High School

A well-rounded high school education is a good foundation for future document management specialist work. Take classes in business, math, science, government, and history. English classes will help hone reading and writing skills, which are essential for document management specialists. Naturally, take any and all computer classes offered at your school, especially database management and computer security.

Postsecondary Education

Most document management specialists have a bachelor's degree. Some companies prefer to hire specialists with a degree in information systems, database management, or other technology-related areas. Courses that are helpful for this field include business administration and management, business ethics, computer science, database management, information systems or information technology, communications, and English.

Certification or Licensing

Some employers prefer to hire document management specialists who are certified. Those who receive certification may gain an advantage in the job market by showing prospective employers they have taken extra steps to advance their skills and knowledge of document management best practices. The Center for Professional Innovation & Education offers certification programs for document management professionals who work in health care. The Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals offers certification programs in information management, database administration, and other related specializations.

A bachelor's degree and several years of work-related experience is required for document management specialist work. For some employers, an associate's degree coupled with certification may be sufficient for employment.

Document management specialists are knowledgeable about computers and technology; they regularly use various software programs to accomplish their work. Attention to detail is critical in this field, from listening closely to employees and asking questions about their issues with the data management systems, to monitoring operational activities to make sure the DM systems are legal and secure. Document management specialists are critical thinkers who are able to identify problems and come up with logical solutions. The job requires interacting with various employees of all professional levels, keeping up with DM regulations, and analyzing and sharing information. Cooperative individuals with adaptable and flexible attitudes will be successful in this field.