1. The Institute of Certified Managers (ICRM)
Becoming a CRM:
From Application to Certification

2. The Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM)
The ICRM is the certifying body for ARMA International and Nuclear Information and Records Management Association (NIRMA)
Confers the trademarked Certified Records Manager® designation
Authors and maintains the Code of Ethics of Professional Records Managers

3. ICRM Mission & Vision Vision Statement Mission Statement
The Institute of Certified Records Managers ® (ICRM) is the certifying body for Records and Information Management (RIM) professionals, recognized and valued by employers and RIM practitioners world-wide.
Mission Statement
To certify RIM professionals as Certified Records Managers ® (CRM) and administer a certification maintenance program.

4. History and Governance
Established in 1966 and began conferring certifications in 1975
Member of and certified by the National Certification Commission
Institute is governed by an elected, volunteer Board of Regents who are all CRMs in good standing

5. Benefits of CRM Designation
Prominent credential for professional records managers
Demonstrates commitment to continuing education
Develops professional skills and knowledge through studying and testing process
Prepares for career advancement with commensurate salary benefits
Increases professional recognition and opportunities to enhance career profile
ICRM membership (professional resources and contacts)

6. ICRM Membership and CRM Candidate Demographics
984 Active
172 Retired
CRM Candidates
Approximately 1,041
Data as of April 2015

7. CRMS and CRM Candidates Industry Representation
Government: 25%
Consulting: 12%
Utilities: 7%
Financial Services: 3.3%
Energy (Oil/Gas/Coal): 5%
Manufacturing: 4%

8. How to Become a CRM Apply to qualify to sit for the examinations
Applications are reviewed and approved by the ICRM Certification Standards Committee
As a Candidate you are then eligible to write the CRM examinations
Must complete all 6 Parts within a 5-year cycle

9. How to Apply
Submit your application and electronic payment (
If you need assistance with your application,
please contact the ICRM at (877) (USA and Canada)

10. Education and Experience
Applicants who properly demonstrate achievement of a four-year (bachelor’s) degree from an accredited institution of higher education must also demonstrate one year of professional Records and Information Management (RIM) experience.
Documentation Required: Copy of degree or transcript.
Alternatively, one year of professional Records and Information Management (RIM) experience can be substituted for each year of college education.

11. What Constitutes Professional Records Management Experience?
Conducts studies and surveys
Develops, designs and implements RIM programs, policies and procedures
Teaches records management
Provides training for records management

12. Documentation Required for Professional Experience
Practitioner
Formal job description or documentation of job duties in a letter signed by the manager
Teacher or Professor
Letter from Department Head and Syllabi of courses taught
Consultant, Contractor or Sales Professional
Minimum of two client letters
For more information, please refer to the ICRM Handbook available at

13. What to Expect on the Examinations
Parts 1 - 5
100 multiple choice questions
80 minutes for each part
No penalty for guessing
Can take up to all five in an exam cycle
5-year cycle starts once you are approved
Part 6
Must pass Parts before you can take Part 6
Must write answers for two 50 point business cases for Part 6
4 hours to complete
Note: All exams taken through Pearson VUE testing

14. Application and Examination Fees
Application fee is $100
Examinations for Parts 1-5 are $100 each
Part 6 is $150
Payable in US dollars

15. Resources for Assistance
ICRM Website:
Preparing for the CRM Examination: A Handbook
ARMA Regional/Chapter CRM Mentorship and Examination Preparation Workshops
ARMA International Conferences
Colleagues
ICRM-L listserv

16. A closer look at the details of examination framework
The CRM Examinations
A closer look at the
details of examination framework

17. How to Register for the Exams
Register for the CRM exams by logging into the ICRM website (
Pearson VUE, the official testing center for the CRM exams, has over 5000 test centers in 165 countries. You may also use the ICRM landing page on their website to schedule, cancel or reschedule your exams
First time users may have better success using the ICRM website, you must logon using your Candidate ID and password, if you don’t have an ID, request one by at
If you need assistance with registering for your exams contact the Regent for Exam Administration.

18. The Examinations
Tests global RIM knowledge in accordance with published sources
Developed by a committee of Certified Records Managers
Questions are revised bi-annually
Congruent with ARMA International Records and Information Management Core Competencies

19. Part One Management Principles and the Records and Information Management (RIM) Program
Principles of Management
Directing and Monitoring a RIM Program
Human Resources/Staffing
Ethical Responsibilities
Methodologies
Global Concerns of a RIM Program
Financial Considerations
Planning
Additional RIM Program Components

20. Part Two Records and Information: Creation and Use
Creating Records and Information
Information Capture and Use
Legal Compliance
Risk Assessment
Information Security
Electronic Communications
RIM-related Business Activities

21. Part Three Records Systems, Storage and Retrieval
Basic Concepts
Filing Systems
File System Design
Records Indexing and Retrieval
File Conversions
Records Storage Facilities
Records Center Operations
Commercial Records Centers

22. Part Four Records Appraisal, Retention, Protection and Disposition
Records Inventory
Records Appraisal
Retention Schedule Creation
Retention Schedule Implementation
Retention Schedule Administration
Vital Records Program
Business Continuity
Archives

23. Part Five Technology System Life Cycle Architecture and Infrastructure
Life-Cycle Management
Imaging Techniques
Programs and Applications

24. Part Six* The Business Cases
All candidates will be required to complete two business cases:
One 50 Point business case required of all candidates
Covers broad range of RIM considerations
One 50 Point business case
Candidate has a choice from two 50-point business cases
* You must pass Parts 1-5 before they can apply to take Part 6

25. Preparation Practice writing
Take a business writing course, if you can
Be prepared with the working knowledge gained through experience, taking and passing Parts 1-5
Secure a mentor to provide feedback to your writing
ARMA Chapter
ICRM Mentorship Program
Skill Path – Effective Business Writing
Community Colleges

26. CRM Certification Maintenance Requirements
Earn, record and submit certification maintenance forms for credit
You need 100 points in a 5 year cycle
One point = one hour of learning contact
Maintenance credits must be submitted within 6 months of the qualifying event or activity
Pay Annual Dues of $200.00

27. Questions?