Level Three of the application process consists of a written exam in two sections, plus an oral review.

Click here to access a PDF of the “Guide to Applying for an Accredited Genealogist® Credential.”

OVERVIEW

When you have achieved Level 2 recognition, you may take up to three years to apply for the next level of testing.

One Saturday a quarter has been scheduled for the written exams. A person may take one level exam (Example: either Level 2 or Level 3 or retake of Level 2 or retake of Level 3) during this scheduled test day. After Level 2 is passed those wishing to test sooner than the next quarterly scheduled test day may request “Custom Onsite Testing,” Additional charges apply. See Fee Schedule for details.

The written portion of Level 3 has two sections lasting over four hours with a break between them. After passing the Level 3 written tests, an oral review will be scheduled at a later date. You will attain Level 3 status by achieving a score of 90% or better on sections 5-6 of the written exam and by passing the oral review.

Level 3 sections cover the following material:

RESEARCH PLANNING

You will be tested on your ability to analyze a research problem and plan effective research. You will be asked to list the sources you would search to research each problem and what you would expect to find in those sources. This exercise does not include any actual research.

You will need to use localities and dates from the provided question, basic pedigree or document on the exam to develop a proper research plan. Be sure to understand the importance of name variations and be able to recognize date inconsistencies (e.g. the child’s birth date listed as before that of a parent).

You may consult your own resources, Internet resources such as: library catalogs, wikis, or search engines for possible records and availability.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Your abilities in data analysis, research planning, methodology, and report writing will be tested in a three-hour research project. You will be given a practical genealogical problem for which you will conduct research and write a report as if to a client. Your report will detail the results of your research and make recommendations about work that needs to be done in the future.

This exam section is not only about finding new information but also about the research process. In addition to the completed report, you will need to turn in a research log, pedigree chart, all of the family group records on which you recorded information, and photocopied or electronic documents.

ORAL REVIEW

At a later date, you will be scheduled for your oral review after you pass the written exam at 90% or better for Level 2 and 3. Oral reviews last about two hours. Oral reviews for candidates who tested off-site will be done via a video chat service such as Skype or Google Hangout. During this interview, a few AG professionals in your chosen region will ask questions to determine your overall readiness for accreditation. Questions may include the following topics:

• Your four-generation project submitted with your initial application.
• Questions you missed on the written portion of the exam.
• Questions related to your region of interest along with questions on general genealogical principles.
• You may also ask questions concerning the test or the testing process
  

  ---

We are detailing the ICAPGen℠ accreditation process in a series of posts, and today we take a look at Level 2’s written exam.  Previous posts have covered Level 1: The Four-Generation Project and Level 1:  Genealogical Research Experience.  For the complete guide to the application process, Levels 1-4, you can view and download a PDF of the Guide to Applying for an Accredited Genealogist® Credential from the ICAPGen website.  If you still have questions regarding the accreditation process we would love to hear from you, so feel free to contact us.

OVERVIEW

When you have achieved Level 1 recognition, you may take up to three years to apply for the next level of testing.

The written exam is given in two parts: Level 2 and Level 3. One Saturday a quarter has been scheduled for the written exams. A person may take one level exam (Example: either Level 2 or Level 3 or retake of Level 2 or retake of Level 3) during this scheduled test day. After Level 2 is passed those wishing to test sooner than the next quarterly scheduled test day may request “Custom Onsite Testing,” Additional charges apply. See Fee Schedule for details.

The Level 2 exam lasts over four hours, including breaks. You will be allowed to use a facility computer for research and a separate computer for testing. All files that you create will be deleted from the testing computer at the end of that test section. The exams are open book (this includes the Internet).

You will attain Level 2 status by achieving a score of 90% or better on sections 1-4 of the written exam. The Level 2 exam includes the following sections.

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

You will be tested on your general knowledge of facts pertaining to the history, geography, research methodologies, and records of your region. You may be questioned about historical events that affect research in your region or be asked about types of records available in your region – their content, availability, and coverage.

HANDWRITING

You will be tested on your ability to read a genealogical document (or documents) relative to the geographic area and time period of your area of specialty. Be prepared to transcribe and answer questions about a handwritten document from an early time period from the chosen testing region.

If you are accrediting in a region with a language other than your native language, you will be expected to accurately translate documents of genealogical significance written in that language. Use the Language Ability Table to help you rate your own abilities in dealing with foreign-language issues and to see if you are ready to take this portion of the exam.

Preparation Tip: The FamilySearch Family History Research Wiki also provides a list of handwriting resources and other online links for understanding early handwriting for various languages to help you prepare for this portion of the test.

DOCUMENT RECOGNITION

Potential clients might provide documents with insufficient citations, or no citations at all. You will be tested on your ability to identify important types of documents and reference sources for your area of specialty. Be familiar with a variety of documents covering a range of years for your chosen region.

Preparation Tip: For suggestions of genealogical record types, see the “Important Record Type List” for your chosen region shown in tables available from “Resources, Record Types, and Strategies” on our website.

INTERNET SOURCES AND ELECTRONIC DATABASES

You will be tested on your knowledge of the content of Internet sources and electronic databases created by non-profit groups and commercial organizations relating to your geographical area.

QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE

The test is open book, meaning you can consult Internet resources, reference books and personal note files for the written portion of the exam. These files will be used for quick reference as there will not be enough time during the exam to consult the original references.  We encourage you to develop your own quick reference guide to use during the exam.