Document Management Specialists
Requirements
Education and Training Requirements
High School
A well-rounded high school education is a good foundation for future document management specialist work. Take classes in business, math, science, government, and history. English classes will help hone your reading and writing skills, which are essential for document management specialists. Naturally, take any and all computer classes offered at your school, especially database management and computer security.
Postsecondary Education
Most document management specialists have a bachelors degree. Some companies prefer to hire specialists with a degree in information systems, database management, or other technology-related areas. Courses that are helpful for this field include business administration and management, business ethics, computer science, database management, information systems or information technology, communications, and English.
Certification
Colleges and universities, online learning platforms, and professional associations offer certificate programs in database management and information systems, as well as generative artificial intelligence and other types of emerging technology. These programs typically last six months to a year. Such programs are a good way to build your skills without enrolling in a degree program.
ARMA International offers an essentials of records and information management (RIM) certificate program to entry-level information management professionals and others who work with records. To earn the certificate, students must complete the following units:
- Unit 1: RIM Foundations
- Unit 2: Risk Assessment and Mitigation
- Unit 3: Physical Records Management
- Unit 4: Electronic Records Management
- Unit 5: Privacy and Security
- Unit 6: Legal Issues
- Unit 7: Records Retention Schedules
- Unit 8: Business Critical Records and Business Continuity
Visit https://www.arma.org/page/EssentialsOfRIM for more information.
Other Education or Training
Continuing education seminars, webinars, and other learning opportunities in records and information management, database management, and related fields are provided by professional associations, colleges and universities, and other entities. Contact these organizations for more information.
Certification, Licensing, and Special Requirements
Certification or Licensing
Some employers prefer to hire document management specialists who are certified. Those who receive certification may gain an advantage in the job market by showing prospective employers they have taken extra steps to advance their skills and knowledge of document management best practices. The Center for Professional Innovation & Education offers certification programs for document management professionals who work in health care, including the document management certified professional credential. The Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals offers certification programs in information management, database administration, and other related specializations. There is no licensing required for document management specialists.
Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits
A bachelors degree and several years of work-related experience is required for document management specialist work. For some employers, an associates degree coupled with certification may be sufficient for employment.
Document management specialists are knowledgeable about computers and technology; they regularly use various software programs to accomplish their work. Attention to detail is critical in this field, from listening closely to employees and asking questions about their issues with the data management systems, to monitoring operational activities to make sure the DM systems are legal and secure. Document management specialists are critical thinkers who are able to identify problems and come up with logical solutions. The job requires interacting with various employees of all professional levels, keeping up with DM regulations, and analyzing and sharing information. Cooperative individuals with adaptable and flexible attitudes will be successful in this field.