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Finding the Right Genealogist: How to Use ICAPGen’s Find an AG® Professional Directory

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Snapshot of the ICAPGen website header highlighting the Find an AG Professional directory button.

By Michelle Tucker Chubenko, AG®, AGL™

Whether you are facing a brick wall, need help with international records, or want expert guidance for a specific research challenge, finding the right genealogist can make a significant difference. The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen℠) offers a searchable directory of Accredited Genealogist® (AG®) professionals designed to help researchers connect with specialists who have demonstrated expertise in specific geographic regions and research areas.

The Find an AG® Professional directory is more than a simple list of names—it is a powerful tool that can help you identify AG® professionals whose specialties closely match your research needs.

Additionally, if you are seeking a speaker for Society events, you may want to seek an Accredited Genealogist Lecturer™ (AGL™). These individuals are AG® professionals who have demonstrated excellence in both genealogical knowledge and presentation skills.

Start here: Find an AG® Professional Directory

Step 1: Begin with Keywords

The main directory search includes a keyword field in which you can use search terms, such as:

  • Surnames
  • Accreditation areas
  • Geographic locations
  • Specialized topics
  • Research topics such as DNA, military, religion, or ethnicity

Be sure to think strategically about the problem you’re trying to solve. For example, specific terms such as New Jersey, Poland, German, DNA, Jewish, Military, or Immigration. Avoid searching too broadly at first. A search for “Europe” may be too general, while “Mexico” or “Sweden” may produce more useful results.

Step 2: Use Advanced Search Features

The Advanced Search page allows you to narrow results beyond simple keywords. Advanced search can save time, especially if you have a specific goal. Filters currently include:

  • Name
  • Credential region (e.g., Canada, US African American, and others)
  • Whether a professional is accepting clients
  • Speaking availability: search for professionals available for virtual or in-person speaking
  • Residence location: search by specialty and location together for regional expertise

Search Tips for Better Results

1) Try multiple versions of a place
Genealogical research often involves changing boundaries and jurisdictions. Conduct keyword searches not only with the modern location, but with historical territory names. For example, instead of searching only Ukraine, use the historical Empires terms of Imperial Russia, Russian Empire, Galicia, Austria, or Poland.

2) Search for methodologies and specialties
Not all expertise is geographic. You may uncover specialists who work with specific record types or methodologies.

3) Review profiles carefully
Each AG® professional has the ability to present an online biographical profile which may contain accreditation areas, expertise details, additional credentials, speaking availability, client availability, links to their website, published articles and much more.

Read beyond the accreditation title. Someone accredited in one region may also have additional research strengths relevant to your project.

Step 3: Contact more than one professional

ICAPGen recommends identifying several AG® professionals before making a hiring decision. Compare specialties, project approaches, availability, and fee structures.

A brief message should include:

  • Your research question
  • Ancestor names
  • Time period
  • Geographic location
  • What you hope to accomplish

Specific information helps a genealogist determine whether they are the right fit. Read more about hiring an AG® professional: Ten Effective Steps to Hiring an AG® Professional.

One Final Tip

Think of the directory as a research tool, not just a listing of names. Experiment with search terms, combine filters, and explore profiles. A few extra minutes spent refining your search may connect you with a specialist who has exactly the expertise your research problem requires.

The right genealogist does not simply search records—they bring methodology, regional expertise, and experience to complex problems.

And sometimes, that is exactly what breaks down a brick wall.

See other posts in this series:

“Ten Effective Steps to Hiring an Accredited Genealogist (AG®) Professional” by Trish Melander, AG®

“Not All Genealogists are the Same: Understanding Genealogical Credentials Before You Hire,” by Melanie Marsh, AG®

“What will a Professional Genealogist do for Me? Having Realistic Expectations” by Melanie Marsh, AG®

Accreditation, Application process, Education, Family History, Four Generation Project, Genealogical Writing, Genealogy, ICAPGen, Skillbuilding, Study Groups, Testing

2026 ICAPGen℠ Study Groups: Join us and Get Help Preparing for the Accredited Genealogist® Credentialing Process

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Upcoming 2026 deadlines for ICAPGen℠ Study Groups.

ICAPGen Study Groups are a great option to add in preparing for the credentialing process. Study Group leaders are experienced AG® professionals equipped to help you understand, improve, and ultimately succeed.

Summer 2026 Four Generation Study Group, application deadline 1 June 2026

This group meets over Zoom seven times over four months.
Participants receive feedback and targeted help with their Four Generation Project.

Applicants must have chosen an accreditation region and through their experience researching in the region, have most of their research completed for all generations of their Four Generation Project. Bring your most challenging generation to the group to receive feedback with the broadest relevance.

Fall 2026 Test Prep Study Group, application deadline 1 September 2026

This group meets over Zoom every other week for a total of nine weeks. Applicants must have successfully passed the Four Generation Project –OR- completed a Four Generation Study Group AND submitted your project.

Winter 2027 Four Generation Study Group, application deadline 1 November 2026

This group meets over Zoom seven times over four months.
Participants receive feedback and targeted help with their Four Generation Project.

Applicants must have chosen an accreditation region and through their experience researching in the region, have most of their research completed for all generations of their Four Generation Project. Bring your most challenging generation to the group to receive feedback with the broadest relevance.

Assess your readiness to participate in a Study Group

Email us for information to help you decide when you’re ready. Make your request and submit your application early to allow time for a potential readiness assignment and feedback.

For more details or to apply, visit the Study Groups webpage or email studygroup@ICAPGen.org for more information.

About the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGenSM)
The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) is a globally recognized credentialing organization dedicated to advancing professional excellence in genealogical research and reporting. Through rigorous written and oral examinations, ICAPGen evaluates and accredits genealogists who demonstrate depth of expertise, ethical practice, and mastery of regional research standards. Accredited Genealogist® professionals who earn ICAPGen credentials have met stringent competency benchmarks, providing clients and the public with confidence in their professional capabilities and commitment to industry best practices.