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AGRA Recognition
For those studying with us with the aim of becoming a professional genealogist, the ultimate goal may be to achieve both qualifications and accreditation. Not only does this give you a massive confidence boost but it also helps you distinguish yourself from the many genealogists out there, when your potential clients are trying to decide who to hire.
For genealogists working in England and Wales the closest we have to formal accreditation is AGRA, the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives. There are two levels of membership: Associate (for those just getting started in business) and Member (for those with more experience). Pharos Tutors partnered with AGRA in the development of our Professional Genealogist course. You can read more about AGRA here and you can read about entrance requirements here: joining AGRA.
Qualifications matter
It is possible to join AGRA without any qualifications in genealogy. However, AGRA recognises several qualifications within the genealogy community as suitable assessment of a candidate's genealogical knowledge and practice in place of some of their assessment process. Our Advanced Certificate (offered jointly by Pharos Tutors and the Society of Genealogists) has long been recognised as follows:
For Member applications: One of the elements of the Member application process is the submission of examples of your client reports. In this way AGRA can assess not only what you know but how you apply that knowledge to professional work. Holders of recognised qualifications need only submit one, instead of the usual three, client reports.
For Associate applications: Holders of recognised qualifications are exempt from the requirement to complete a pedigree exercise (having already demonstrated this during their studies).
Additional Recognition
Our breaking news is that graduates of our Advanced Certificate are no longer required to undertake a 20-hour research assignment as part of the application for AGRA Member status. This is because the Advanced Certificate year two project is considered to adequately assess this element of practical research.
The only other qualification that has been awarded this honour is the Diploma in Genealogy from the IHGS (Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies), which also includes a similar research assignment.
AGRA says:
"The AGRA Board of Assessors are pleased to announce that Pharos/SOG Advanced Certificate holders who apply for membership of AGRA are exempt from the set research assignment as part of their application process."
Else Churchill, Society of Genealogists, says:
“That AGRA has accepted the calibre of the Advanced Certificate graduates by exempting them from the research assignment elements of AGRA Membership applications is testament to the hard work and commitment of the students on the joint Pharos Society of Genealogists Family History Skills certificate courses. We appreciate AGRA’s endorsement and congratulate our graduates who are supported by the SoG, Pharos and all the programme tutors.”
Karen Cummings, Managing Director, Pharos Tutors® says:
“I was absolutely delighted to hear that AGRA are now exempting our Advanced Certificate graduates from the research assignment element of the application process for Member status. This is a reflection of the standard of year two project work, something we continue to work on to maintain alignment with AGRA’s high standards of work. Thanks must go to all the certificate programme tutors, the Society of Genealogists, and to Linda Newey who works closely with me on the Advanced Certificate programme. Of course, the greatest thanks of all must go to our wonderful students who consistently produce a high standard of work, engaging with the materials, the tutors and the classes they join and stretching themselves to the greatest of their abilities.”