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A Personal Reference Guide Prepares Candidates for ICAPGen Testing

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By Lisa Stokes, AG®

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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.

Accreditation, Education, Family History, Genealogy, ICAPGen, Testing

Who is ICAPGen?

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Who we are

The International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGenSM), is a globally recognized, fully independent non-profit credentialing organization dedicated to advancing professional excellence in genealogical research and reporting.

A Board of Commissioners comprised of both elected and appointed AG professionals oversees the organization, and ICAPGen remains fully independent of any other organization. Its primary credential award is the Accredited Genealogist® (AG®) credential, with a secondary designation for Accredited Genealogist LecturerTM (AGLTM).

What the Accredited Genealogist credential means

The AG credential recognizes experience and expertise for research in specific geographical regions. Expertise is evaluated through a series of rigorous written and oral examinations. Candidates who demonstrate depth of expertise, ethical practice, and mastery of regional research standards, meeting stringent competency benchmarks, they are awarded the AG credential and designated research experts in that region. The credential provides clients and the public with confidence in their professional capabilities and commitment to industry best practices.

What the Accredited Genealogist Lecturer credential means

The AGL credential recognizes experience AG professionals who demonstrate excellence in both subject matter and presentation skills. Candidates must hold an active ICAPGen accreditation and have a consistent track record of delivering high-quality genealogy lectures at a variety of skill levels and venues.

Where we are

Our Accredited Genealogist professionals can be found worldwide. Each has proven research expertise in one or more of 10 United States regions and 34 different countries, with more accreditation regions coming soon.

What we know and do

Those who hold the AG credential have demonstrated knowledge of the key sources, history, geography, methodologies, and language of their region of interest and know how to access those records, wherever they exist, whether it is through personal onsite research, correspondence with repositories, or through a representative onsite.  They are also proficient in the use of digitized original sources online. Accredited Genealogist professionals possess skills to transcribe and abstract handwritten documents, analyze and interpret evidence, and communicate research results in quality written reports.

Additionally, AG professionals who also hold the AGL credential have demonstrated clear instruction, logical organization, effective visual aids, well-documented materials, and responsive teaching practices in outstanding genealogy presentations covering multiple skill levels in a variety of venues.

Where we test

Exams are primarily held at the FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah. For those who prefer to test elsewhere, a proctored exam may be arranged at a local facility. All Oral Reviews are conducted through videoconferencing.

For more about our history, the accreditation process, regions of accreditation, and more, please visit our website: ICAPGen