The Written Exam & Oral Review

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THE WRITTEN EXAM

When your application with its four-generation project is approved, you will receive your Level 1 recognition. You can take up to three years to apply for the next level. The written exam is scheduled on a quarterly basis. Check the calendar on the ICAPGen website for upcoming testing dates, or click here.

You will attain Level 2 status by achieving a score of 90% or better on sections 1-4 of the written exam.

• Handwriting - You will be tested on your ability to read a genealogical document (or documents) relative to the geographic area and time period of your area of specialty. If you are accrediting in an international region with a foreign language, you will be expected to accurately translate documents of genealogical significance from that language into English. Click here to view ICAPGen's Language Ability Table. This document will help you rate your own abilities in dealing with foreign-language issues.

• Document recognition - You will be asked to identify important types of documents and reference sources for your area of specialty.

• Electronic databases - You will be tested on your knowledge of the content and application to research of electronic databases created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, other non-profit groups, and commercial organizations relating to your region. Emphasis will be placed on computer files such as the International Genealogical Index® (IGI), Internet sources, databases on CD, and others.

• General questions and answers - You will be tested on your knowledge of facts pertaining to the history and records of your region. Such things as types of records, time period, content, and availability will be tested, as well as historical events affecting research.

If you do not pass the written exam at 90% or better, you may retake the exam at any regular quarterly testing session within three years. See the fee schedule on the website.

You will attain Level 3 status by achieving a score of 90% or better on sections 5-6 of the written exam and by passing the oral review.

• Brief pedigree evaluations - You will be asked to list the sources you would search to try to extend each pedigree and what you would expect to find in those sources.

• Research problem - You will be given an actual practical pedigree problem in which you will carry out research in the Family History Library and write a report to a patron detailing the results of the search and what you would suggest needs still to be done.

If you cannot travel to Salt Lake City, Utah to take the exam, you may indicate on your application that you wish to take the exam in another facility. Alternate facilities at this time include the DAR Museum in Washington, D.C. and the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Testing locations are limited because different repositories have different available sources, and tests have to be written differently for each facility in which they are given. Contact ICAPGen for more information about alternate testing dates and locations.

THE ORAL REVIEW

When you pass the written exam, you will be scheduled for an oral review (approximately two to three hours in length), where raters and experts of that region will evaluate the four-generation project you submitted with your initial application, review answers to questions you missed on the written portion of the exam, and determine your overall readiness for accreditation. If weaknesses in your application are identified, you may be given a project to strengthen your weak area(s).

Successful attainment of Level 3 qualifies you for the AG credential.

Currently the exams are only written in English. In the future, we plan to offer the tests in other languages. You should be competent in the English language in order to do well on the exam.

Each applicant is required to sign an agreement with ICAPGen^SM indicating that he or she is willing to adhere to high ethical and research standards and to abide by a code of ethics.

Regions | Preparing for Accreditation | Overview of the Accreditation Process
Application Forms | Fees