Top 11 Information Management Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for information management specialists in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of expertise and mastery of the relevant subject matter. Employers often view certifications as proof that the individual has a specific set of skills and knowledge that is necessary for the job. Having a certification also shows employers that an individual has taken the time to invest in their own professional development, which can be seen as a sign of commitment and dedication to their profession. Additionally, certifications may be required by some employers in order to qualify for certain positions or promotions, so having them can open up more opportunities for employment.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Information Management Specialists and explains how they can help to advance an information management specialist's career.

What are Information Management Specialist Certifications?

Information Management Specialist Certification is a professional certification offered by the Institute of Certified Records Managers (ICRM) that demonstrates an individual’s mastery of the principles and practices of records and information management. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the management and protection of corporate, government, and non-profit organizational data.

Having this certification can be beneficial for both employers and job seekers alike. For employers, hiring an Information Management Specialist with this certification can provide assurance that the individual has received specialized training in best practices for managing records, protecting confidential information, and complying with applicable laws. Furthermore, it can help provide peace of mind knowing that their organization’s data is being handled appropriately.

For job seekers, obtaining this certification can provide an edge over other candidates when applying for positions involving records management or information security. It also serves as evidence that they are knowledgeable about applicable laws and regulations related to records management, as well as providing proof that they are committed to maintaining best practices in their field. Additionally, having this certification can open up new career opportunities in fields such as IT security or legal compliance where knowledge of records management is required.

Pro Tip: Taking an information management specialist certification course can help you gain a deeper understanding of the fundamentals of data management, as well as provide you with the necessary skills to stay up-to-date with new technology and best practices. Additionally, by becoming certified, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field, allowing you to stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs.

Related: What does an Information Management Specialist do?

Top 11 Information Management Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Information Management Specialists today.

1. Certified Information Management Professional (CIMP)

Certified Information Management Professional (CIMP) is a certification program offered by the Association of Information and Image Management (AIIM). CIMP is designed to recognize individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage information and image management systems.

The CIMP certification requires that candidates have at least five years of professional experience in information management or related fields. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as data governance, records management, business process improvement, and digital transformation. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes two hours to complete.

To get certified as a CIMP, candidates must first register for the exam through AIIM's website. After registration is complete, applicants will receive instructions on how to access the online exam. Once the exam has been completed successfully, applicants will receive their CIMP certification within four weeks of completing the test.

The cost of becoming a Certified Information Management Professional varies depending on whether or not you are an AIIM member. For non-members, it costs $395 USD to take the exam; for members it costs $295 USD.

2. Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)

Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) is a certification program for professionals in the field of data management. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who are responsible for managing data throughout its life cycle. The CDMP certification is offered by the Data Management Association International (DAMA-I).

The CDMP certification requires that applicants demonstrate their knowledge and experience in data management through a series of exams. There are four levels of certification: Certified Data Management Associate (CDMA), Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), Certified Data Management Master (CDMM), and Certified Data Management Expert (CDME). Each level requires a different set of exams and has its own requirements for completion.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all four levels of the CDMP certification. During this time, applicants must take and pass all required exams, complete any necessary coursework, and submit an application form with supporting documentation.

To get the CDMP certification, applicants must first register with DAMA-I and pay an initial registration fee of $150 USD. After registering, applicants can begin taking the required exams at any time. Each exam costs $250 USD, so depending on how many exams are taken, the total cost can range from $400 to $1000 USD.

3. Certified Records Manager (CRM)

Certified Records Manager (CRM) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of records managers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. The CRM credential is awarded by ARMA International, a professional association for information management professionals.

The CRM program consists of two parts: an examination and a portfolio review. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in records management or related fields such as archiving, document imaging, or electronic records management.

The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes about three hours to complete. It covers topics such as records management principles, policies and procedures; legal requirements; storage systems; security measures; disaster recovery plans; and electronic records management systems. After passing the exam, applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge and experience in the field of records management. The portfolio should include examples of projects they have worked on, reports they have written, or other evidence that shows their expertise in the field.

The cost to take the exam is $450 for ARMA members ($550 for non-members). Once you pass the exam and submit your portfolio for review, there is an additional fee of $150 to receive your CRM credential.

4. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) is an internationally recognized information security certification administered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)². It is designed to demonstrate a person's knowledge and experience in the field of information security.

The CISSP exam consists of 250 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as access control, cryptography, risk management, and software development security. The exam takes approximately 6 hours to complete and costs $699 USD. To become certified, applicants must have at least 5 years of cumulative paid work experience in two or more of the 8 domains of the CISSP Common Body of Knowledge (CBK).

In order to apply for the CISSP certification, candidates must first register with ISC² and submit their application along with proof of their professional experience. Once approved, candidates can then schedule their exam at one of Pearson VUE’s testing centers. After successfully passing the exam, candidates must also agree to abide by ISC²’s Code of Ethics before they are officially certified as a CISSP.

5. Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E)

Certified Information Privacy Professional/Europe (CIPP/E) is an internationally recognized certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and comply with European data privacy laws. The CIPP/E certification is offered by the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP).

The CIPP/E certification requires a minimum of 24 hours of study and preparation. It consists of four modules covering European data protection law, EU institutions, enforcement, and international data transfers. Each module has its own set of exams that must be passed in order to obtain the certification.

To get the CIPP/E certification, you must first complete all four modules and pass all associated exams. Once you have completed the coursework and passed the exams, you can then apply for the certification through IAPP's website.

The cost of obtaining the CIPP/E certification varies depending on which membership level you choose. IAPP offers three different membership levels: Individual ($249), Group ($599), and Enterprise ($999). All fees are non-refundable once payment is received.

6. Certified Information Technology Project Manager (CITPM)

Certified Information Technology Project Manager (CITPM) is a professional certification offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved mastery in the field of IT project management.

The CITPM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the areas of project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and control, and closure. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to effectively manage stakeholders, resources, risks, and budgets associated with IT projects.

To obtain the CITPM certification, applicants must first pass an exam administered by IIBA. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. A passing score on the exam is required in order to receive the certification.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of experience as a project manager or related role within an IT environment.

The cost for taking the CITPM exam is $375 USD for IIBA members or $495 USD for non-members.

7. Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) is a certification program offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA). It is a globally recognized professional designation for individuals who demonstrate expertise in business analysis. The CBAP recognizes professionals with extensive experience in business analysis and provides them with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills to employers, peers, and the public.

The CBAP certification requires applicants to have at least 7500 hours of documented business analysis work experience over the past 10 years. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers the six knowledge areas of business analysis: Enterprise Analysis, Requirements Planning & Management, Requirements Elicitation & Collaboration, Solution Assessment & Validation, Underlying Competencies, and Strategic Analysis.

In order to apply for the CBAP certification, applicants must first become a member of IIBA and then submit an application form along with supporting documentation. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete training courses or workshops approved by IIBA before taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining a CBAP certification varies depending on whether you are an IIBA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $325 USD plus applicable taxes per exam attempt; for members it is $275 USD plus applicable taxes per exam attempt. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking approved training courses or workshops prior to taking the exam.

8. Certified Database Administrator (CDBA)

A Certified Database Administrator (CDBA) is a professional who has achieved a high level of expertise in the field of database administration. The CDBA certification is designed to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of database administration, as well as the ability to apply that knowledge to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes up to two years to obtain the CDBA certification. To qualify for the certification, you must have at least three years of experience in database administration and have completed a minimum number of hours in related coursework or training. You must also pass an exam administered by an accredited organization such as Oracle or Microsoft.

The cost for obtaining the CDBA certification varies depending on which organization you take it through, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

9. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Management and Analytics (MCSE: DM&A)

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Management and Analytics (MCSE: DM&A) is a certification that validates an IT professional's skills in designing, implementing, and managing data solutions. It demonstrates an individual's expertise in creating and maintaining the technology infrastructure needed to store, process, analyze, and report on data.

The MCSE: DM&A certification requires passing three exams: 70-767 Implementing a SQL Data Warehouse; 70-768 Developing SQL Data Models; and 70-774 Perform Cloud Data Science with Azure Machine Learning. In addition to these exams, applicants must also have one year of experience working with data technologies such as SQL Server or Azure Machine Learning.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for the three exams required for the MCSE: DM&A certification. This includes studying for the exams, gaining hands-on experience with relevant technologies, and taking practice tests.

To get the MCSE: DM&A certification, individuals must register for each of the three exams through Microsoft’s website or by calling their customer service number. Each exam costs $165 USD. After passing all three exams, applicants can submit their application online and receive their certificate in four to six weeks.

10. Oracle Database Administrator Certification Program

The Oracle Database Administrator Certification Program is an advanced certification program offered by Oracle Corporation. It is designed to recognize and reward the skills of experienced database administrators who have mastered the features and functions of Oracle databases.

The program consists of two levels, each with its own set of exams: Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) and Oracle Certified Professional (OCP). To become certified, candidates must pass all required exams for their chosen level.

The OCA exam covers basic knowledge about Oracle databases, such as installation, configuration, management, security, backup and recovery. The OCP exam covers more advanced topics such as performance tuning, data warehousing, replication and high availability solutions.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's experience level and the amount of time they are willing to dedicate to studying. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete both levels of certification.

To get certified, individuals must register for the exams through Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. The cost for each exam is $245 USD per attempt. In addition to the cost of the exams themselves, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the tests or purchasing study materials or training courses.

11. IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 UDB V8

IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 UDB V8 is a certification program for professionals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the use of IBM DB2 UDB V8. It is designed to measure the ability of an individual to install, configure, administer, and manage DB2 UDB V8 databases.

To get this certification, you must pass two exams: Exam 730 (DB2 UDB V8 Family Fundamentals) and Exam 731 (Advanced Database Administration). Both exams are available through Pearson VUE testing centers. The cost of each exam is $200 USD.

It usually takes about 4-6 weeks to prepare for these exams depending on your experience level with DB2 UDB V8. You can find study materials online or purchase them from IBM.

Do You Really Need a Information Management Specialist Certificate?

The answer to whether you need an Information Management Specialist Certificate depends on your career goals. If you are looking to acquire a certain level of expertise in the field of information management, then obtaining a certificate may be beneficial. However, if your goal is simply to gain knowledge and experience in the field, then there are other options available that may be more cost-effective and time-efficient.

For example, taking courses or attending seminars related to information management can provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge required for success in this field. You could also look into self-study materials such as books, online tutorials, or videos to help you gain a better understanding of the subject matter. Additionally, there are numerous industry and professional associations that offer resources for those interested in learning more about information management and related topics.

Ultimately, it comes down to what works best for you and your specific goals. If obtaining a certificate is something that will help you reach those goals faster or give you an edge over other job applicants, then it may be worth pursuing.

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FAQs About Information Management Specialist Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Information Management Specialists?

Answer: The Certified Information Management Professional (CIMP) and the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) are the two most popular certifications available for Information Management Specialists.

2. What is the difference between CIMP and CDMP certification?

Answer: The CIMP certification focuses on the development, implementation, and management of data-driven strategies, while the CDMP certification focuses on mastering core data management concepts and principles.

3. How do I become certified in Information Management?

Answer: To become certified in Information Management, you must complete an accredited course and pass an exam that validates your knowledge of data management principles and practices.

4. What topics are covered in an Information Management Specialist certification?

Answer: Topics typically covered in an Information Management Specialist certification include database design, data models, database security, data governance, data quality assurance, business intelligence, data warehousing, big data analytics and more.

5. How long does it take to get certified as an Information Management Specialist?

Answer: It can take anywhere from 6 months to a year to get certified as an Information Management Specialist depending on your experience level with the subject matter and how much time you dedicate to studying for the exam.