Document Management Specialists

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 bachelor's 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.