5 Records Management Certifications to Advance Your Career

From the CRA to IGP, these records management certifications highlight the expertise of information professionals

It’s not always a glamorous role, but records and information management is increasingly vital for modern business growth. As a result, employers need qualified professionals who can fill these crucial roles — just as employees search for certifications to advance their careers. But with multiple records management certifications and training programs available, choosing one that reflects your expertise and desired goals is essential.

Here are some accredited choices for information professionals to consider before applying for a records management certificate online.

Read our guide to business information management systems to find the practices, tools, and software you need to keep your business’ essential info accessible.

What are the benefits of records management certifications?

Records and information management (RIM) is a constantly evolving field. Digitization trends are just one example — the rise of cloud storage solutions, digital security practices, remote access permissions, and new regulations also influence RIM departments. With records management certification, information professionals can validate their expertise and take advantage of continuing education opportunities that keep their skills up-to-date.

Of course, there are short-term and immediate benefits to consider as well. For example, 70% of certificate holders tend to see improvements in on-the-job performance and their professional efficiency and expertise. This professional growth often drives acceptance in high-level RIM positions with higher salaries — CISM holders, for example, 42% pay boost.

As an additional benefit, completing these programs is more convenient than ever. The programs we discuss here include options for earning a records management certificate online.

Certified Records Analyst

A Certified Records Analyst (CRA) is qualified to handle the day-to-day operations of a RIM organization or department. They create and maintain records that comply with industry standards and are well-versed in records systems, appraisal procedures, and retention practices. Here is how to become certified under the CRA:

• Certification method: CRA applicants must pass three multiple-choice exams with 100 questions each. Candidates can complete their records management certification online.
• Application fee: $100
• Prerequisites: The preferred qualifications for taking the CRA exams are a four-year college or bachelor’s degree and one year of employment in records and information management. Applicants can substitute additional years of RIM employment in exchange for incomplete years working on a degree. For example, a high school graduate with five years of experience in records and information management could apply.
• Industry recognition: CRA certifications are issued by the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM), an internationally-recognized certifying organization for professionals in the field.
• Continuing education or recertification: To remain up-to-date on the latest records management practices, CRAs must complete up to 100 “points” of approved educational activities every five years after their initial certification. Some examples include attending professional association meetings, publishing academic journal articles, or completing university courses.

Certified Records Manager

A Certified Records Manager (CRM) is an expert in records management theory, strategy, and implementation. Using the CRA program as a baseline, CRM candidates complete three additional examinations that address management principles, the role of technology in RIM, and business use cases. The certification is primarily for individuals in leadership positions who design and manage records management policies that CRA professionals will help implement.

The CRM certification supersedes CRA, which means any CRA-qualified employee can complete the additional exams to upgrade their status to CRM:

• Certification method: CRM applicants must complete five multiple-choice exams with 100 questions each. When these are finished, applicants register for a sixth exam with two essay questions. Candidates can complete their records management certification online.
• Application fee: $100
• Prerequisites: The preferred qualifications for taking the CRM exams are a four-year college or bachelor’s degree and one year of employment in records and information management. Applicants can substitute additional years of RIM employment in exchange for incomplete years working on a degree. For example, a high school graduate with five years of experience in records and information management could apply.
• Industry recognition: CRM certifications are issued by the Institute of Certified Records Managers, an international certifying organization for professionals in the field.
• Continuing education or recertification: CRM holders must complete up to 100 “points” of approved educational activities every five years after their initial certification to remain up-to-date on the latest records management practices. Some examples include attending professional association meetings, publishing academic journal articles, or completing university courses.

Certified Information Privacy Professional

The International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) offers a range of training programs and certifications customized by region. This approach ensures that candidates receive records management course materials and certificates that reflect privacy laws in their country. These programs broadly fall into three certification branches:

• The Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) certification emphasizes training in privacy laws, regulations, and frameworks in one of five regions:
• Asia (CIPP/A)
• Canada (CIPP/C)
• Europe (CIPP/E)
• US private sector (CIPP/US)
• US government (CIPP/G).
• The Certified Information Privacy Manager (CIPM) focuses on designing and managing privacy programs for organizations.
• Finally, the Certified Information Privacy Technologist (CIPT) certificate is a benchmark for IT professionals to build and manage privacy systems.

These programs complement each other to reflect different levels of expertise. For example, an individual who completes both the CIPM and CIPP/E is qualified to be a Data Protection Officer in Europe.

• Certification method: Each certification requires the completion of an in-person or online exam. All tests are 2.5 hours and have 90 multiple-choice questions.
• Cost: $550 first-time examination fee. Each additional certification or exam attempt receives a $375 discount.
• Prerequisites: IAPP certifications are available with no privacy prerequisites — in fact, the organization offers plans to train and certify all staff within a department.
• Industry recognition: IAPP certifications are globally recognized benchmarks for privacy expertise. The organization’s US and European certifications are accredited by the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) accreditation board.
• Continuing education or recertification: CIPP-qualified professionals must pay a $250 maintenance fee or have an active IAPP membership to recertify every two years. This fee is collected after passing the exam to complete certification.

Certified Information Security Manager

The Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certification is for individuals who manage, design, oversee, and assess the information security capabilities of an organization. From a records management perspective, these skills benefit leaders who prioritize information security as part of their role. They also provide high-level guidance and leadership to end-users, IT professionals, and systems engineers.

• Certification method: The CISM exam is a four-hour exam with 150 multiple-choice questions. Exam sessions are provided at authorized test sites or through remote proctoring.
• Cost: ISACA members pay a $575 examination fee, while non-members pay $760. There is also a $50 application fee.
• Prerequisites: CISM candidates must have five years of experience in an information security management role. Experience waivers are available for a maximum of two years.
• Industry recognition: CISM is a globally-recognized information security certification accredited by ANSI’s accreditation board.
• Continuing education or recertification: CISM holders must complete 20 hours of continuing professional education annually to maintain their certification.

Information Governance Professional

The Information Governance Professional certification demonstrates high-level understanding of RIM strategic practice. It is intended for leaders who assign records management goals for entire organizations, often while balancing risk mitigation and cost-effectiveness. IGP also strongly emphasizes laws and regulations that apply to records management.

• Certification method: The IGP exam is a three-hour, computer-based test with 140-question multiple choice questions.
• Cost: $599 application and examination fee
• Prerequisites: There are no educational or membership requirements for taking the IGP exam, but applicant eligibility is judged based on relevant experience. Candidates are expected to be highly familiar with industry trends, technologies, and case law.
• Industry recognition: The IGP certification is well-regarded in industries with a strong RIM focus. Some employers consider it a requirement for executive positions like Director of Information Governance, Director of Information Management, Chief Information Officer, Chief Privacy Officer, and related roles.
• Continuing education or recertification: Certificate holders must complete 60 contact hours every three years to maintain their credentials. They must also complete a recertification application with a $250 fee.

Streamline records digitization in any workplace

Whatever records management certificate you hold, digitization is valuable to most modern workplaces. To that end, we take great pride in having spent the last 50+ years researching, designing and developing some of the most advanced and powerful electronics in the world, including our professional grade fi Series scanners.

Built to purpose for the most demanding document handling jobs, fi and SP scanners are capable of processing tens-of-thousands of pages per day at the highest levels of accuracy. Their intuitive integration capabilities with all existing work suites minimize time-to-value for businesses looking to invest in tools that will pay dividends for years to come. Click here to learn more or shop the rest of our production scanner line.

Note: Information and external links are provided for your convenience and for educational purposes only, and shall not be construed, or relied upon, as legal advice. PFU America, Inc. makes no representations about the contents, features, or specifications on such third-party sites, software, and/or offerings (collectively “Third-Party Offerings”) and shall not be responsible for any loss or damage that may arise from your use of such Third-Party Offerings. Please consult with a licensed attorney regarding your specific situation as regulations may be subject to change.