Menu
Log in


Log in

why hire an rpa?

It doesn’t matter if you are hiring an archaeologist as a consultant or an employee, you want an accountable professional. We make finding one easy for you! The Register of Professional Archaeologists screens the education, qualifications, training, and experience of archaeologists and we only register those that meet established, recognized, professional criteria. But we don’t stop there. We hold Registered Professional Archaeologists accountable for their professional conduct and adherence to standards of performance through a grievance procedure. The result? When you need an archaeologist, you get a top professional. Don’t just hire an archaeologist; hire a Registered Professional Archaeologist!


Photo Credit: Teresa Ingalls, RPA 989790


Photo Credit: Jason Eads, RPA 17420


Photo Credit: Cathy Jo Beecher, RPA 17252

Hiring an RPA Reduces Your Risk of:

  • Cost overruns
  • Late reports
  • Mismanaged projects
  • Human Resources Issues
  • Public controversy
  • Challenged results
  • Unqualified contractors

YOU CAN TRUST RPAS TO BE:

Ethical:  All RPAs agree to adopt the Register of Professional Archaeologists'  Code of Conduct and Standards of Research Performance, so hiring an RPA means that they will adhere to the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior while on the job.

Accountable:  The organization provides a Grievance Process that holds RPAs accountable for their professional practice and behavior. This means that when hiring an RPA, you are protected and have recourse should they violate our professional Code of Conduct or Standards of Research Performance.

Experts:  All RPAs must hold graduate degrees in archaeology or a related field to register. They also participate in certified continuing education. This means that you are guaranteed a highly qualified archaeologist who is knowledgeable and prepared to execute a project efficiently and to the highest standards in the field. Read more about RPA qualifications here.

Experienced:  When hiring an archaeologist for your project, making sure they have the necessary experience is key. To register, RPAs must demonstrate extensive archaeological experience in both the field and the laboratory. You can be assured that RPAs bring excellent practical experience to the job.

Qualified:  RPAs’ adherence to the Code and Standards, acceptance of the Register of Professional Archaeologists' Grievance process, and ensured expertise and experience guarantee that they are among the most highly qualified professionals you can hire. You will know that your project is in good hands when hiring an RPA.


What Makes RPAs So Desirable to Clients, Regulators, Employers and the Public?

Adoption of professional ethics, a code of conduct and research standards, and a process by which to enforce these make Registered Professional Archaeologists (RPAs) the most desirable to their clients and employers. RPAs pledge to uphold these standards and adhere to best practices in archaeology. Therefore, when you hire a Registrant you know you are hiring an accountable professional that will complete the job efficiently, expertly, and to the highest standards. Companies which incentivize and/or require RPA certification will be included on our Employer Showcase page. For more information on how to be included in this preferred list, contact us at info@rpanet.org.

Top Employers include: 

  • HDR Engineering Inc.
  • Tetra Tech
  • US Army Corps of Engineers
  • AECOM International
  • Applied Earthworks
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • Cardno Inc.
  • SEARCH Inc. 
  • And many many more.

Register of Professional Archaeologists
411 East Northfield Drive, Box 9
Brownsburg, IN  46112

Phone: (317) 798-3001

Grievance Hotline: (410) 246-2150

You do not have to be an RPA/RA to file a Grievance

Email: info@rpanet.org

© Copyright 2020. All rights reserved.

Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software