Membership of Accredited Genealogists Ireland

 

Membership of Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI) is open to all professional genealogists, resident on the island of Ireland, who are not engaged in full-time employment in another field.

AGI defines “a professional genealogist” as a person who:
…conducts genealogical research in primary and secondary sources, who assesses the findings, determines further sources or constructs a pedigree, and who compiles a written account of the completed research. A professional genealogist earns his/her living by such work.

1. What are the benefits of membership?

The most important benefit of being a Member of AGI is the accreditation. Most English-speaking countries now have at least one professional organisation which assesses the work of genealogical researchers and provides credentials. This provides protection both for professional genealogists and for their clients. AGI is the only such regulating body within Ireland which operates an assessment process for membership applicants. Its accreditation is, therefore, a significant stamp of approval for any Irish genealogist.

The Association provides a voice for those working in the field of genealogy and monitors the standards of research facilities in Irish record repositories. Of course, being a Member of AGI also brings the entitlement of inclusion in the Members’ section of the AGI website. Members may use and display the initials “MAGI”.

 

2. What are the duties of membership?

AGI members are expected to uphold the good name of the organisation and to play an active part in fostering Irish genealogy in general. They must adhere to the Association’s rules and a strict Code of Practice.

Complaints from clients are taken very seriously. There is a Complaints Investigation Procedure and serious or repeated cases of justifiable complaint can result in expulsion from membership.

 

How do I become a Member of AGI?

Becoming a Member of Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI) is a 2-step process:

1. Becoming an Affiliate

The first step, which is mandatory, is to become an Affiliate of AGI.

For details of how to become an Affiliate of AGI please click here.

2. Applying for membership

The second step is to apply for membership of AGI.

This is open only to professional genealogists resident anywhere on the island of Ireland who are already Affiliates of AGI, who have fulfilled all of their obligations and who fully meet the requirements of membership.

How to make an application for membership

The section below describes the application process.

1. What are the application requirements?

To be eligible to apply for membership of AGI an individual must first have successfully applied for and attained AGI Affiliate status.

For details of how to become an Affiliate of AGI please click here.

2. How do I apply for membership of AGI?

Only those holding AGI Affiliate status may apply for membership of AGI.

Application for membership is made by submitting a sample of work. This must be a copy of a Report or copies of a series of related and connected Reports on research conducted over a period of between seven and ten hours, exclusive of Report preparation time.

It must be accompanied by:

  • an application form
  • a non-refundable application fee, which is currently €150 (payment can be made by electronic transfer; please enquire with Hon. Secretary)
  • a brief description of the initial information supplied by the client
  • an indication of the length of the search
  • reproductions of the relevant photocopies or other documentation submitted to the client with the original Report
  • confirmation from the client giving written permission to submit the case for assessment

3. Who assesses applications?

The independent Board of Assessors examines applications for membership. The Board is made up of people whose combined knowledge of record repositories, archival practices and genealogical research procedure gives them ample expertise with which to judge the merits of applications. Current Members of AGI are disbarred from serving on the Board. At least three Members of the Board participate in any assessment. Successful applications must subsequently be ratified by AGI Council.

Sample report

Here is a Sample Report and Sketch Pedigree which may be helpful to prospective applicants as to the standard required of AGI members.

 

How to apply

Application forms and further details may be obtained from:

Hon. Secretary
Accredited Genealogists Ireland
Ms. Susan Chadwick
Clonymohan,
Dunkerrin,
Birr,
Co. Offaly,
Ireland E53 V089
or by email to: info@accreditedgenealogists.ie