CRM Certification: Candidacy and Certification Explained (Why YOU should become a CRM!)

1. CRM Certification: Candidacy and Certification Explained (Why YOU should become a CRM!) Presented by: Lauren Nathanson, CRM Chapter CRM Liaison

2. What is the CRM Certification? • In the records and information management profession, the primarycertification 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

3. What are the Benefits? • Marketability % of Job Postings That Require or Prefer CRM Candidates

4. 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

5. Who Can Take the CRM? • Two requirements: Education and Professional Experience

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Step 3: Take the Exams • 2011 Exam Schedule

13. Questions?Lauren Nathansonlnathanson@extraspace.com801-365-4639