tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013207896779343827.post6445688558048529399..comments2023-10-26T05:31:18.144-05:00Comments on Above the RIM: Alphabet SoupPatrick Cunningham, CISM, CDPSE, FAIhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06105058184172735676noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013207896779343827.post-50319160115931625472008-01-23T09:21:00.000-06:002008-01-23T09:21:00.000-06:00As one of those going out and getting every certif...As one of those going out and getting every certification/certificate de jour I think what you are describing and your observations contain much wisdom. I have had frequent phone calls from confused professionals saying "is this worth it?" The answer is most often <I>maybe.</I> <BR/>I am doing many of these for several reasons - the first is to learn about the program so I can recommend (or not) the program to others. My employer pays for them so why not take them. <BR/>I also do this to stay current and keep the pulse of the industry (along with reading and attending AIIM and ARMA functions). I think I am better for it but this path is not for all as they are too expensive.<BR/>I have found some value from all of them but are they all equal?. Patrick, they certainly are not. You are right, many in the industry are pushing them as if they are. <BR/>CompTIA’s CDIA+ is a technical certification. Anyone can take it and pass. It is not a certification in the sense of the CRM under any standard. Is it valuable? If an employer wants it then it does have value. Equivalence? No. I don’t think it was ever meant to be a professional certification. <BR/>When I was a boy back in the 1980s the CRM was for those records managers without degrees. Since I had a master’s degree I was told by an old ARMA member that I did not need it (I will spare the person who told me this in 1985 of embarrassment). About 1992 contract work with the Feds began to require the CRM. That was a signal to me that it was time to sharpen the pencil and pass the test! Today I believe that the CRM is what is required of any practicing records manager. Many of these change over time.<BR/>Fast forward to today. Now there are a number of organizations making a living offering certification/certificates. If I were looking at a cost benefit ratio for many I would say they may not be worth it. <BR/>Perhaps $2700 is a bit steep (the CRM is a bargain folks) but I think that the value of AIIM’s programs is something that should not be overlooked. For many this will be the first view of the CIO’s perspective of information management. The international focus is not only valuable but is a stepping stone for many into the global information management world. <BR/>Look at them as continuing education. Right now I am doing a project management 40 hour course to eventually take PMI’s PMP certification. So I have all those letters – I still think that there are many that I would recommend for positions over my skills and experience. But what about my future prospective employers? If I have the CRM, CA, CDIA+, ERM, ECM etc it shows that I am active and have been exposed to more modern methodologies. It gets me in the door for sure. <BR/><BR/>Are they worth it? If someone explains to me their career goals and who is paying for the particular program then the question can be answered. Should there be a better understanding on the part of the consumer for what they are getting? Absolutely. <BR/><BR/>I also have observed that organizations are eager to cash in on the continuing education bandwagon and there are more of these to come. Caveat emptor.Zarukahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01927112898369988106noreply@blogger.com