Alright, I’m really doing it now!
I know! It’s been a while but I am officially back on track and I’m going to talk us all through this process. Last (last!) October, I came back from Infocon 2024 gung ho and ready to get things done! Of course, life got in the way and we started some big projects at the office and I realized I had bitten off more than I could chew. We have recently moved into a new office building and things are starting to settle down. Consequently, I am now back on track.
As you probably know, through ICRM ( https://www.icrm.org ) you can become a Certified Records Analyst or a Certified Records Manager (plus there are two specialty certifications you can achieve as well). I am planning on moving forward to obtain my CRM. If you’ll recall from my last blog post (many MANY long months ago), the test for the CRM includes 6 parts BUT if you finish 3 of those parts, you can get your CRA first. ICRM (and any mentor you speak with) recommends that you start with the CRA. Once you apply and are accepted, you have 5 years to finish your CRM UNLESS you successfully complete parts 2, 3, and 4 and achieve your CRA first. Thereafter, you have as much time as you like to go back and successfully complete parts 1, 5, and 6.
On November 9, 2024, I was officially accepted into the certification process so I am no longer an “Applicant” and have moved onto being a “Candidate.” I don’t know why but just that much makes me sit up a bit straighter and be a little proud of myself.
First step, sign up for one of the exams. I’m going to start with Part 2: Records and Information Creation and Use. This part is 100 multiple choice questions to be finished within 85 minutes. ICRM kindly provides us with an Annotated Outline at https://www.icrm.org/annotated_outline_part_2 . Now to actually sit down and study.
Recommended Reading from the ICRM website:
Records and Information Management, 3rd Ed. by Patricia Franks, Ph.D., IGP, CRM, CA, FAI
Records and Information Management: Fundamentals of Professional Practice, 4th Ed. by William Saffady, Ph.D., FAI
Now, what did I do with that Saffady book??? I’ll find it and and report back!