Mastering the ICAPGen Accreditation Process: Your Path to Professional Success

This webinar features Torhild Shirley, a commissioner and coordinator for the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen), providing a comprehensive guide to obtaining the Accredited Genealogist (AG) credential. The presentation addresses the rigorous standards required to prove professional-level competency, emphasizing that accreditation is not just a title but a testament to a researcher's deep regional expertise and methodological precision. By demystifying the application phases—from the initial project submission to the proctored exams—Shirley illustrates how this journey transforms family historians into recognized experts capable of tackling complex genealogical problems with confidence and professional credibility.

• The Four Generation Project Requirements: Candidates must submit a 25 to 40-page report focusing on seven specific individuals across four generations, all of whom must have lived in the chosen accreditation region. The starting person must be deceased and born at least 80 years ago, ensuring the research covers historical records and complex jurisdictional changes.
• Regional Specialization and Resource Guides: ICAPGen offers 43 distinct testing regions globally, recognizing that research in areas like Scandinavia or the American Deep South requires vastly different skill sets. Candidates are encouraged to utilize the "Regional Resource Guides" on the ICAPGen website, which detail essential record types, repositories, and local methodologies for each area.
• A Multi-Stage Testing Process: Beyond the initial project, applicants must pass a proctored written exam consisting of three parts: document interpretation (including transcription and translation), a general knowledge test on regional history and laws, and a four-hour "final project" that simulates a real-world client research scenario.

Viewing the full webinar provides essential, granular advice on avoiding common pitfalls that lead to project revisions, such as inconsistent citations or inadequate evidence analysis. You will gain a much clearer understanding of how to structure your research logs and reports to meet the high expectations of ICAPGen raters.

To further support your journey toward professional success, please explore the additional links, checklists, and detailed application steps found in the accompanying syllabus. These resources are designed to help you assess your readiness and build a personal reference guide that will serve you throughout your genealogical career.