CRM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CRM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What does 'digital preservation' primarily aim to ensure? → Long-term access to digital records regardless of technological change
2. What is the primary function of an audit trail in electronic records management? → To provide a chronological log of all system activities, accesses, and modifications
3. What differentiates quantitative from qualitative data in CRM? → Quantitative is numerical; qualitative is descriptive and categorical
4. What is the triple constraint in CRM project management? → The interdependent relationship between scope, time, and cost
5. What is the purpose of performance feedback in CRM? → Providing actionable information for improvement and growth
6. What is a milestone in CRM project management? → A significant event marking progress at a key point in the timeline
7. Which standard provides guidance on metadata for records management systems? → ISO 23081
8. What is a risk matrix used for in CRM practice? → Evaluating risks by plotting likelihood against impact severity
9. What is the critical path in CRM project scheduling? → The longest sequence of dependent tasks determining minimum duration
10. Which law governs access to public records in the U.S.? → FOIA
11. Which category of vital records primarily protects the rights and interests of employees and individuals? → Rights and interests records
12. What is financial forecasting in CRM practice? → Predicting future conditions based on historical data and trends
13. What is conflict resolution in CRM leadership? → Addressing disagreements constructively to find acceptable solutions
14. Which file format is most widely recommended for the long-term preservation of text-based electronic records? → PDF/A
15. What does data integrity mean in CRM practice? → Accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle
16. What is a 'Recovery Time Objective' (RTO) in business continuity planning? → The maximum acceptable time to restore a business function after a disruption
17. Which approach BEST supports long-term digital preservation of records? → Converting records to open, non-proprietary formats and regularly migrating them
18. What is a work breakdown structure in CRM practice? → Hierarchical decomposition of deliverables into manageable work packages
19. Why is data visualization important in CRM reporting? → It makes complex patterns easier to understand and communicate
20. What is succession planning in CRM management? → Developing internal talent for future key leadership positions
21. How should sensitive paper records be disposed? → Shredded or destroyed securely.
22. What is the consequence of non-compliance with records laws? → Legal penalties and reputational damage.
23. What is 'format obsolescence' in electronic records management? → When file formats become unreadable due to discontinued software or hardware support
24. What action is part of the records lifecycle? → Properly disposing of records after retention period.
25. Which ARMA International principle addresses the requirement that records be accessible and usable when needed, including during and after a disaster? → The Availability Principle
26. What is FERPA concerned with? → Student academic records.
27. What is the role of a 'taxonomy' in a records management system? → To provide a hierarchical structure for organizing and classifying records consistently
28. Which metadata element is MOST critical for enabling retrieval of records in a records management system? → Classification or subject descriptor
29. What is the first step in CRM risk assessment? → Identifying potential hazards and threats
30. What is a work breakdown structure in CRM practice? → Hierarchical decomposition of deliverables into manageable work packages