FAQs About NARA's Certification of Federal Records Management Training Program
1. Why should I participate in NARA's Certification of Federal Records Management Training Program?
NARA's program gives Federal records management professionals a set of benchmarks to gauge their professional development. NARA's Certification of Federal Records Management Training Program is tied to completion of a suite of core courses or "Knowledge Areas" which provide the knowledge and skills needed to manage Federal records. NARA's curriculum map of the Knowledge Area training courses serves as a set of competencies for an individual's development plan to acquire the skills necessary to manage Federal records.
2. How does NARA's Certification of Federal Records Management Training Program work?
NARA offers optional tests to accompany its five core records management courses. Upon the successful completion of the tests for the Knowledge Area courses in NARA's training program, an individual receives a completion certificate signed by the Archivist of the United States.
3. What subjects are covered in the Certification of Federal Records Management Training Program?
NARA has identified five "Areas of Knowledge" that are covered by the certification program. These are:
Knowledge Area 2 - Creating and Maintaining Agency Business Information
Knowledge Area 3 - Records Scheduling
Knowledge Area 4 - Records Schedule Implementation
Knowledge Area 5 - Asset and Risk Management
Knowledge Area 6 - Records Management Program Development
4. How does NARA's Certification of Federal Records Management Training differ from other records management certification programs?
NARA's Certification of Federal Records Management Training focuses on policies and procedures unique to the Federal environment. It is not intended to replicate any existing records management certification programs, nor does it result in the CRM designation which is achieved by meeting both educational and work experience certification requirements established by the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM) (http://www.icrm.org/) and by passing their required examinations.
5. Do all records management officers and liaisons in the Federal Government have to obtain a Certificate of Federal Records Management Training?
Participation in the Certification of Federal Records Management Training Program is voluntary. NARA does not require any Federal records officer or liaison to complete the program.
6. If I have experience as a records manager in the Federal Government, may I take the tests without taking the courses?
No. New policies and procedures developed as a result of NARA's Records Management Initiatives changed the way records are managed by the Federal Government. Many earlier policies and procedures no longer apply or are significantly different.
7. May an individual who works as a contractor for a Federal agency participate in the Certification of Federal Records Management Training Program?
Anyone who is currently eligible to take NARA's records management training courses is eligible to participate in the Certification of Federal Records Management Training Program.
8. Where are the certification courses offered?
Knowledge Area courses are offered in all NARA regions and at NARA Headquarters in College Park, MD. Please visit NARA's Records Management Learn Center for specific course information.
9. How much does certification cost?
There is no additional cost for the certification testing; it is covered in the cost of the training itself.
10. Are tests given at the end of each course?
No. Tests are administered via the Internet. Following each course, the course instructor provides an on-line address and other identifying information to access the appropriate test. The instructor also provides information on how to take the test if you are not able to take the test online.
11. How long after I complete the course do I have to take the on-line test?
You may take the test at anytime after completing the course. It is strongly recommended, however, that you take the test within one to two weeks after course completion.
12. How will I know if I have passed the test?
You will be provided immediate feedback on the accuracy of your test answers and informed if you have passed or not.
13. If I do not pass the test, may I take it again without retaking the relevant course?
Yes, you may retake the test without retaking the relevant course.
14. If I pass the test, how do I get my certificate?
When you have successfully completed all tests, the final certificate of completion will be sent to you within two months.
Last Updated October 2007
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