Preparing for the CRM (Certified Records Manager)

“It’s Been A Long Time Coming”: Your CRM Credential Quest, Swifties’ Edition

Calling all records managers who dream bigger than their current retention schedule allows. In this unofficial, unfiltered, and gloriously unhinged session, we’re diving headfirst into the Institute of Certified Records Managers’ six-part certification gauntlet. We’ll unpack the eligibility matrix, the CRA vs. CRM choice, and the infamous Part 6 business cases (because apparently, essays are still a thing in 2026). You’ll leave knowing whether the five-year clock is your friend or your enemy, how to dodge the application documentation pitfalls, and why continuing ed requirements mean you’ll never stop learning (sorry, not sorry). There may be puns. There may be a surprise song at the end. There definitely won’t be any vendor-specific test questions (thank goodness). Come for the certification intel, stay for the musical theatre energy. Warning: Side effects include sudden urges to study, increased confidence, and possibly humming “Anti-Hero” during your next audit.

Speaker Profile: Tyrene Bada, MLS, CRM

Tyrene Bada, MLS, CRM (she/her) is a Business Systems Analyst for the City of Beaverton, Oregon, wrangling information governance with the precision of an archivist and the enthusiasm of a librarian on a treasure hunt. She stumbled into records management at Portland Community College, where she built its first records program from scratch.

A past president of the Oregon ARMA Chapter (RIP!), Tyrene served on the ARMA International Board of Directors (2020–2023) and was chair of the ARMA International Conference Education Committee, which selects the sessions for all three ARMA Conferences. She also contributes to the ICRM as a CRM exam part writer, and has recently been elected as the next Regent for Marketing and Communications.

Armed with a Master’s in Library Science from Emporia State University, she brings order to chaos—whether in data systems or theatre rehearsals. She proudly serves on the Board of Directors for the award-winning Broadway Rose Theatre and, as a professional cantor and chorister, spends her nights making music. In her downtime, you’ll find her napping or lost in Taylor Swift’s discography—her soundtrack for both productivity and relaxation.

Who should attend:

  • Individuals wanting to learn more about the Certified Records Analyst and Manager (CRA and CRM) process.
  • Individuals wanting to network with in person or online with other Records Managers in the Greater Seattle area.

Getting there:

Visiting City Hall – Council | seattle.gov

Can’t make it in-person? Join via Zoom