The Old vs. the New

The CRM exams cover a wide spectrum between the old and the new.  Technological questions may be covered in any exam part, and Part 5, Technology, specifically covers records systems, imaging, and electronic records management.  At the same time, as a CRA/CRM candidate you are expected to know the full range of traditional paper processes as well.  In fact, I've heard criticisms in the past about the fact that the CRM exam is "mired in ancient history."

Here's the thing:  records managers still have to manage paper.  Lots of it.  Tons of it.  And for the foreseeable future, that won't change.  We look forward to the day - nay, dream of the day! - when we can leave paper processes behind, but for now most of us still have to manage those paper official records.  And at the same time we work hard to adapt to the reality of constantly changing technology so that we can manage records in all formats appropriately for our organizations.

Therefore, when you study for exams, it's important to study the old - with apologies to all of the following, I'm talking about Saffady, Robek, and Langemo - as well as the new.  The new is a little harder.  Books on electronic records management are out there, and have value - I'm thinking of Smallwood, Blair, Kahn, plus many others - but when the books are even a couple of years old they're already out of date.  That means you need to be on blogs, newsfeeds, the RM listserv, and webinars to really get a picture of what's happening now in electronic information management.

You might ask, "How likely is it that such leading-edge technology will be in the CRM exams?"  I'm not sure - they make new questions all the time, so the chance is definitely there.  But it's important for you to look beyond the exam.  You don't become a great records manager by passing CRM exams; you become a great records manager by being engaged in the industry and following what's going on.  You think you're studying for an exam??  No!  You're studying for your career.

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