Code of Ethics and Professional Practices

Purpose: The APG Code of Ethics and Professional Practices serves to promote: (1) a truthful approach to genealogy, family history, and local history; (2) the trust and security of genealogical consumers; and (3) careful and respectful treatment of records, repositories and their staffs, other professionals, and genealogical organizations and associations.

Consistent with these purposes, I agree to:

  1. Present research results and opinions in a clear, well-organized manner;
  2. Refrain from withholding, suppressing, or knowingly misquoting or misinterpreting sources or data;
  3. Report appropriately qualified genealogical conclusions in writing based on the weight of the evidence with fully and accurately cited sources;
  4. Represent my abilities, services, and credentials honestly, avoiding the use of misleading or exaggerated statements;
  5. Engage in sufficient continuing education to maintain competence and comply with applicable requirements;
  6. Prepare and abide by written agreements regarding applicable project scope, fees, charges, payment structures, and deliverables without concealment or misrepresentation;
  7. Disclose potential conflicts of interest;
  8. Maintain confidentiality of client communications and research, except as permitted in writing by the client or required by court or professional disciplinary proceedings;
  9. Treat information concerning living people with appropriate discretion;
  10. Refrain from violating or encouraging others to violate laws or regulations concerning copyright, rights to privacy, business practices, or other pertinent subjects;
  11. Refrain from mutilating, rearranging, or removing from their proper custodians printed, original, microfilmed, or electronic records;
  12. Give proper credit to the work of others and refrain from plagiarism;
  13. Refrain from soliciting established clients of another researcher through denigration, violation of laws or regulations, or other improper means;
  14. Refrain from behaviors or statements that malign or are maliciously calculated to injure the profession; individual genealogists; genealogical associations, programs, or educational organizations; or the Association of Professional Genealogists.