Genealogy Standards & Guidelines » Societies & Groups

Accredited Genealogists Ireland

Accredited Genealogists Ireland (formerly the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland) was founded in 1986. It acts as a regulating body to maintain high standards amongst its members and to protect the interests of clients. Our members are drawn from every part of Ireland and represent a wide variety of interests and expertise.

Association of Genealogists & Researchers in Archives

The Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA) is the professional organisation promoting high professional standards in the field of genealogy and historical research in England and Wales. AGRA is also prominent as a representative voice in matters relating to genealogy. All Members and Associates agree to abide by a stringent Code of Practice.

Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)

The Association of Professional Genealogists, established in 1979, is an international organization that supports professionals in genealogy-related businesses. APG encourages genealogical excellence, ethical practice, mentoring and education. The organization also supports the preservation and accessibility of records useful to the fields of genealogy and history. Members of APG agree to abide by a code of ethics in their profession.

Board for Certification of Genealogists

When the need arises to hire a professional genealogist, many turn first to the associates of the Board for Certification of Genealogists. Certification of genealogists through BCG is based on completion of a portfolio of work that is adjudged to meet rigorous standards of competence in a number of areas, including evidence collection and evaluation, and clear and concise writing. These standards have been established and revised by BCG since the organization's founding in Washington, D.C., in 1964. The BCG web site offers: a directory of genealogists who hold board certification and are bound to a code of ethics; details on the examination process; and numerous educational articles.

The American Society of Genealogists

Founded in 1940 as the scholastic honorary society of the field. Its membership is limited to 50 Fellows (FASGs) elected for life. The ASG publishes The Genealogist, a major scholarly journal in the field.