Sue Myburgh said:

>the CRM does not enjoy the same level of automatic international status
>that a Master's or PhD degree does.

You are probably correct; we in the ICRM must do a better job of promoting
the CRM to the international community, which we are.  But then again, we
are talking about two different creatures although one may complement
another.  Master's and PhDs are acquired through education programs;
experience and/or background in the program of study is usually not required
before taking courses toward the degree.

The CRM, like the PMP, CPA, etc. are acquired through a testing process that
focuses on core competencies specific to the profession credentials.  In
addition documented RM professional experience is required before one is
qualified to sit for examinations.

>Are there any jobs for records managers that state "CRM required for this
>position"?

Why yes, in the US anyway.  Over the past few years, more and more "help
wanted" announcements for records managers specifically require a CRM or the
ability to acquire one within a specific time frame.  Some of these are
posted on the ICRM web site (www.icrm.org); others are advertised on major
job sites such as Monster.com.

>The central problem with the CRM, I believe, will continue to be that it is
>not offered by an accredited University, and, as such, will remain being
>understood as a technician level qualification in the eyes of those 'out
>there'.

I'm not sure I understand this last sentence.  First, the CRM, as stated by
Steve, is a professional certification.  Second, I only know of one or two
credentials that one can obtain by attending classes through a University,
in the U.S. anyway.  Most certifications are administered and managed by a
governing body totally separate from the educational community.

In the US, for example, one can attend a university and attain a degree in
Accounting.  But getting the CPA is altogether different.  Not only do you
have to have an Accounting Degree, you must also have related experience and
pass tests that are administered by the credentialing organization, in this
case the various state CPA organizations along with the AICPA
(www.aicpa.org).

Enough said for one evening...

Bruce L. White, MBA, CRM, PMP

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