I just submitted my AG renewal application. It’s always such a good feeling to have that done and to know I don’t have to think about it for five more years. For those unfamiliar with the Accredited Genealogist credentials, I will give a brief explanation.
Accredited Genealogist professionals undergo a series of testing benchmarks to show proficiency in one particular region of genealogical research. While I specialize in Scandinavia, Denmark is my region of accreditation. The first major step for accrediting is submitting a four-generation research project. This project works to demonstrate one’s research capabilities. The report portion must include full source citations and translations of documents. It includes analysis of the records and explanations regarding the next steps for research. Documents discovered in research, a full research log and all accompanying pedigree and family group sheets are included. It’s a long report, and this project often reflects years of work.
Once the four-generation project has been approved, the next step towards accreditation is testing. I often liken this testing to the testing for receiving a CPA license. There are three main parts to the test, and it takes about eight hours to complete. Applicants are tested on:
- General knowledge for the area of accreditation
- Document recognition and translation/transcription
- A four-hour research project
These testing requirements are aimed at assessing genealogical expertise in all areas.
The final component of the accrediting process is an oral review. The applicant meets virtually with three Accredited Genealogists, at least two of whom specialize in the applicant’s same region. The hour-long meeting is a time for the applicant to talk through any issues from the test and to discuss areas where knowledge seems to be lacking. This meeting is actually very friendly.
For more information about the details of becoming an Accredited Genealogy professional, see the ICAPGen website.
I earned my credential back in 1999. I love telling people I have been accredited since the previous century. It was about one year after I graduated from the BYU Family History program. Once the credential is awarded, every AG professional must renew the credential every five years. The renewal process is not nearly as intense as the original credentialing process, but it still requires work and effort. My renewal application included:
- A basic form filled out with my contact information
- A newly signed code of ethics
- A letter detailing my genealogy activities over the past five years
- An explanation of two things I have done to keep my skills sharp. (Educational Activities is the official term used.) I discussed updating slides and syllabi for several lectures I give about research in Scandinavia. And I shared about a recent article I wrote for UGA Crossroads that detailed a tricky research project.
- A description of the ways I have volunteered within the genealogical community over the past five years. ICAPGen requires an average of 5 volunteer hours per year. With my position within ICAPGen as the PR Commissioner, I often hit that in one week.
I really love being affiliated with ICAPGen, and the effort it takes to keep my credential current is well worth it. I appreciate that the organization keeps the brand value high for us Accredited Genealogists. When you are looking for someone to help with research or to learn from in a conference setting, look for those individuals who hold credentials. These are the people who have made an effort to keep their skills sharp and to help make a positive difference in the genealogy community.