Overview

Discover the skills and knowledge required to excel in this dynamic field with our online Information and Records Management certificate program.

This program covers industry standards and best practices learned directly from professionals actively engaged in the field. 

Efficiently managing records and associated information systems is critical to running any organization. Whether you’re a seasoned industry professional seeking to enhance your skills or looking to switch careers, this program will equip you with what you need to succeed. 

Our curriculum covers various topics, from the fundamentals to advanced strategies. You’ll gain insights into the latest industry trends, policies and practices, such as privacy legislation, de facto standards, document imaging technology, and data and document control. 

Upon completing the Information and Records Management certificate, you’ll be well-prepared for various roles, like document management specialist, records technician, records coordinator or library assistant. 

All courses are available as online asynchronous courses, allowing you to study on your schedule and at your own pace. 

People who work in information management tend to be methodical, innovative, and directive. 

You need: 

  • discretion 
  • knowledge of filing systems, digital or manual, using numerical and alphabetical coding 
  • strong organizational skills 
  • analytical thinking, accuracy, and attention to detail
  • commitment to customer service 
  • the ability to work independently and on a team 
  • the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. 

You should enjoy compiling information, using operating systems for retrieving information and are at ease when responding to requests. 

Graduates of this program can receive credit for three courses required in the SAIT Library Information Technology diploma. 

Learn more about program and institution transfer options.

Upon successful completion of this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Information and Records Management certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 12111, 12112.

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Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Information and Records Management requires 30 credits (10 courses) to complete.

The program spans 30 weeks.

Course Credits

Professional Communication and Presentation Skills will introduce learners to the professional writing, collaboration and presentation skills needed to be successful in their chosen field. Learners will gain an understanding of the strategies and competencies required for effective communication with an emphasis on developing the interpersonal skills needed to perform as part of a high-functioning team. Coursework will require learners to work in individual and collaborative settings.

Equivalents:
  • COMM 265
3

This course provides a detailed explanation of critical tools and techniques within the Information and Records Management field. This course will assist the records management professional develop competencies in critical and current tools and techniques that provide the foundation for an effective Information and Records Management (IRM) program.

Pre-requisites:
  • MGMT 244
  • MGMT 215 or MGMT 246
3

This course continues with research, case studies and problem-solving in information research management. Topics covered include emerging international records management standards, analysis, appraisal theory, classification development processes and policy and procedures development.

Pre-requisites:
  • MGMT 244 or LIBR 325
3

This course introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology and scope of records management. A records management program's personnel, components, technologies and guidelines are explored. Theories and techniques for establishing, implementing and maintaining a records management program are covered. Fundamentals of Information and Records Management is a prerequisite for all other courses in the Information and Records Management Certificate program.

3

This course examines the application of strategic management principles to the Information and Records Management field. This course will provide an effective tool to help you develop your professional status within your organization and to demonstrate to your organization the value of Information and Records Management in meeting corporate strategic objectives.

Pre-requisites:
  • MGMT 244
  • MGMT 215 or MGMT 246
3

This course will assist the records management professional develop competencies to identify, select, implement, and support Enterprise Content Management technologies. The advanced study of current and emerging technologies associated with managing electronic records and information and the theory of electronic document management will provide the foundation for an effective Enterprise Content Management program in an organization. Special attention will be given to sustainable policies, procedures and governance that effectively support ECM technology and end users.

Pre-requisites:
  • MMGT 218 or MMGT 284
3

Vital records are those records that are necessary for an organization to continue to operate in the event of a disruption or disaster. In this course, students learn how to identify and protect vital records, assess and analyze their vulnerability, and determine the impact of their loss on the organization. Other topics include disaster recovery and business continuity planning for vital records.

Pre-requisites:
  • MGMT 244
  • MGMT 215 or MGMT 246
3

Records classification, scheduling and disposition are essential activities that enable organizations to manage their records. This course teaches students the key principles and practices used to create classification schemes and classify and index information-bearing objects, such as documents or images. The course includes a review of existing vocabularies, thesaurus design and application, metadata and automatic and natural languages.

Pre-requisites:
  • MGMT 244
  • MGMT 215 or MGMT 246
3

Course content deals with intermediate-level management concepts related to current business trends. Learners must be prepared to learn, analyze and practice Information and Records Management (IRM) concepts at different management levels and roles. This course segues into the MMGT 201 Enterprise Content Management course.

Pre-requisites:
  • MGMT 244
  • MGMT 215 or MGMT 246
3

Administrative and supervisory techniques are explored for academic, public, school or special libraries, records centres and information management departments. Administrator and staff responsibilities, organizational planning, supervisory techniques, and financial controls are outlined. Library, records and information management standards and legislation are introduced, as well as an exploration of trends.

Pre-requisites:
  • LIBR 200
  • MGMT 244
3

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

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Explore your options!

Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies. You can complete courses via Open Studies to get a head start on your education, reduce your course load once accepted into a credentialed program, or determine which career path best suits you before you fully commit. 

You may also take courses for general interest or personal and professional development.

Available Open Studies courses

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

  • at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2
  • at least 60% in any two of the following Grade 12 subjects:
    • Math (Math 30-1, Math 30-2 or Math 30-3),
    • Science,
    • Social Science,
    • Accounting,
    • Law or
    • A second language
  • at least 60% in MGMT 244 (Fundamentals of Information and Records Management) may be substituted for one of the Grade 12 subjects. 

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

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Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

Upgrade
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English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Spring 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Extended

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: June 28, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Domestic students: Open
  • Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024. 

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2 $7,110 $1,608 $8,718
Total cost:
$8,718

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year Number of semesters Tuition fees Additional fees Total per year
1 2.5 $6,990 $1,800 $8,790
Total cost:
$8,790

Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.

Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

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Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more
Canada Alberta Job Grant icon

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Application process

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Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal. 

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants.

Apply now

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. 

We recommend you add the business.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

  • What sets SAIT apart
  • An introduction to the program and area of study
  • Admission requirements
  • Future career paths
  • Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Contact us

School of Business Advising

Phone
403.284.8485
Email
business.advising@sait.ca