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Archiver > APG > 2006-07 > 1154040734


From: "Mills" <>
Subject: RE: [APG] Genealogical credentials
Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2006 17:52:26 -0500
In-Reply-To: <200607271838258.SM01412@pgkronos>


Thanks, Kory! The additional detail is appreciated. The accreditation
discussion of ICAPGen that Paul Smart, AG, did for *ProGen,* gives an
overview and more details about other aspects of accreditation, but not this
kind of detail on the test itself. Of course, when *ProGen* went to press,
ICAPGen was just getting started, which means Paul had to write in general
terms lest something be outdated by the time the book rolled off the press.

Appreciatively,
Elizabeth


-----Original Message-----
From: Kory L. Meyerink, MLS, AG, FUGA [mailto:]

Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 5:16 PM
To:
Subject: RE: [APG] Genealogical credentials

Elizabeth,

Thanks so much for clarifying and stressing that "BCG has stayed focused on
the original *goal of defining and raising standards* of genealogical
research and writing." I'm sorry that I shortened your comment too much in
an effort to be brief in an already long message. That is a goal that should
define all APG members, as well as all genealogists, credentialed or not.

Now, as to your other question about the time allotments for the AG test
battery (and I thought about including it in my earlier message!), I can
only provide some *general* information, since each test varies, depending
on the test. We are working towards some standardization, which will help in
the goal of administering the test in different locales, but that's also
down the road a bit.

The test is generally timed to about 8 hours (that can vary)
-- Document recognition: about 15 to 20 minutes for 20 to 30 documents (so,
write fast)
-- Paleography: about 30 minutes, depending on the documents and language
-- Electronic research and resources: about 30 to 60 minutes (this is
separate from the written exam, so it can be modified more easily since this
aspect is more susceptible to change)
-- Pedigree analysis: about 15 minutes per problem, so 1.0 to 1.5 hours
-- Written exam: about 1.5 to 2.0 hours
-- Research problem: 3 to 4 hours, so a thesis is not expected.

Regarding the research problem: Research results can be generated from
anywhere, including the Internet, or another repository (by phoning a
librarian, archivist or on-site friend), but it sure is handy to have the
FHL collection at hand for this brief project. As with any good research,
the graders/judges are most interested in the decisions made regarding what
sources to use and the interpretations of the information found, as well as
the identification of additional research to do "with more time." The
research problems are designed so that significant research can be conducted
in a variety of sources (but, some choices would be "wiser" than other
choices).

I should also point out that there is also an oral board one must pass after
passing the test. A panel of three to five experts interviews the candidate
for one to two hours, probing for possible weaknesses suggested by the
application project or the test battery.


Kory L. Meyerink, AG, FUGA

ProGenealogists, Inc.
http://www.progenealogists.com

AG is a registered certification mark of the International Commission for
the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists.


-----Original Message-----
From: Mills [mailto:]
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 2:02 PM
To:
Subject: RE: [APG] Genealogical credentials

Kory wrote:
>as Elizabeth points out, BCG
focuses on research and writing. ICAPGen continues the original focus of the
AG program on efficient and effective client-driven research.


Kory, I should clarify this point. My earlier message did *not* say that
"BCG focuses on research and writing." What I did say (speaking in
historical context---not speaking of the exam itself) was this: "BCG has
stayed focused on the original *goal of defining and raising standards* of
genealogical research and writing.

The key words here are "defining and raising standards." Research and
writing are something all genealogists do in one way or another. Standards
underpin both. What *are* the standards for sound research? For that matter,
what does "research" actually mean? To some it's "look ups." To others, it's
understanding the principles of evidence analysis and knowing the
methodology for correlating information in order to develop hidden clues
when the initial "look up" does not solve the problem.

BCG strongly feels that "genealogical research and writing" encompass all
the skills that go into being an expert genealogist. That is why the
examination tests individuals on their ability to interpret records, analyze
evidence, solve research problems, and professionally report the
results---all demonstrated through portfolio items such as

- a client research report, which typically reflects substantial research
and analysis prior to writing;

- document work, which requires a demonstrated knowledge of scholarly
standards for abstracting and transcribing, as well as analyses of each
document and the formulation of research plans based upon both information
and clues in each document;

- a detailed case study demonstrating the ability to resolve a research
problem (identity or kinship) for which there is no document that plainly
states an answer;

- a narrative genealogy, lineage, or pedigree that reflects thorough
research on each principal party and includes at least two 'proof arguments'
for kinship.


Elizabeth

-----------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG


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==== APG Mailing List ====
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http://www.apgen.org/publications/apg-l/index.html

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