The majority of accredited records management programs available through colleges and universities are certificate programs which grant professional certificates of completion. These programs typically consist of a single, sectioned course or a series of courses which last up to eight weeks (and generally take 180 hours of study to complete). Some online programs, particularly those that do not grant diplomas or certificates of completion (such as those offered by The National Archives), consist of only one course and take significantly less time to complete.
Online records management programs offered by accredited colleges and universities offer online courses via a centralized management system. These courses are typically set on an asynchronous (archived) schedule which allows students the flexibility to log in and learn whenever it is most convenient for them. Additionally, online students have access to assignment schedules, learning modules, electronic readings and access to technical and student support services.
Online records management training programs provide courses and instructional sessions which aim to prepare students for work in digital archival and management positions. While every program differs slightly, most programs offer training in the following areas: electronic file management, digital inventory principles, archival software management, records classification, records security and privacy, and disaster recovery.
Online programs have garnered a bad reputation in some circles due to shady diploma mills and bogus life experience degree programs. However, online certificate programs from accredited colleges are viewed by employers as having the same value as on-campus programs from the same institutions. Additionally, a survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Education shows that online students actually perform better on learning outcomes than their on-campus counterparts.
Avoid schools which are not accredited by an official board recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, as certificates from such schools are often devalued by potential employers. In addition, be wary of international schools which lack the proper accreditation, as such schools may offer substandard training programs.