Frequently Asked Questions

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kelly Summers, AG on January 13, 2010 at 6:44pm

Why become an Accredited Genealogist?
-Independent verification of your research skills
-Measurement of research abilities in a chosen geographical area
-Confidence that you can do professional research
-Peer recognition and respect
-Increased trust and confidence on the part of clients
-Great learning process in acquiring knowledge and sound research skills
-Self-satisfaction
-Greater opportunities to network and participate in the genealogical community
-Greater marketability as a professional
-Your name is entered on the Accredited Genealogist list which is made available to libraries, societies, and individuals requesting research assistance

Permalink Reply by Peg A Ivanyo on January 18, 2010 at 11:17am

Is the online list of accredited individuals complete? I notice that there is at least one area of accreditation without anyone listed.

Is there a "re-certification" requirement after a period of time? To make sure we are keeping our skills up to date?

Permalink Reply by Kelly Summers, AG on January 18, 2010 at 8:23pm

An area of accreditation without anyone listed may indicate an area that is new.

There is an accreditation renewal process. Every five years ICAPGen asks each Accredited Genealogist® researcher to renew his or her accreditation. The purpose of renewal is to assure that each Accredited Genealogist is keeping current with available sources and research techniques in his geographic or subject area, including new electronic and digital resources. This renewal process also ensures that each accredited genealogist is sustaining the high ethical and professional standards associated with ICAPGen.

Permalink Reply by Kelly Summers, AG on January 22, 2010 at 7:53am

I am working on the Education/Training chart and noticed that in the examples on one line it had a specific class and on another it just listed the conference. Is there a preference between the two? I was going through my old syllabuses looking for just the classes that I had taken that fit my accreditation area or were general US research based, but then wondered if maybe I shouldn't list them separately.

Listing classes individually will benefit you most if the classes demonstrate something specific in the area of accreditation. For example the class listing “Illinois Repositories” is specific to the Midwestern region. General US classes may also be listed. By listing the classes individually you show more about your experience.

Permalink Reply by Kelly Summers, AG on January 25, 2010 at 6:00pm

Do you put the children’s information on the objective person research calendar, or just document them in your family group or report?

You would not normally put all the children under the Research Objective on the Research Calendar. In fact, you could just mention "see Family Group Record # so and so" if you want to reference those children as part of the background for your research. At other times your object is to verify the parentage between one specific child and the father or mother on the family group record. In that case, if you were not bringing your Family Group Records to the research facility it would be a good idea to include the information on both the child and the father and mother.

Documenting the children in your family group record is likely the best option, because that would allow you to basically focus on your direct-line links in your report.

Permalink Reply by Deanna Hebert on February 26, 2010 at 12:07pm

I have missed more than I realized. I was unable to attend in February. Could you please let me know what we need to do to complete the homework for this month?

Permalink Reply by Kelly Summers, AG on February 8, 2010 at 2:36pm

The ICAPGen website has a great section for Frequently Ask Questions.

Topics include:

1 - Goal of ICAPGen Examinations
2 - Preparing for the Examination
3 - Research Experience Concerns
4 - Answers on Evidence/Documentation
5 - Document Recognition and Transcriptions

Please visit: http://icapgen.org/Programs/faq.htm

Permalink Reply by Ann McDaniel on February 9, 2010 at 8:53am

Hi I am new to this group. Is it possible to take online courses to achieve this certification?

Permalink Reply by Kelly Summers, AG on February 26, 2010 at 1:16pm

Hello Ann! We are in the process of filming our mentoring classes. The first class has been put online and the others will follow one per month throughout this year. The classes alone will not ensure accreditation, however they will serve as a guide through the process. The first class can be found on FamilySearch.org at: http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/education/frameset_educatio...
Once there, scroll down to the lower half of the page and click on International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists: "Mentoring Class - January 2010". The other classes will be added below this location. The first class is entitled "The Application - Part 1". Before viewing the video, print out the 2 application forms found at: icapgen.org under Application Process. One is in pdf format and the other is found on the same page under "Step Three" listed as "Experience File". I hope you enjoy the adventure!

Permalink Reply by Kelly Summers, AG on September 29, 2010 at 7:36am

How many Family Group Records are included in a four generation research project?

At least 4 Family Group Records, if there are multiple marriages more may be included. One Family Group Record for each of the generations found on the printed Pedigree chart.