About Us
Who We Are
The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists, or ICAPGen℠, awards the Accredited Genealogist® (AG®) and Accredited Genealogist Lecturer™ (AGL™) credentials. We are a professional credentialing organization dedicated to testing competence in genealogical research. The organization is governed by a Board of Commissioners with many years of experience.
What we do
ICAPGen℠ administers multi-part exams for each geographical region for applicants interested in becoming an Accredited Genealogist® professional. We designate applicants who have successfully passed the exam process as research experts in that region. In addition to testing each applicant’s competency as a prerequisite for accreditation, we:
- Recruit, encourage, mentor, and educate genealogists
- Require periodic re-accreditation to assure currency of skills
- Mandate adherence to ethical standards
- Maintain a public directory of AG® and AGL™ professionals
- Educate consumers about the value, process, and complexity of family history and genealogy research
- Work with clients and AG® professionals if a dispute arises.
- Promote the preservation of genealogical materials for future generations
Why we do it
The mission of ICAPGen℠ is to advance family history and genealogy work globally by awarding and promoting AG® professionals who demonstrate competence, ethics, and reliability. We also work to promote the preservation of genealogical materials.
Where we are
Although our organization is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, Accredited Genealogist® professionals can be found worldwide. Each AG® professional has proven research expertise in one or more of nine (9) United States regions, the U.S. African American Research, or 35 international regions.
When we offer tests
Exams are held periodically at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. For those who would like to test locally, a proctored exam at a facility of your choice can be arranged. The final step, the Oral Review, is conducted via Zoom.