In the United States, there are several groups that serve the interests of professional genealogists and their clients. The Association of Professional Genealogists (3421 M Street N.W., Suite 236, Washington, DC 20007) is a membership organization that does not administer tests, award credentials, or otherwise endorse individual researchers. The association does offer arbitration in the event a dispute arises between any association member and the genealogical public. A publication that lists members' names, addresses, and areas of expertise is the APG Directory of Professional Genealogists. This can be ordered from the APG office; it is revised every two years.

The Board for Certification of Genealogists (P.O. Box 14291, Washington, DC 20044) screens applicants through a testing process and offers several classes of certification. It will also provide a roster of certified genealogists for a small fee.

A long-standing program to examine and certify researchers in specialized geographic areas has been conducted by the Family History Library. A roster of researchers who have met the requirements is available (include a self-addressed, stamped envelope) from Accredited Genealogists, Family History Library, 35 North West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84150.

For information on other professional groups, see chapter 2.

Repositories

There are many libraries, archives, and societies which have excellent and well-known collections of genealogical research materials. The names and addresses of some of these are given within the chapters and appendixes of this book.