<and the CRM, which seems essentially to recognize experience and
training that people have got on the job (something like an
apprenticeship model, rather than formal education)>
<I also understand that the role of the CRM, as it is based on practical
experience, is a useful complement to the first task, even though it is
really only recognized in the US and Canada.>

I don't quite agree with Sue's evaluation of the certification.  Higher
education is required for acceptance as a candidate.  In rare cases,
experience may be considered in lieu of a full degree, but the
experience must be in a managerial, analytical, or teaching position -
not entry level or apprenticeship or clerical levels.  One of the
reasons experience is considered is the lack of formal RIM education
opportunities, especially in North America.  I understand that the U.K.
model of certification is based on educational credentials more that
experience, but even that model recognizes a professional body of work
such as research and publishing, as does the ICRM.

As a member of the ICRM Board of Regents and Regent for Exam
Administration for the past 4 years, I have to say that the
certification IS becoming more recognized outside North America.  We
have seen increased interest throughout the Caribbean and a major push
by Japanese RIM professionals toward offering the certification in
Japan.  We currently have candidates testing in Jamaica, Barbados,
Japan, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, South Africa, and Trinidad.  While
we have been hindered in the past by manual processes, the ICRM is going
through major change to overcome these past obstacles.

I also believe the RIM profession as a whole has, in the past, not
considered itself to be a major player in business and government -
something that we, individually, have to change to have our profession
more universally recognized AS a profession.


Ginny Jones
(Virginia A. Jones, CRM, FAI)
Records Manager
Information Technology Division
Newport News Dept. of Public Utilities
Newport News, VA
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