Mission Statement | Vision Statement (coming soon)

The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists, internationally recognized as ICAPGen, is a professional credentialing organization dedicated to testing an individual’s competence in genealogical research. The organization is administered by a board of qualified Commissioners with many years of experience. Professional credentials with ICAPGen provide numerous benefits. For additional information concerning ICAPGen, see history.

Examinations are given to applicants demonstrating sufficient theoretical and practical research backgrounds. Separate tests are given for geographical areas or subjects of specialization. Click here for information regarding the accreditation process.

Questions? Please contact us.

Mission Statement

The mission of ICAPGen is to advance family history/genealogy work around the world by accrediting and promoting genealogy professionals who are competent, ethical, and reliable, and to work to promote the preservation of genealogical materials. The central functions of ICAPGen are:

• Recruiting, encouraging, mentoring, and educating genealogists.
• Testing each applicant's competency as a prerequisite for accreditation.
• Requiring periodic re-accreditation to assure currency of skills.
• Stipulating adherence to ethical standards.
• Maintaining a public directory of ICAPGen accredited professionals.
• Educating consumers about the value, process, and complexity of family history/genealogy research and maintaining good-will by working with clients and AG professionals if a dispute arises.
• Promoting the preservation of genealogical materials for future generations.

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Benefits of Accreditation

Testing and receiving an Accredited Genealogist^® credential with ICAPGen provides numerous benefits:

1. Testing provides a measurement of research abilities in a chosen geographical area or subject. Passing the accreditation test brings great satisfaction. If there are research areas requiring improvement before the credential is granted, the applicant will receive recommendations for improvement and an invitation to retest after a designated interval.

2. The newly accredited researcher's name is entered on the Accredited Genealogist list.  This list is updated regularly and made available to libraries, societies, and to individuals requesting research assistance.

3. A certificate and identification card are received showing the specific geographical area or subject of accreditation.

4. The newly accredited researcher is entitled to place Accredited Genealogist^® and AG^® after the name.

5. The credential is a key to opportunities.

6. The newly credentialed genealogist has an opportunity to associate with other professionals sharing similar interests. This common bond becomes an invaluable form of networking.

7. The Accredited Genealogist researchers credentialed with ICAPGen enjoy thirty-nine years of "good will" with the public because of the name recognition and reputation.

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Commission and Board
 

COMMISSION

Commission Chair

Anne Leptich, AG (Oregon)

First Vice Chair

Raymond S. Wright III, AG (Utah)

Second Vice Chair

Heidi G. Sugden, AG (Utah)

Treasurer

Daniel S. Poffenberger, AG (Utah)

Commissioners

L. Reynolds Cahoon, FUGA (Maryland)

Colin R. Chapman, Ph.D. (England)

Kathryn M. Daynes, Ph.D., AG (Utah)

Barbara H. Baker, AG (Utah)

Ruth Ellen Maness, BA, AG (Utah)

Kory L. Meyerink, MLS, AG (Utah)

Nathan W. Murphy, AG (Utah)

Larry L. Piatt, MS, AG (Utah)

Linda K. Turner, AG (Utah)

Ruth Lapioli Merriman, AG (Utah)

ADMINISTRATION

Executive Secretary

Joy Price, AG (Idaho)

Recording Secretary

Apryl Cox, AG (Utah)

Corresponding Secretary

Beth Davies, AG (Utah)

AG^® Emeritus Program Coordinator

Tricia A. Petrey, AG (Washington)

AG^® Relations

Ruth Ellen Maness, AG (Utah)

Public Relations

Loretta Evans, AG (Idaho)

Human Resources

Nathan W. Murphy, MS, AG (Utah)

TESTING COMMITTEE

Testing Authority Commissioner

Raymond S. Wright III, AG (Utah)

Co-Chairs

Ray T. Clifford, Ph.D. (California & Utah)

Karen A. Clifford, AG, FUGA (California & Utah)

Committee Member

Larry L. Piatt, AG (Utah)

Testing Administrator

Larry L. Piatt, AG (Utah)

Renewal Administrator

Linda K. Turner, AG (Utah)

New & Renewal Secretary

Echo King, AG (Utah)

Appointment Secretary

Maureen Bryson, AG (Utah)

New AG^® Mentor

Lorraine Bourne, AG (Utah)

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

Chair

Russell S. Lynch, AG (Utah)

Committee Member

Jimmy B. Parker, AG (Utah)

ICAPGen Excellent Genealogist Conference (Annual Conference)

2008 Conference Chair

2008 Conference Program Chair

NEWSLETTER

Newsletter Editors

Cindy L. Rowzee, AG (New York)

Kori Robbins, AG (Utah)

WEBSITE

Webmaster

Janice Cushman, AG (Canada)

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History

The accreditation program was established in 1964 by the Family History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 2000, the Church transferred its ownership and administration of the accreditation program to the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists, internationally recognized as ICAPGen^SM. At that time ICAPGen was an affiliate of the Utah Genealogical Association (UGA). Today, as a fully incorporated non-profit institution, the Commission appreciates the support of UGA, and the generosity of others who supported its founding. ICAPGen now operates as a completely independent testing (not membership) organization.

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