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).

Membership

Certified Records Managers (CRMs) are professional records and information managers from a growing number of countries including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Japan. Each individual is experienced in active and inactive records systems, and related disciplines such as archives, computerization, micrographics, and optical disk technology. CRMs receive the CRM designation by meeting both educational and work experience certification requirements established by the ICRM and by passing the required examinations.

Responsibilities of Certification

To remain a CRM in good standing and thereby be authorized to use the personal designation of "CRM", a person must conform to requirements set by the Board. This includes fulfilling the requirements of the ICRM Certification Maintenance Program.

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 annual membership fee is currently $150.00 (US) for regular members and $10.00 (US) for retired members.

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.

Application Fees

Prospective candidates pay a non-refundable $100.00 (US) fee for processing of their original application and evaluation of credentials. Applicants who fail to meet mandatory qualifications will be required to resubmit a new application form (including a new $100.00 (US) processing fee) if they wish to request reconsideration more than one year after the date of the original application. A fee of $40.00 (US) per examination is charged for Parts 1 to 5. The fee for Part 6 is $60.00 (US). These fees are only refundable is an applicant cancels his/her registration more than one month prior to the examination date.

Professional Work Experience

The ICRM has determined that a professional records and information manager must have acceptable work experience in four 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
• Records Management Training, Education and Awareness

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 judgement 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.

Taking the Examination

The first five examination parts may be taken in any sequence the candidate desires or a candidate may sit for Parts 1 to 5 of the examination at one time. Part 6 may be taken only after the candidate has passed the first five parts. Candidates may retake any part of the examination as often as necessary, within a five year period.

The examinations are offered twice each year on the first Thursday and the following Friday of May and November.  Examinations are administered at any location at which a qualified proctor can be identified.

Examinees are allowed 80 minutes for each part when taking parts 1 to 5 of the examination. Part 6 (Case Studies) has a four hour time period, exclusive of time needed for administrative purposes.

Grades

The passing score for each part of the examination is 70%.

Completion Time Required

All parts of the examination must be passed within a period of five consecutive years. If an applicant fails to do so, the part(s) taken and passed initially must be repeated so that the passing of all parts occurs within a five-consecutive-year period. 

A candidate must take at least one part of the examination within two examination cycles of having received approval as a candidate.