
Step 3: Take the Exams
• 2011 Exam Schedule
Exam
Registration
Parts 1-5
Part 6
Winter
Nov 19 – Feb 3
Feb 7-11
Feb 17
Spring
Feb 25 – Apr 28
May 2-6
May 12
Summer
May 20 – Jul 28
Aug 1-5
Aug 11
Fall
Aug 19 – Nov 3
Nov 7-11
Nov 17
Questions?
Lauren Nathanson
lnathanson@extraspace.com
801-365-4639