Join AAGRA

Membership of the Association is open to any person (being an individual but not a corporation) who is actively engaged in the practice of genealogy or record searching within Australia or New Zealand and satisfies the criteria set out below.

There are three categories of membership, Genealogist, Probate Genealogist and Record Agent. An applicant may chose to apply for membership in one or more categories. The Genealogist compiles family histories and genealogies for clients and is often responsible for the publication of the finished product. The Record Agent, on the other hand, specialises in the researching of records and sources.  The Probate Genealogist specialises in research related to probate and holds their own indemnity insurance.

Applicants must submit, to the Council of AAGRA, documentary evidence of their competence in their chosen field of Genealogist, Record Agent and/or Probate Genealogist.

Copies of the Research files for two clients must be submitted for evaluation. These must include copies of correspondence with the client and copies of the research. Applicants for Genealogists must also submit at least one completed manuscript of a family history, and/or copies of published family histories and/or genealogies.

Confidentiality is assured, but permission should be sought from the client. If privacy is to be maintained then the client’s name can be blocked out.

The application will also ask more general information such as handling of documents, citations and business skills.

The material submitted must demonstrate that the applicant is adept in all the following aspects: