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What does a Records Clerk do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A records clerk is responsible for maintaining and organizing physical and digital records. They may create, store, and retrieve documents and files as needed. Records clerks may also be responsible for destroying outdated or confidential records in a secure manner.

Records Clerk job duties include:

  • Maintains and updates records, either manually or electronically
  • Files documents and other materials in an organized manner
  • Retrieves records as requested by employees or managers
  • Processes incoming and outgoing mail
  • Performs data entry tasks
  • Creates reports as needed
  • May assist with auditing records for accuracy
  • May train new employees on record-keeping procedures
  • Works with other departments to ensure proper record-keeping practices are being followed

Records Clerk Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for records clerks, although many employers prefer candidates with at least a high school diploma. Some on-the-job training is typically required. Certification is not required, but voluntary certification is available through the American Association of Medical Transcriptionists and the American Health Information Management Association. Experience is not required, but employers may prefer candidates with previous experience working in a medical office or with medical records.

Records Clerk Skills

  • Filing
  • Archiving
  • Data entry
  • Proofreading
  • Scanning
  • Organizational skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Accuracy
  • Confidentiality
  • Reliability

Related: Top Records Clerk Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Records Clerk

There are a few steps one must take to become a records clerk. First, it is important to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers may also prefer some postsecondary education, especially in office administration or a related field. However, some on-the-job training may be provided for those without this education. Second, excellent organization skills are key for this position, as well as the ability to pay close attention to detail. Third, computer skills are also necessary, as records clerks often work with databases and spreadsheets. Finally, good customer service skills are also important, as records clerks may interact with the public when they come to request records.

Overall, becoming a records clerk requires some basic education and skills. With these qualifications, one can be successful in this role and help to keep an organization running smoothly.

Related: Records Clerk Resume Example

Related: Records Clerk Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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