As I
recall there was some consensus that if one earned a post-graduate degree,
with a concentration in archival science, from an accredited school, that person
might not "need" to also earn the "CA" designation.
Still,
how many ads say "certified archivist preferred"? And if you have two
equally-qualified individuals, both from accredited programs, but one has the
"CA" designation -- who will get the job? So maybe there's some advantage
to having the acronym in your pocket along with the degree. It might be
easier and quicker to just take the test than to try to change the job
market's perception.
I also
know that city officials -- who have their own professional development programs
and acronyms -- always need to establish the "credentials" of potential
vendors. "CA, CRM, ETC" say a lot, quickly, about a person's background,
credibility, and expertise.
Certainly it gives someone like myself an alternative
to establish credentials outside of a degreed program. And if I can argue
that course work is necessary for "certification," it enables me to apply
for my employer's professional development dollars.
I also appreciate the "independence" that the
Academy of Certified Archivists maintains with its program. There are a number
of means whereby a City Clerk can earn the "CMC" designation (Certified
Municipal Clerk). The only national program that I am aware of, however,
is through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). One of
their requirements for certification, though, is that you must be a member of
their association for three years! To me, this is more about membership
retention than professional development. Yet I see hiring ads in our trade
papers looking for that CMC designation. Personally,
I'll be satisfied wrapping up my CMC through the state program -- not
IIMC. In short, the value of the "certification" is measured in part by
the integrity of the certifying body -- and I think ACA serves the profession
well.
So I
guess I'd have to say, "It's a good thing." It helps establish those
in the profession as "professionals." It offers justification (if
that's even needed) for professional development -- getting there and staying
there. And it should prove to be an asset in the job market as an
individual or as a vendor.
Paul R. Bergeron
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