Exciting Changes Ahead for ICRM Certification

Sat, 09/12/2026 - 13:59

We are excited to announce an important step forward in the evolution of ICRM certification.

As the Records and Information Management (RIM) profession continues to evolve, the ICRM is modernizing its certification program to better reflect today's professional practices, employer expectations, and career paths. These changes are designed to improve the candidate experience while strengthening the relevance, credibility, and professional value of ICRM credentials.

What is changing

As part of this modernization effort, ICRM will transition to a streamlined certification structure consisting of a Foundations Exam and a Capstone Assessment.

•    Foundations Exam – replaces current Parts 2, 3, and 4
•    Capstone Assessment – incorporates content currently assessed in Parts 1 and 6.
•    Part 5 (Technology) will no longer be offered as a separate examination component. Some technology-related competencies currently assessed in Part 5 will be integrated throughout both the Foundations Exam and Capstone Assessment, reflecting the essential role technology plays across modern records and information management practice.

Together, the updated assessments will ensure certification continues to evaluate competencies across all domains of contemporary RIM practice. Our goal is to align certification with the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment employers expect from today's records and information management professionals.

Timeline and next steps

This Fall, ICRM will conduct beta testing and validation activities to ensure the updated assessments meet our standards for quality, fairness, and rigor. We anticipate launching the new examination structure in early 2027. Additional information regarding beta testing, candidate transition planning, and impacts to academic partnerships will be shared in the coming weeks to ensure stakeholders have sufficient time to prepare for the upcoming changes.

An FAQ page addressing common questions will also be launched on the ICRM website shortly. In the meantime, questions may be directed to examconsolidation@icrm.org.

Why this matters

While the exam structure is evolving, our commitment to excellence is not. We are confident these enhancements will strengthen the future of ICRM certification and ensure the CRA and CRM credentials remain relevant, respected, and valued by professionals and employers alike.

Sincerely,
ICRM Board of Regents