%20Transparent.png){kind=spacer}
About the Register
The Register of Professional Archaeologists is a community of professional archaeologists. Our mission is to establish and adhere to standards and ethics that represent and adapt to the dynamic field of archaeology and to provide a resource for entities who rely on professional archaeology services. By joining the organization, an archaeologist recognizes their personal responsibility to colleagues, clients, and the public and agrees to be held accountable for their professional behavior. By formally acknowledging this relationship between personal actions and the wider discipline of archaeology, the act of registration holds a professional archaeologist to a set of high ethical standards that sets them apart from others involved with or interested in archaeology. |
|
The Register of Professional Archaeologists provides a mechanism for the easy identification of RPAs and RAs. All Registrants are listed in The Register's online directory, which is updated regularly throughout the year. Registrants may also identify themselves by displaying a registration certificate or choosing to use the abbreviation RPA after their names. A hallmark of the Register of Professional Archaeologists is a formal grievance procedure that allows for the investigation of complaints regarding the professional conduct of an RPA/RA who has violated the Register’s Code of Conduct of Standards of Research Performance. Please visit our page detailing our grievance process for more information. |
| GOALSThe Register of Professional Archaeologists’ fundamental goal is the establishment and acceptance of universal ethical and professional standards in archaeology. Towards this goal, we also aim to: Provide an explicit, written Code of Conduct and Standards of Research Performance for professional archaeologists. Promote registration among a majority of qualified archaeologists, which will improve our ability – as individual archaeologists and as a scientific discipline – to establish and maintain high standards of professional conduct within archaeological practice. Please visit our How to Register page for more information about registration. With the 2022-2027 Register Strategic plan, we have renewed our focus on the Register's partner organizations. By obtaining endorsements from national, regional, and local organizations, as well as organizations or agencies that serve review, referral, or granting functions, we hope to better serve the archaeological community. See our Affiliated Societies page if your organization is interested in becoming an affiliate. Provide certification for field schools and Continuing Professional Education programs (CPE), in order to promote high standards of training for aspiring and professional archaeologists. Provide a formal grievance procedure for the investigation of complaints regarding an RPA's professional conduct. |
Sponsors and HistoryThe RPA is a voluntary registry of qualified archaeologists who agree to uphold the organization’s Code of Conduct and Standards of Research Performance. The Register of Professional Archaeologists exists to promote and maintain professional standards in archaeology. Recognizing the importance of such standards, the Register of Professional Archaeologists was created in 1998 by a joint task force that consisted of the Society of Professional Archaeologists (SOPA), Society for American Archaeology (SAA), Society for Historical Archaeology (SHA), and the Archaeological Institute of America (AIA). Through a vote of its board and membership, SOPA transferred its responsibility, authority, and assets to the newly formed Register and ceased to exist as a professional society. The SHA, SAA, and AIA all voted to become sponsors of the our organization. Shortly after, the American Anthropological Association (AAA) also became a sponsor. Sponsorship means that these scholarly organizations endorse the mission of the Register of Professional Archaeologists, encourage their qualified members to register, and provide annual financial support. We encourage you to learn more about our sponsoring societies on our Sponsoring Organizations page. |
|
Find Out MoreIf you have additional questions about the Register of Professional Archaeologists, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. If you are interested in applying to become a Registered Professional Archaeologist, please visit our How to Register page for more information about qualifications, required documentation, and next steps. |