Category Archives: Study Groups

Accreditation, Study Groups

2026 ICAPGen Study Groups: Get Help Preparing for the Accredited Genealogist® Credentialing Process

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ICAPGen℠ has set the application deadlines for 2026 Accredited Genealogist® 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.

Spring Test Prep Study Group, application deadline 15 March 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.

Participants in the Test Prep Study Group discuss the written and oral exams and receive assignments designed to prepare them increase their confidence.

Summer Four Generation Project, application deadline 1 June 2026

Applicants must have chosen an accreditation region, have experience researching in the region, and have most of their research completed for one generation of their Four Generation Project. Bring your most challenging generation to the group to receive feedback with the broadest relevance. The group meets over Zoom for seven meeting sessions over a four-month period.

Participants in our Four Generation Study Group receive feedback and targeted help with the Four Generation Project.

Fall 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.

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. 

Accreditation, Application process, Education, ICAPGen, Skillbuilding, State resources, Study Groups, Testing

A Personal Reference Guide Prepares Candidates for ICAPGen Testing

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By Lisa Stokes, AG®

The accreditation process builds proficiency in genealogical research methodology, strengthens knowledge of a specific research region, and develops solid report writing skills. Successful ICAPGenSM testing ensures a candidate is ready for professional level research. Creating a Personal Reference Guide to prepare for the Written Exams builds a foundation for ongoing expertise in the region.

What is a Personal Reference Guide?

A Personal Reference Guide, often abbreviated as PRG, is a compiled study guide that allows quick reference during research and testing. It can contain Quick Reference Sheets, Methodology Guides, Country Guides, State Guides, and other resources to aid the researcher.

Benefits

The benefits of creating a Personal Reference Guide to prepare for accreditation testing and client research are abundant and well worth the effort. Developing a Personal Reference Guide:

  • Solidifies learning for an accreditation candidate by encouraging an effective study process
  • Encourages gathering of new information, such as key resources and methodologies for the region, while studying for testing
  • Builds confidence in research skills and regional knowledge
  • Provides a solid foundation and knowledge of background and locality information about a narrowed location
  • Provides an understanding of methodologies that work well in the region
  • Allows for more effective client research time
  • Creates a well-rounded researcher

Continued gathering of locality information over time creates an invaluable, time-saving resource to use for many years to come.

Using the Personal Reference Guide for Accreditation Testing

The ICAPGen Written Exams use an open-book testing format, which allows the candidate to consult online resources, reference books, and personal notes during the exams. The Personal Reference Guide can take many formats and contain many Resources.

Format: Prepare digital or physical Research Reference Guides or a combination of the two to use during testing.

Content: Collect sample documents, maps, links, and webinar syllabi for quick reference during testing. Create methodology research guides, country and state guides, and quick reference guides to solidify knowledge of the region.

Logistics: The candidate is required to download their PRG materials to the testing computer and log out of any cloud service. Sufficient time is allowed to download materials before the test begins. Personal computers, tablets, cloud services or phones are not permitted during the test. All materials referenced during the test must be accessed from the testing computer to protect the test’s integrity and prevent copying of the test.

Creating a Personal Reference Guide is valuable preparation for all genealogical work. A solid Personal Reference Guide will also ensure success in testing and provide a foundation for ongoing expertise in a chosen region.

Based on an article published in the Fall 2022 ICAPGen Study Group Newsletter. Read Lisa’s updated post, Level Up Your Research: Why You Need a Personal Reference Guide for Genealogy at Lisa Stokes Heritage Research.