Some Clarification of CRA vs. CRM

A recent experience should be shared for those of you that are considering the CRA (Certified Records Analyst) versus the CRM (Certified Records Manager) designations.  By way of review:

• You get your CRA designation when you pass parts 2, 3, and 4
• You get your CRM designation when you pass all 6 parts

A candidate I know recently applied for her CRM designation and was approved for taking the exams.  However, her notice of approval said CRA, not CRM, and when she went to register for exams she was blocked from registering for Part 1 and Part 5.  Confusion ensued!!  Instead of living in perpetual wonder, I emailed the good folks at the ICRM and got a phone call back from Meghan who cleared the confusion.  The issue?  The candidate had checked the "CRA Credential Requested" box in her application, which is an option for applicants who want to get the CRA (either exclusively, or as a stepping stone to the CRM).

In the grand scheme of things, checking that box changes nothing.  The requirements for qualifying for the CRA are exactly the same as for qualifying for the CRM.  The only real difference is that, in the return notice that says "congratulations, you qualify!" it says "CRA" in the title instead of "CRM."  It was a surprise to Meghan that the candidate couldn't register for part 1 and part 5 exams - she's looking into that, and presumably in the future parts 1 and 5 will be open to both CRA and CRM candidates.

If I were only just now applying to the ICRM, I would probably go for the CRA and write parts 2, 3, and 4 first.  Just so that I could put some official initials after my name sooner rather than later!  But you're in no way limited by that, so the choice is up to you.

Maybe this will clear up some confusion.

Wayne Hoff, CRM, IGP
ARMA Calgary ICRM Liaison
icrmrep@armacalgary.org

I heard this joke the other day, and it made me laugh.  Scroll down for the answer.

What's brown and sticky?





























A stick.
(Laugh, groan, or roll your eyes.  Your choice.)