The IGG Accreditation exam is launching soon! We are currently in a controlled rollout phase with limited access, as we fine-tune the exam experience. Join our email list to be notified when exam registration opens to the public.
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 development of a professional accreditation exam is a giant undertaking, and after several years of work, it is nearing completion. Details of our progress will continue to be shared here as we move toward the launch. Some of the key accomplishments to be highlighted:
A limited access, pre-launch release of the exam is currently underway. Full public launch of the exam is expected shortly.
- 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 was completed to address issues raised in the psychometric revew and make adjustments and edits based on the beta testing analysis and comments.
- A second beta test was completed by a subset of the initial beta testers to retest the questions which had undergone significant modifications.
- A statistical analysis was performed to determine the final number of questions, the mix of difficulty levels and to set the passing score.
- A series of end-to-end user-experience tests was completed to check functionality and exam logistics.
A limited access, pre-launch release of the exam is currently underway. Full public launch of the exam is expected shortly.
Exam Guide
Prior to the launch of the exam, IGGAB will publish an Exam 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 ideal exam candidate as well as required knowledge and skills which make up the IGG Core Competencies. Join our email list to be notified as progress is made.
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