Inside NIRMA Fall 2020

From the CRM
So You Want to
Become a CRA/CRM?
By Gil Brueckner CRM/NS
I
f you read Bruce Walters’ article “To CRM or Not to
CRM?” in the Fall 2019 NIRMA newsletter and you’re
thinking about becoming a Certified Records Analyst
(CRA) or Certified Records Manager (CRM), or maybe
you’re already working towards certification, then read on.
This article will describe my journey towards certification and
provide some tips and strategies to make your journey easier.
Cost of Certification
The costs associated with certification are shown below:
I decided to become a CRM after attending the NIRMA
conference in 2014. I realized I had gaps in my knowledge
and certification provided a means to become more
knowledgeable. I completed CRM certification in 2018.
Requirements for CRA/CRM Certification
The requirements to apply for certification are a
combination of education and experience ranging from a high
school diploma plus five years of experience to a bachelor’s
degree with one year of experience. There is a five-year time
limit to achieve certification, which starts when your
application is accepted. See the ICRM site for more
information on applying for certification.
Ways to Save Money
You can save on books by renting them from
Amazon.com. You can also go to the ICRM – Bookstore to
buy/sell books and other prep resources. You can save
money by not taking an exam prep course, but I don’t
recommend it. The course I took was invaluable!
CRA or CRM?
Which certification should you apply for? It depends on
your interests. The CRA is focused on the core aspects of
RM and is geared towards individual contributors. It requires
passing three exams (Parts 2 – 4). The CRM builds upon the
CRA curriculum by adding leadership and technology topics.
It requires passing six exams (Parts 1 – 6). If you’re not sure
where to start, begin with the CRA. Once you achieve your
CRA (within five years), the clock stops on completing your
full CRM certification. You will be required to maintain your
CRA (100 credit hours every five years), but you can work
toward your CRM whenever you see fit.
Funding Certification
To offset the cost of certification, check with your
employer. Some employers will reimburse certifications. If
yours will, great! If not, perhaps your employer has an
employee award program that can be applied towards
certification. Also, don’t forget to apply for the La ARMA
Nostra Certification Reimbursement Program through the
ARMA International Education Foundation. This annual
program offers six recipients a $500 reimbursement grant to
offset the cost of certification.
Time Commitment
The time spent preparing for the exam will vary with
each person. I spent approximately 250 hours over 2 years to
prepare for the exams for Parts 1 - 6.
8 Fall 2020 NIRMA.org Inside NIRMA