Becoming Accredited
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 passing an exam administered by the Board. The exam will test a prospective AIGG’s understanding of core competencies, ethical and confidentiality standards, and communication skills. Additionally, applicants must agree to work under the established Professional Standards and Code of Ethics.
The Accreditation Exam
The creation of a professional accreditation exam is a giant undertaking, and is currently deep in development. Details of our progress will continue to be shared here as we move forward. Some of the key accomplishments to be highlighted from over a year of work:
A second comprehensive technical review of each question is currently underway, making adjustments and edits based on the beta testing analysis and comments. Once completed, the exam will undergo analysis to confirm the overall timing, number of questions and set the passing score, before a final test run to check functionality and logistics. Launch of the exam is expected in in late 2024.
- A professional Instructional Designer was engaged to expertly guide the exam development.
- The platform on which the exam will be delivered was selected and contracted. For more information, visit GetScorpion.Caveon.com.
- Fifteen Core Competencies were established, which form the blueprint for the exam and cover the main areas of knowledge to be tested. The Core Competencies are listed in the Standards, which can be found here.
- Within each of the Core Competencies, much more detailed objectives were developed which form the specific concepts to guide the creation of questions.
- Nearly two dozen subject matter experts (SMEs) were convened and trained to author the questions for each of the detailed objectives. This team of SMEs is comprised of experienced and active IGG practitioners as well as specialists in related fields including Certified Genealogists (CGs), law enforcement crime analysis, genetic privacy and bio-ethics, academia, forensic science and legal.
- A comprehensive technical review was performed to standardize formats and language as well as ensure defensibility and fairness of each question.
- Beta testing was completed by a group of nearly 60 volunteers, which provided important statistical data as well as feedback on the effectiveness, rigor and fairness of each individual question.
- A psychometric review and analysis of the beta testing results was completed which measured scoring, correlation, discrimination and effectiveness of each question.
A second comprehensive technical review of each question is currently underway, making adjustments and edits based on the beta testing analysis and comments. Once completed, the exam will undergo analysis to confirm the overall timing, number of questions and set the passing score, before a final test run to check functionality and logistics. Launch of the exam is expected in in late 2024.
Exam Preparation Guide
Prior to the launch of the exam, IGGAB will publish an Exam Preparation Guide which provides the details of the exam structure and application process. Additionally, it will aid those seeking to take the exam to understand what will be covered and how to prepare. Included will be recommendations for the minimally qualified candidate as well as required knowledge and skills which make up the IGG Core Competencies, and sample questions. Join our email list to be notified as progress is made.
Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
The IGGAB exam is currently in development. See the strategy map above to follow our progress.
Join our email list to receive updates.
Join our email list to receive updates.
IGGAB is a tax-exempt 501(c)3 non-profit - EIN: 92-1559358
