Unfortunately, since there is no masters’ degree in archival studies in the United States and no mechanism of program approval from SAA, certification is the only professional credential available to archivists in this country.

 

It is somewhat naïve to believe that only keeping up with professional literature, the respect of your colleagues, and learning by doing good work are all that matters.  A form of professional credentialing is extremely important in a profession that is little known, recognized or understood by those outside it.  Until there is an official graduate degree in archives, not only certificate programs attached to Library Science or History degrees, the CA designation stands alone as a credential that is becoming familiar to those who do the hiring.

 

Until the profession of archivist is one that has clearly understood academic qualifications for the entry level practitioner attached to it, the CA is definitely needed. 

 

When it has taken the National Archives of this nation more than 40 years to conceptualize the idea that a historian is not necessarily an archivist, or vice versa, denigrating any vehicle that provides professional recognition of education and specialization to the entry level archivist and continues to validate the professionalism of mid and senior level archivists is damaging to the profession.

 

My $0.02, also not meant to be inflammatory but strongly felt, nonetheless.