"100 multiple-choice questions"

Very thin.  Very, very thin.  While they are at it; why do they not make it
rigorous....; make it worth something?

Best regards, Steve
Steven D. Whitaker, CRM

On Thu, Aug 25, 2011 at 7:16 PM, Patrick Cunningham <[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> 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
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
> "Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier."
> -- Colin Powell
>
>
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