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?

• MarketabilityRecords Specialist 67%

Records Manager 60%

Sr. Records Manager 60%

RIM Professional 50%

Records Management Director

100%

Sales 50%

% of Job Postings That Require or Prefer CRM Candidates

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

– 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– 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 $100.00 each

Part 6 $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 Nathansonlnathanson@extraspace.com

801-365-4639