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Notes on Application to be an Associate

Associate applicants should be either:

Applicants should have a sound understanding of the fundamental sources for genealogical research in England and Wales, including civil registration records, census records, parish registers, probate records and poor law records. All applicants are expected to have some experience of using original documents in archives, as well as sources accessible online. Applications will be considered from researchers based outside of England and Wales provided they regularly carry out research in English or Welsh archives. There are reduced requirements for applicants holding recognised qualifications: see Which Course for Genealogists?

AGRA Associates:

The annual subscription for the first full calendar year as an Associate is £50, after which the rate increases incrementally over a four-year period to the Member rate (£100). It is expected that most Associates will apply to become Members during this time.

Admission Requirements

1

All applicants are required to provide evidence of their genealogical knowledge and competence by complying with either A or B:

  1. Holding a qualification in genealogy recognised by AGRA.

    More information on recognised qualifications.

    Recognised Qualifications [Hide]

    • Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS) – Higher Certificate in Genealogy, or higher qualification.
    • University of Strathclyde – Postgraduate Certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies, or higher qualification.
    • University of Dundee – Postgraduate Certificate in Family and Local History (which must include the Skills and Sources for Family and Local History in England module), or higher qualification.
    • Pharos Tutors – Family History Skills and Strategies Advanced Certificate.
  2. Undertaking a pedigree exercise

    More information on the pedigree exercise.

    Pedigree Exercise [Hide]

    Applicants who do not hold a recognised qualification are required to demonstrate a satisfactory level of knowledge and competence in the following areas:

    • Knowledge and understanding of the fundamental sources used in genealogical research in England and Wales.
    • Ability to read handwritten documents and identify and understand the genealogical information they may contain.
    • Ability to establish sound genealogical relationships based on information from multiple sources.
    • Ability to represent genealogical relationships in the form of a drop-line family tree.

    Applicants will be supplied with digital images of a selection of documents relating to a specific family, and given seven days to compile a drop-line family tree. The chart may be produced by hand and then scanned or photographed, or drawn using a standard Office or graphics program, and submitted in PDF or JPG format. It must not be automatically generated using a family history software program or website.
2

All applicants are required to provide information about the business aspects of their work.

Applicants who are offering or planning to operate a genealogical research service for paying clients are required to demonstrate their awareness of the issues involved in carrying out paid research, as distinct from personal research, or unpaid research for family and friends, by submitting a business development plan.

More information on what should be included in a business development plan.

Business Development Plan [Hide]

A business development plan, ideally of between 800 and 1000 words, should include:

  • The researcher's name, business name and contact details.
  • The researcher's experience.
  • Business philosophy.
  • Services offered.
  • Marketing strategy (it is not expected that commercially sensitive information be included).
  • Fee structure (e.g. hourly rates, packages offered).
  • Analysis of the costs incurred in running the business.

Applicants who carry out genealogical research as employees of third parties are required to provide a reference from their employer describing the work they carry out.
3

All applicants are required to take part in an online interview.

Applicants holding a recognised qualification will meet with two members of the Board of Assessors to discuss the business aspects of their work.

Applicants not holding a recognised qualification will meet with three members of the Board of Assessors to satisfy the Board regarding their genealogical knowledge and competence, and to discuss the business aspects of their work. Applicants will be asked questions about the pedigree exercise they have undertaken, their research experience, and the steps they are taking to increase their knowledge and develop their expertise.

Submission of Applications

Applications are submitted online by completing the Associate application form, uploading relevant files, and making payment by debit or credit card. A preliminary page provides an outline of the details to be entered and the files to be uploaded.

All supporting documentation must be submitted in PDF or JPG format. Documents produced using Office programs such as Word and PowerPoint should be saved in PDF format; images originally saved in the proprietary Apple HEIC format should be converted to JPG format. All files should be given descriptive filenames relating to their content.

The application fee is £30.

Assessment of Applications

Applications are considered by the Board of Assessors, comprising AGRA Members with extensive experience. Further information may be requested from applicants following an initial assessment of the documentation submitted. Applicants not holding a recognised qualification will be supplied with a pedigree exercise.

A convenient time will be arranged for an online interview, to be held via Zoom.

Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application as soon as possible after their interview. Feedback will be provided to both successful and unsuccessful applicants.

Successful applicants will be required to pay an initial subscription based on the quarter of the calendar year in which their application was accepted.