Ethics

Board for Certification of Genealogists
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Association of Professional Genealogists
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• I will keep confidential any personal or genealogical information given to me, unless I receive written consent to the contrary.
• I will reveal to the consumer any personal or financial interests that might compromise my professional obligations.
• I will undertake paid research commissions only after a clear agreement as to scope and fee.
• I will, to the best of my abilities, address my research to the issue raised by the consumer and report to that question.
• I will seek from the consumer all prior information and documentation related to the research and will not knowingly repeat the work, as billable hours, without explanation as to good cause.
• I will furnish only facts I can substantiate with adequate documentation; and I will not withhold any data necessary for the consumer's purpose.
• If the research question involves analysis of data in order to establish a genealogical relationship or identity, I will report that the conclusions are based on the weight of the available evidence and that absolute proof of genealogical relationships is usually not possible.
• If I cannot resolve a research problem within the limitations of time or budget established by contract, I will explain the reasons why.
• If other feasible avenues are available, I will suggest them; but I will not misrepresent the possibilities of additional research.
• I will return any advance payment that exceeds the hours and expenses incurred.
• I will not publish or circulate research or reports to which the consumer has a proprietary right, without prior written consent of the consumer; I will observe these rights, whether my report was made directly to the consumer or to an employer or agent.

1. Promote a coherent, truthful approach to genealogy, family history and local history.
2. Present research results and opinions in a clear, well-organized manner; fully and accurately cite references; and refrain from withholding, suppressing, or knowingly misquoting or misinterpreting sources or data.
3. Promote the trust and security of genealogical consumers.
4. Advertise services and credentials honestly, avoiding the use of misleading or exaggerated representations; explain without concealment or misrepresentation all fees, charges, and payment structures; abide by agreements regarding project scope, number of hours, and deadlines and reporting schedules; keep adequate, accessible records of financial and project-specific contacts with the consumer; and refrain from knowingly violating or encouraging others to violate laws and regulations concerning copyright, right to privacy, business finances, or other pertinent subjects.
5. Support initiatives that preserve public records and access to them.
6. Be courteous to research facility personnel and treat records with care and respect; support efforts to locate, collect, and preserve the records by compiling, cataloging, reproducing, and indexing documents; refrain from mutilating, rearranging, or removing from their proper custodians printed, original, microfilmed, or electronic records.
7. Promote the welfare of the genealogical community.
8. Give proper credit to those who supply information and provide assistance; refrain from (or avoid) knowingly soliciting established clients of another researcher; encourage applicable education, accreditation, and certification; and refrain from public behavior, oral remarks or written communications that defame the profession, individual genealogists, or the Association of Professional Genealogists.