General FAQs
What is meant by accreditation? Isn't accreditation only for organizations while certification is for individuals?
While accreditation within the forensic industry is generally used for the labs themselves, rather than the individuals working there, many other industries do "accredit" people; it is not just for organizations. Accreditation, by definition, is the procedure by which an authoritative body gives formal recognition that a body or person is competent to carry out specific tasks. Both accreditation and certification use criteria and procedures to implement such activities.
Why is it important that accreditation be done by an independent board?
Boards for accreditation in any field should always be independent and non-profit so that they can remain neutral and impartial. We strongly believe that accreditation should not be in the hands of a for-profit organization, and that there should be representation by all the various stakeholders in our field. As a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit, we are more transparent than a for-profit organization and our spending, tax returns, charitable solicitation permits, and board membership are all public.
What is the difference between "Investigative Genetic Genealogy" and "Forensic Genetic Genealogy"?
Both terms have been coined to describe the use of traditional and genetic genealogy to identify the contributor of unknown DNA left at the scene of a violent crime or unidentified human remains. However, there is considerable debate within the community about which term to use. IGGAB feels that the process aligns much more closely with investigative techniques rather than with forensic science, therefore we support the use of "Investigative Genetic Genealogy" and have chosen to adopt it within our name.
What does the Investigative Genetic Genealogy process encompass?
The IGGAB defines the scope of Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) as beginning when the Subject's DNA profile is made available in the Accessible Genetic Genealogy database(s) and ending with the generation of a Lead. It does not include the SNP-based DNA processing or the bioinformatic processing of the resulting data file, both which happen before the IGG process begins, and require very different skills. IGG also does not include the subsequent traditional investigation or confirmatory DNA-testing which take place after the Lead is generated and the IGG work is concluded. Given the nature of investigative teamwork, it is important that AIGGs have a minimal understanding of the adjacent steps that precede or follow their work, such as DNA processing, bioinformatics and confirmatory STR testing, but they do not need to have the skills to perform that work.
How were the Standards developed? Did the IGG community have a chance to review them?
A draft of the proposed Standards were published on April 30, 2023 and were open for review and public comment through the end of May 2023. After the public comment period closed, the Board thoroughly reviewed the feedback received from over 80 stakeholders and carefully considered edits before they were finalized in December 2023. View the published Professional Standards and Code of Ethics here.
Will reaccreditation be required at regular intervals? What about continuing education?
In a field that is rapidly evolving, reaccreditation at regular intervals is absolutely essential. AIGGs are required to complete reaccreditation every two years. Detailed reaccreditation requirements can be found here. Continuing education in this field is crucial to stay abreast of the changes and is required to maintain accreditation. The continuing education requirements cover a broad range of opportunities which demonstrate your investment in keeping up-to-date in the field.
How can I learn more about the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Association?
The Investigative Genetic Genealogy Association (IGGA) is a newly formed membership organization, representing the IGG community. AIGGs will receive a one-year membership to the IGGA, which will begin after their public launch later this year. In the meantime, consider signing up for emails at their website to stay informed. Additionally, the association welcomes input from the IGG community on features you would value in a professional organization. Email them at [email protected].
How can I verify whether someone is accredited?
Individuals who achieve and maintain active AIGG status will be listed in a searchable public AIGG Registry, which is currently in development and will be available 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. In the meantime, accreditation status may be confirmed by emailing us at [email protected] with the full name of the individual you wish to verify. Requests are limited to verification of accreditation status and the date of accreditation only. In accordance with our privacy policy, we will not share any additional personal information.
Exam FAQs
WHY IS AN EXAM THE BEST WAY TO TEST COMPETENCY IN THIS FIELD? WHAT ABOUT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE?
Unfortunately, there is no efficient or impartial way to determine someone's IGG qualifications by simply considering their experience. A lot of adoptee/misattributed parentage genetic genealogy and law enforcement work is confidential by their very nature, so portfolios of prior work would not likely be possible. IGGAB believes that a rigorous exam will be the best assessment, along with an agreement to follow a set of ethical standards.
HOW WAS THE IGGAB ACCREDITATION EXAM DEVELOPED?
The creation of a professional accreditation exam was a giant undertaking which included input from many talented professionals across our field, who volunteered their time and expertise. The main steps taken over several years of work were:
- A professional Instructional Designer was engaged to expertly guide the exam development.
- An online testing platform, test management provider and online proctoring were selected from among a number of options and engaged under contract.
- Fifteen Core Competencies were established, which form the blueprint for the exam and cover the main areas of knowledge to be tested.
- Within each of the Core Competencies, much more detailed objectives were developed which form the specific concepts to guide the creation of the 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 comprises experienced and active IGG practitioners as well as specialists in related fields including Certified Genealogists (CGs), law enforcement crime analysis, genetic privacy and bio-ethicists, academics, forensic scientists and legal professionals.
- 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, fairness, clarity and timing 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 analysis and comments from beta testers.
- 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.
ARE pioneers in our field or those with many years of experience practicing IGG exempt from taking the exam?
To ensure a universally recognized level of expertise, all candidates, regardless of experience, must pass the accreditation exam and adhere to the professional Standards and Code of Ethics in order to become an AIGG. This helps maintain the integrity of the accreditation and assures our community that all AIGGs meet the same rigorous standards. Experienced practitioners may find their background prepares them well for the exam, and are encouraged to review the list of Core Competencies and objectives in the IGG Accreditation Exam Guide to assess their readiness.
WHAT ABOUT INDIVIDUALS WHO WORKED ON THE EXAM DEVELOPMENT? ARE THEY ELIGIBLE TO BECOME ACCREDITED?
- Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) - approximately two dozen individuals helped draft the initial databank of questions, including several Board Members and Advisory Board members. To protect the exam, SMEs only had access to questions drafted within their own assigned Core Competency (up to a maximum of three). Additionally, after the development of the initial pool of questions, many questions have undergone significant changes or been retired during subsequent technical reviews, and two rounds of beta testing. Lastly, the exam platform randomizes the questions each tester receives. Therefore, SMEs will very likely be exposed to very few, if any, questions which they have previously seen in their original format, so they are eligible to sit for the exam and become accredited if they choose to do so.
- Beta Testers - approximately 60 individuals participated in one or both of the beta tests. To prevent exposure to the entire exam, beta testers were only presented about half of the total questions during beta testing. Additionally, many of the questions have undergone additional modifications or been retired since the time of beta testing. Lastly, the exam platform randomizes the questions each tester receives. Therefore beta testers will very likely experience a distinct set of questions, so they are eligible to sit for the exam and become accredited if they choose to do so.
- Exam Team Members - a total of eight individuals had exposure to the full exam, including several Board Members, while running the technical reviews, conducting the beta testing, performing statistical analysis and final exam set up including user acceptance testing. Exam Team members will be offered AIGG accreditation without the need to sit for the exam if they intend to practice IGG, however they are subject to the same reaccreditation requirements as other testers. This is aligned with industry standards for high stakes exam development across many fields.
What if I need accommodations for a disability?
We want all members of the IGG community to have an opportunity to become accredited, and we recognize that some applicants may need additional information related to possible accommodations before registering for the exam. Accommodations can be made for individuals with disabilities. The exam is administered in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and is designed to be fair and non-discriminatory, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Applicants with questions or who require accommodations should contact IGGAB Exam Support at [email protected] before registering or paying for the exam.
What if I have a different legal name from the one I use professionally?
Since examinees are required to show a photo ID to the proctor before starting the exam, you must register for the exam under the legal name that matches your photo ID. If you are known professionally under a different name, notify the Exam Director ([email protected]) before taking the exam to ensure your professional name is recorded for the AIGG registry.
I helped develop the exam as a beta tester. Should I expect a similar experience?
Taking the IGG Accreditation Exam is somewhat different from what was experienced during beta testing in several important ways. First is the live proctoring, second is that no reference documents (such as Terms of Service) are included, third is the number of questions and length of the exam, which is an hour shorter and less questions than the first round beta test, and fourth is that examinees cannot go back to previous questions as was allowed during beta testing.
IF I RESIDE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES, CAN I TAKE THE EXAM AND BECOME AN AIGG?
The exam and AIGG accreditation are open to anyone regardless of where they reside in the world. The exam is currently only available in English, and testers should keep in mind that some exam questions are U.S.-centric. AIGGs are responsible for complying with laws or guidelines which govern the practice of IGG in any of the jurisdictions in which they practice or reside.
What competencies DOES the exam test?
The Core Competencies upon which the exam is structured, and the detailed objectives within each of them were drafted by practitioners and key stakeholders in the field, and are included in the Exam Guide which you can view here.
What is the cost to sit for the accreditation exam?
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.
ARE THERE EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS OR OTHER PREREQUISITES IN ORDER TO TAKE THE EXAM?
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.
WHAT IF I FAIL THE EXAM? HOW PRIVATE IS THIS INFORMATION?
We take the privacy and confidentiality of exam data very seriously. Information related to your registration, exam date, pass/fail status and score are handled in accordance with strict confidentiality protocols. IGGAB applies the principle of least privilege, meaning only those with a specific need to access data, for essential exam administration purposes, will have access, and only to the minimum information necessary. We understand that taking a high-stakes exam can feel vulnerable, and we are committed to protecting your personal and professional privacy throughout.
AIGG FAQs
WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER BECOMING AN AIGG?
Accreditation demonstrates that you have met a rigorous, independent standard of competency in the field of Investigative Genetic Genealogy. It can help establish credibility with investigative partners, reinforce public trust in your work, and help differentiate you in a growing and competitive field. Accreditation also signals your commitment to ethical practices, accountability and professional development.
AIGGs will also be listed in the forthcoming public registry, allowing investigative agencies and other stakeholders to easily verify your credentials, as well as provide visibility which can promote new opportunities.
AIGGs will also be listed in the forthcoming public registry, allowing investigative agencies and other stakeholders to easily verify your credentials, as well as provide visibility which can promote new opportunities.
I would like to hire an IGG. What should I look for that will ensure they are competent and ethical?
Here are the most important things to consider:
See our published Professional Standards and Code of Ethics here.
- seek out Accredited Investigative Genetic Genealogist (AIGGs) to ensure access to the most highly qualified and ethical IGG professionals
- become familiar with our published IGGAB Professional Standards and Code of Ethics, which can help to frame your questions of the applicant
- explore their experience solving many misattributed/unknown parentage cases within a wide variety of population groups - the methodology is the same for Investigative Genetic Genealogy
- request references from Investigative Agencies or private clients the individual may have worked with in the past, if possible
- examine a redacted sample of a prior written report, to ensure their ability to use reasoning to arrive at a hypothesis and communicate it clearly
- inquire about their training or self-study within the field of IGG
See our published Professional Standards and Code of Ethics here.
ARE AIGGs allowed to work in states that require licensing, such as Maryland?
IGGAB encourages any government jurisdictions that require licensing for Investigative Genetic Genealogists to consider adopting the AIGG accreditation as part of their standard for licensure. However, the decision to adopt AIGG accreditation has not yet been made by any jurisdiction as the exam is only very recently released. Join our email list to receive updates.
What if an AIGG violates the Standards or Code of Ethics?
AIGGs have pledged to adhere to both the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Code of Professional Ethics and the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Professional Standards, so accountability is very important. To address possible ethical violations by current AIGGs, IGGAB has created a procedure to allow reporting of possible ethical violations which are reviewed by an Ethics Committee made up of AIGGs. Read more about the Ethics Violation Procedure here.
CAN AIGG'S BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR STANDARDS OR ETHICAL VIOLATIONS IN THE PAST?
Neither Professional Standards nor a Code of Ethics existed for the IGG field until late 2023, and the AIGG status did not exist until after the launch of the exam in April 2025, therefore violations cannot be enforced retroactively. Furthermore, our field is evolving over time; some concepts/beliefs which were commonplace in 2018, are not considered standard practices today. IGGAB aims to help shape the future of our field by creating a widely accepted code of professional conduct that will advance the industry. Read our Ethics Violation Procedures here.