First, full disclosure since I haven't yet in this thread: I work for AIIM
and we have a certification which I think complements the CRM. And I have
been a CRM since 2009.

That out of the way, there have been any number of discussions the last few
years about having a separate tech part or even having a Part 8 for ERM
along the lines of what NIRMA has with its Part 7 (you get the CRM/NS when
you pass it).

I certainly respect Peter's and others' positions and the work the ICRM has
done towards modernizing the exam. But I will repeat here the suggestion I
made in response to the Part 8 discussion to many of them: in 2013, the ERM
stuff is core exam and much of the legacy stuff needs to be ripped out and,
optionally, made its own specialty. From the current ICRM handbook, which I
assume reflects the current Part V:

- Microform
- Reprographics
- Much of the imaging stuff, particularly optical

And I couldn't quickly find the parts that continue to deal with forms
management, mailroom management, etc. but seriously. Yes, yes, I know many
CRMs and records managers have had to deal with these in their past. Same
with microfilm. But a certification exam should do two things: it should
test the MINIMALLY COMPETENT CANDIDATE such that they meet the bare minimum
requirements to successfully execute the position, and it should accurately
reflect the tasks required of the job. I mean, take this to its logical
conclusion: Many records managers have had to lift 30-lb boxes (and it's in
their specific job description!) We should therefore have questions on the
right ways to lift boxes up. Some records managers have had to drive
forklifts or golf carts. We should test how to operate them as well.
Movable aisle shelving. Etc. etc. etc. Microfilm, forms management, etc.
have a place in certain organizations but they are in the distinct, tiny,
and shrinking minority.

There is just still so much on the exam that has no relevance to the
overwhelming majority records managers today in 2013. (Theory X says hi!) I
know, I'm not a regent, and I don't have access to the exam bank. But
here's a statement arguably against interest: it is many of those things
that remain on the exam that are hindering its growth. There are a lot of
other issues, but how many people have already made the point in this
thread that they see these flaws as a reason not to take it? And I hear
this all the time when I talk to AIIM and ARMA chapters.

I bet if you surveyed ARMA's members and asked their thoughts on a
topic-by-topic basis from the outline, better than a third of those topics
would need to go away. And I bet if you were able to survey their bosses as
to what's actually relevant to their positions that number would be even
higher.

Please don't get me wrong: I am a strong supporter of the CRM exam and the
ICRM. I know as probably few others on the list do what does into making,
maintaining, and updating a certification program. But it's tough to argue
to a fresh-out-of-college records clerk that in order to demonstrate their
professional expertise that they need to bone up on methylene blue testing,
Mazlow's hierarchy, and reproduction management.

Sorry to be such a downer on a Friday afternoon, and again I'm not the most
neutral witness here, but I do know certification stuff and it pains me
that the CRM isn't more popular than it is and to hear the comments that I
do.

-- 
Regards,

Jesse Wilkins, CIP, CRM, IGP
Still with AIIM, still based in Denver, CO
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blog: http://informata.blogspot.com
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jessewilkins

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