Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA)

The Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA) was founded in 1968 to maintain and promote high standards of professional conduct in the field of genealogy and offers the only form of accreditation available to those in England and Wales.

There are two categories of membership: AGRA Associate and AGRA Member.

Associate status is granted to those starting out or with less experience as Professional Genealogists. Member status is for those who have been working professionally for some time and have a variety of case studies and experience. Full Members are only admitted following examination of their work and related education.

All those who join AGRA must abide by AGRA’s Code of Practice. This emphasises the need for a high standard of work and professional ethics as well as for complete confidentiality. There is also a complaints procedure to safeguard both members and clients.

AGRA generally encourages qualifications in genealogy: those applying for Associate status are encouraged to be “working towards” a qualification and those applying for Member status are exempted from parts of the application processes if they hold certain qualifications. The Pharos Family History Skills and Strategies (FHSS) Advanced Certificate is one of the qualifications recognised by AGRA as part of its application process for Member status and AGRA is involved in the assessment process.

Read more about the Pharos FHSS Advanced Certificate here.

Thinking about becoming a Professional Genealogist? Our course Professional Genealogist: Become one, become a better one was developed in association with AGRA.

All Pharos courses are considered suitable for AGRA's Continuing Professional Development programme.

AGRA Members and Associates are entitled to a discount on Pharos courses (see the Members Area of the AGRA website).