CRM since 1992. BA in History, most of an MA in Public History (including coursework in records and archives) completed when I began the CRM process. Five years of broad RIM experience when I started the CRM process. Passed the first five parts in one sitting. Part VI took three tries (and I think some of you would consider me a good writer). 


If someone, regardless of qualifications, wants to pay the money to take the test, and they manage to pass, I would not consider the process "watered down". Perhaps they are a good test taker. Perhaps they caught a favorable set of questions. But the overall rigor of the examination -- and the writing (under pressure) -- will weed out people who simply are not qualified. 


This is not a matter of the ICRM throwing everything out in favor of 100 multiple guess questions alone. This is not a matter of "take our exam prep class and we guarantee that you'll pass". You gotta know something coming in the door and you gotta be able to write reasonable responses to two complex questions.


Does the CRM make me a better records manager than a person working in the profession without the credential? No. There are plenty of highly skilled, highly qualified records managers without the CRM. Many of them contribute here regularly. There are also plenty of CRMs who I wouldn't hire to alphabetize file folders. For a hiring manager, the CRM is indicative that the holder is dedicated to his or her craft enough to not only take a rigorous exam, but to maintain that certification through continuing education. It is a hurdle in the hiring process. I would suggest that there are non-CRMs who are equally dedicated to their craft, but don't bother with the credential for whatever reason. I encourage them to take the CRM exam, but their lack of credential isn't something I necessarily hold against them.


I just brought on a new hire in my organization with an MA and several years of interning in archives and records programs. He's a very sharp young man. He is eager to take the CRM exam. I have cautioned him that he needs a much broader base of experience before I would recommend that he engage in the process. And I suspect that he will review the body of knowledge and concur in that assessment. But even if he passed the exam, would I consider him fully qualified to be our Corporate Records Manager? No. I would congratulate him on the achievement and continue to mentor him and grow his overall skills.

I think most folks who are engaged in this debate have passion about the CRM credential, but I would suggest that they save their passion for a much bigger debate that will likely begin next month. AIIM will roll out their Information Certification. http://www.aiim.org/Training/Certification   I would expect, in short order, that we will see job postings that favor candidates with EITHER the CRM or the IC (or however it will be available for personal designation). My initial read of the IC and its scope is mixed. I like some of breadth of the body of knowledge, but I think it will be difficult to get a good read of any level of knowledge when the exam consists of 100 questions covering over 200 line items that cover the body of knowledge. It strikes me that the IC is a mile wide and an inch deep. Arguably, one might say the same for the CRM or any other certification. Would I hire a forensic analyst simply because they have an EnCE? Heck no. But it is a
 mark of a minimum level of basic knowledge. The hiring manager still needs to assess other areas of competence.

I plan to take the IC examination so that I can better understand how rigorous it is and be in a better position to offer applause and critiques. If I pass the exam, will I place the IC ahead of the CRM after my name? Unlikely. It will not be as rigorous a test. But that will be my choice. You'll note that my designation as an ARMA Fellow comes after the CRM. That's because in the hierarchy of such designations, academic degrees come first (and typically, we don't use the ones below a doctorate), then certifications, then honorifics. The FAI is an honorific. How you order certifications seems to be open to personal preference, although personally, I would think they would be in order of rigor or in date conferred order.

I expect that I will have stirred up a separate debate with this posting. I think it is a more worthy debate that I hope will be of substance regarding the appropriate body of knowledge that our profession should require. I also hope that we will give thoughtful consideration to the appropriate amount of competence that must be exhibited for a professional to be charged with leading or consulting in our profession.

 
Patrick Cunningham, CRM, FAI
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