Accredited Investigative Genetic Genealogist
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To become an Accredited Investigative Genetic Genealogist (AIGG), an applicant must demonstrate competency in the practical skills and ethical considerations involved in IGG work by doing the following:
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Investigative Genetic Genealogy Accreditation Exam
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Ensuring that individuals who practice Investigative Genetic Genealogy have demonstrated competency in the practical skills and ethical considerations involved in their work is an essential component in the overall goal of building public trust and ensuring future use of this powerful tool.
Exam Applicants
Examinee Type: The exam is designed both for individuals employed in law enforcement as well as those in private practice, or those who seek to work or volunteer in either setting.
Intent to Practice: Applicants must either currently practice IGG or intend to seek employment or volunteer opportunities conducting IGG. The exam is not open to applicants for any other purpose.
Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
Ideal Exam Applicant: Exam applicants should ideally possess a number of skills and attributes to aid them on the exam. These are not requirements, but qualities an applicant may consider in order to determine if they are well-suited to sit for the exam:
Intent to Practice: Applicants must either currently practice IGG or intend to seek employment or volunteer opportunities conducting IGG. The exam is not open to applicants for any other purpose.
Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
Ideal Exam Applicant: Exam applicants should ideally possess a number of skills and attributes to aid them on the exam. These are not requirements, but qualities an applicant may consider in order to determine if they are well-suited to sit for the exam:
- Advanced experience in genetic genealogy research for a variety of population groups
- Advanced experience in genealogy records research and people finding using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
- Understanding of genetic genealogy and human genetics (as it relates to genetic genealogy)
- Ability to evaluate data, recognize patterns, and make logical deductions
- Strong written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated critical thinking, logical reasoning, and the ability to develop working hypotheses and solve complex problems
- Flexible strategies and resourcefulness in varied scenarios
- Proficiency with technology, including online applications, desktop tools, social media and people-finding platforms
- Understanding of ethics in genetic genealogy applications for law enforcement, including integrity, discretion, confidentiality, and sound judgment
Preparing for the Exam
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To help applicants get ready for the exam, we have published the IGG Accreditation Exam Guide, which outlines key details about the exam, including:
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While the Exam Guide helps you to understand what will be tested, it does not provide instructional materials or in-depth content on the topics themselves. To support your learning, visit our Resources page where you can explore options for studying the subject matter in more detail. These resources include recommended reading, publications, and education opportunities and conferences which align with the exam core competencies.
The Investigative Genetic Genealogy Accreditation Exam
Exam Structure: The exam is administered online, proctored, and consists of approximately 160 questions over a three hour time period.
Prerequisites: For the first year, through July 1, 2026, there are no specific certificates, college degrees or professional experience required to take the exam or become an AIGG. Since IGG is still a relatively new field without a standardized path of education, many of the most qualified IGGs currently practicing are entirely self-taught. However, as education and training opportunities in this field continue to develop, we may add a prerequisite in the future which will take into account an applicant's prior IGG educational and/or professional experience.
Test Platform / Technical Requirements: The accreditation exam is conducted online through a contracted testing platform that is specially designed for high-stakes exams and is both easy to navigate and intuitive to use. Examinees need a desktop or laptop with a stable internet connection and a working web camera and microphone. The IGG Accreditation Exam Guide provides more details about the exam platform and technical requirements. Please pay close attention to the technical requirements and complete all systems checks if needed, to avoid issues at the time of the exam.
Prerequisites: For the first year, through July 1, 2026, there are no specific certificates, college degrees or professional experience required to take the exam or become an AIGG. Since IGG is still a relatively new field without a standardized path of education, many of the most qualified IGGs currently practicing are entirely self-taught. However, as education and training opportunities in this field continue to develop, we may add a prerequisite in the future which will take into account an applicant's prior IGG educational and/or professional experience.
Test Platform / Technical Requirements: The accreditation exam is conducted online through a contracted testing platform that is specially designed for high-stakes exams and is both easy to navigate and intuitive to use. Examinees need a desktop or laptop with a stable internet connection and a working web camera and microphone. The IGG Accreditation Exam Guide provides more details about the exam platform and technical requirements. Please pay close attention to the technical requirements and complete all systems checks if needed, to avoid issues at the time of the exam.
Proctoring: The exam incorporates multiple layers of proctoring mechanisms, through the testing platform itself as well as human monitors, and each testing session is recorded in its entirety. Examinees must provide a valid government-issued photo ID to confirm their identity, share their computer screen, leave their web camera on and be visible throughout the entire exam session. Examinees need to have a quiet, clear testing environment which will be scanned by the proctor. No other devices are allowed in the room during the exam and no materials are allowed in the testing area except a single piece of plain paper and pen/pencil.
Exam Content & Scoring: Exam questions are randomized, but each examinee receives an equally weighted mixture of questions covering all 15 Core Competencies, as well as one Scenario-based section. All questions are worth 1 point each except for Scenario questions which are worth 5 points each. Within 72 hours after completing the exam, applicants will receive an email advising whether they passed or failed, but are not provided with a score. Refer to the IGG Accreditation Exam Guide for more information about the question types included on the exam.
Duration: Examinees are given three hours to complete the exam.
Fees: The cost of the exam is $450 USD. Exam fees help cover operating expenses including the exam platform and proctoring as well as the advancement of the AIGG program.
Registration Process: Because of the live proctoring, the exam must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance and no more than 90 days out. Exams may be scheduled 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The IGG Accreditation Exam Guide provides a step by step description of the registration process.
Exam Content & Scoring: Exam questions are randomized, but each examinee receives an equally weighted mixture of questions covering all 15 Core Competencies, as well as one Scenario-based section. All questions are worth 1 point each except for Scenario questions which are worth 5 points each. Within 72 hours after completing the exam, applicants will receive an email advising whether they passed or failed, but are not provided with a score. Refer to the IGG Accreditation Exam Guide for more information about the question types included on the exam.
Duration: Examinees are given three hours to complete the exam.
Fees: The cost of the exam is $450 USD. Exam fees help cover operating expenses including the exam platform and proctoring as well as the advancement of the AIGG program.
Registration Process: Because of the live proctoring, the exam must be scheduled at least 48 hours in advance and no more than 90 days out. Exams may be scheduled 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The IGG Accreditation Exam Guide provides a step by step description of the registration process.
Passing the Exam
Individuals who pass the exam and pledge to adhere to the established IGGAB Standards and Code of Ethics earn the title "Accredited Investigative Genetic Genealogist" and may use the post-nominals "AIGG."
Individuals who maintain active AIGG status will be listed in a public AIGG Registry, which will be operational later in 2025. This registry will serve as a record of accredited individuals and provide a valuable resource for organizations and stakeholders seeking out AIGGs and/or verifying accreditation status. The registry will ensure transparency and help highlight AIGGs who have met the rigorous standards of the IGG Accreditation program.
Additionally, individuals who pass the exam are given a one-year membership to the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Association (IGGA), a newly formed membership organization, representing the IGG community. Membership will begin once the IGGA has launched later this year. In the meantime, consider signing up for their emails at their website.
Individuals who maintain active AIGG status will be listed in a public AIGG Registry, which will be operational later in 2025. This registry will serve as a record of accredited individuals and provide a valuable resource for organizations and stakeholders seeking out AIGGs and/or verifying accreditation status. The registry will ensure transparency and help highlight AIGGs who have met the rigorous standards of the IGG Accreditation program.
Additionally, individuals who pass the exam are given a one-year membership to the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Association (IGGA), a newly formed membership organization, representing the IGG community. Membership will begin once the IGGA has launched later this year. In the meantime, consider signing up for their emails at their website.
Exam Failure Protocol
Examinees who do not pass the exam are eligible to re-take the exam after a six month waiting period. After any additional failures, examinees will be eligible to re-take the exam after a one year waiting period.
Reaccreditation
To maintain their accreditation, AIGGs are required to be reaccredited every two years which consists of supplying evidence of continuing education as well as paying a reaccreditation fee. AIGGs will be required to submit a form in which they list their education activities in order to maintain their AIGG status. Read more about the reaccreditation requirements here.
Visit our FAQs for the answers to questions you may have about the Exam.