Grading FAQ

Question: What is the role of the Grader?

The Part 6 Grader is a mentor and a coach for Candidates. None of us would be where we are today unless someone had taken the time and effort to mentor us and also to administer and grade our exams. Thorough assessment and thoughtful critiques are of paramount importance to providing meaningful test results to Candidates.

Question: Why should I volunteer?

A CRM credential is set apart because of the requirement be evaluated on writing a business case in the form of the case study essays but the case studies can’t be graded by software as are parts 1 – 5. The Part 6 exam must be read and evaluated by an experienced RIM professional who is a CRM. We still rely on the CRM’s who volunteer and spend their time to provide quality evaluations and write good critiques to accomplish the grading of Part 6. One of the benefits of grading is the receipt of 3 certification maintenance points per exam to compensate for the time spent on grading. Most graders appreciate that they too continue learning by carefully examining the ICRM’s proprietary case studies assigned to the candidate during each grading cycle.

Question: Am I eligible to be a Grader?

The criteria for graders is fairly straightforward, be a CRM in good standing, watch the training presentation, sign an Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), then commit at least 3 hours per exam for the grading process.

Question: How do I volunteer to be a Grader?

To indicate your willingness to participate as a grading volunteer, visit your account management page by clicking the "My Account" link in the upper right corner of the web site (after you have logged in), and click the "Edit" tab.  Then click the "Volunteer Grader Info" link.  The form that is shown will allow you indicate your willingness to volunteer, as well as how many exams you are able to grade per grading cycle.  This information can be adjusted at any time to fit your changing availability.

Question: How do I complete my grading assignments?

Instructions for how to retrieve, view, and complete your grading assignments are available in the ICRM Grading Manual.

Question: What are the guidelines for providing Candidate feedback?

Candidates rely on feedback to determine what areas to improve to successfully pass Part 6. It is the Grader’s responsibility to let the Candidate know the strengths and weaknesses of his or her exam responses. The grader serves as a silent mentor, guiding Candidates to a passing grade in the next cycle. Please keep the following general guidelines in mind when preparing the required critique of each exam response.

  • Provide feedback containing both positive comments and constructive criticism.
  • Write comments that clearly justify and explain the grade.
  • Provide a breakdown of the points earned as outlined in the Grading Guide. For example, if four points are the maximum number allotted for a statement of the problem, state the assessed score and provide a supporting explanation.
  • NOTE: Use the Grading Guide and Critique Prompt document provided in the grading package you downloaded to assist with the formatting of your critique. You will craft your critique offline and copy and paste it in the appropriate field in the database. This will ensure that you are not “timed out” by the database and lose your work.
  • Write comments that will serve to prepare the Candidate for the next exam cycle.
  • Be as specific as possible in problem areas without giving away test question information.
  • Identify areas that should have been addressed, e.g., operation of the company as a whole, critical areas of RIM, technological issues).
  • Be respectful and supportive. Don’t make personal or degrading remarks. Put yourself in the shoes of the Candidate and ask yourself “Does my critique convey professionalism and provide sufficient guidance to help the Candidate?”
  • Check the spelling and grammar in your comments.

Question: What categories should be considered in my comments?

Instructions. Did the Candidate follow the exam instructions and provide the information as requested? Tell the Candidate if the statement of problem and summary of findings were strong or weak. Tell the Candidate if he or she followed directions or went off on a tangent that was not supported by the arguments in the answer.
Format. Did the Candidate follow the format requested? Provide feedback on how to write a formal business report, e.g., what types of information does senior management like to see.
Narrative. This section focuses on the Candidate’s ability to write and communicate ideas. Provide feedback on grammar, spelling, logical arrangement of ideas, and fluidity of the discussion.
RIM Knowledge. Did the Candidate address the RIM issues requested in the case? Did he or she understand the relationship of RIM issues and how they are interconnected to make the business or operation successful? Did the Candidate provide adequate and logical arguments for his or her choices? Provide guidance on what the Candidate needs to review for future exams.
Other Comments. Be a mentor by providing advice and encouragement. Share knowledge and experience and give the Candidate ideas on how to improve the overall response during the next cycle.

If you have any questions, please contact the Regent – Exam Administration and Grading, grading@icrm.org