ICAPGen℠ has three scheduled testing dates for 2026 at the Family History Library:
Friday, February 27th-Saturday, February 28th
Friday June 5th-Saturday, June 6th
Friday October 9th-Saturday October 10th
Applicants always have the option for off-site testing. Be advised that this entails an extra expense. For more information, please see the Scheduling & Fees webpage.
About the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen℠)
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.
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.
ICAPGen℠ 