Education (Genealogical) » Credentials: Certification and Accreditation

Accredited Genealogist

The list of Accredited Genealogists on this web site all became accredited through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Family History Department prior to October 2000. Accreditation indicates that an individual has passed the accreditation examination previously adminstered by the Family History Department and has agreed to abide by certain ethical standards.

Association of Professional Genealogists

The Association of Professional Genealogists, established in 1979, is an international organization that supports professionals in genealogy-related businesses. APG encourages genealogical excellence, ethical practice, mentoring and education. The organization also supports the preservation and accessibility of records useful to the fields of genealogy and history. Members of APG agree to abide by a code of ethics (www.apgen.org/ethics) in their profession.

Becoming an Accredited Genealogist : Plus 100 Tips to Ensure Your Success

A book by Karen Clifford.

Board for Certification of Genealogists

When the need arises to hire a professional genealogist, many turn first to the associates of the Board for Certification of Genealogists. Certification of genealogists through BCG is based on completion of a portfolio of work that is adjudged to meet rigorous standards of competence in a number of areas, including evidence collection and evaluation, and clear and concise writing. These standards have been established and revised by BCG since the organization's founding in Washington, D.C., in 1964. The BCG web site offers: a directory of genealogists who hold board certification and are bound to a code of ethics; details on the examination process; and numerous educational articles.

Genealogical Institute of the Maritimes / Institut généalogique des provinces Maritimes

Halifax, Nova Scotia. Provides certifications for Canada Maritimes provinces research.

ICAPGen - International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists

An accreditation program designed to test an individual’s competence in genealogical research was developed by the Family History Department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the mid-1960s. In 2000, the Family History Department transferred their sponsorship of the Accreditation Program to the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen).