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Accreditation, Application process, Education, Family History, Four Generation Project, Genealogy, ICAPGen, Skillbuilding, Videos

New ICAPGen Videos on Four Generation Project Writing and Methodology

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By Bonnie Wade Mucia, AG®, AGL®

The Four Generation Project is often the first place ICAPGenSM applicants realize that accreditation is about more than finding records. It’s about how you research, how you evaluate evidence, and how you explain your conclusions clearly and professionally.

To support applicants as they work on the Four Generation Project, two companion videos on the ICAPGen YouTube channel focus specifically on the project—one on writing requirements and one on methodology. Both videos are presented by Bonnie Wade Mucia, AG®, AGL™, and are intended to provide practical guidance for those preparing their Four Generation Project submissions.

The Four Generation Project: Writing Requirements video walks through what ICAPGen expects in the written portion of the project and how to apply those expectations in practice. It explains that the Four Generation Project is not a narrative family history or a simple list of records, but a professional research report written as if for a client. The video focuses on meeting writing requirements through clear organization, consistent formatting, concise sentences, and logical flow, while also demonstrating ways to explain both how and why conclusions were reached. It emphasizes that strong writing is essential, essential because in writing things out, gaps in logic, unclear reasoning, or untested assumptions become apparent.

The Four Generation Project: Methodology Requirements video shifts the focus to the research process itself. This is where applicants demonstrate how they develop and carry out a research plan, select region-specific sources, analyze and correlate evidence, and address conflicts in the records. The emphasis is not simply on identifying the “right” ancestor, but on showing how the research was conducted and whether conclusions are supported by sound, region-appropriate methodology.

Whether you are already familiar with the accreditation process or just beginning to explore it, these videos offer a clear roadmap for approaching the Four Generation Project with confidence. They clarify expectations, address common questions, and help applicants approach their work with intention and consistency.

Videos: 

Four Generation Project: Methodology Requirements

Four Generation Project: Writing Requirements

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.