Certification Exam Requirements for a Records Administrator
- ARMA International notes that certification benefits records managers in several ways. Candidates learn more about their occupation as they go through the certification process, and they can apply the knowledge they gain on the job. It also provides a means to demonstrate experience and can lead to a promotion or salary increase. Meeting certification requirements also increases professionalism.
- The Institute of Certified Records Managers notes on its website that candidates for the certified records manager credential need varying combinations of education and work experience in order to register for the certification exam. With a high school diploma, 11 years' experience is needed. The more education a candidate has, the fewer years of work experience she will need. With a master's degree, for instance, only two years of work experience is necessary. Experience must come from categories such as records creation, records protection and records systems.
- The institute provides an exam content outline on its website. The records manager exam covers five areas: management principles, records creation, records systems, records appraisal and technology. Not all topics are covered on every exam, and the outline is not exhaustive. In addition to the five-part multiple-choice exam, there is a sixth section of the exam that requires candidates to submit written case studies. Certification candidates can pair with mentors to prepare for the sixth section of the exam.
- A study outline and handbook is available for download from the institute's website. The handbook includes a bibliography of texts that a candidate may wish to review in preparation for the exam. Study materials are available from ARMA International. The handbook advises candidates that once certification is awarded, they must earn 100 continuing education credits every five years. Approved activities include college courses, workshops and records management training.
