Becoming a Certified Genealogist
Certification can take your hobby to the next level
If you are serious about your genealogy skills and research, and are thinking about becoming a professional, the first step is getting certified.
How great would it be to be able to turn your hobby into career? To do research for others and get paid for your work. Though it is likely that many of you could barely spare a moment away from your own personal research, the idea of doing this professional is likely appealing.
But becoming a professional genealogist is not the same thing as becoming a certified genealogist. Technically, to become a professional, you simply need to be paid for your services. Though that may be your end goal, it is going to be much easier to find paying work in this field once you have been certified.
Certification means that an independent body has judged and documented your skills in this area, and have found that you meet the level of ability that they have set as their standard. Certification is a common practice in many fields, in order to standardize the accepted levels of skills and knowledge.
In the case of genealogy, the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) is the recognized body for this, and you can find a complete list of requirements, necessary skills and credentials on their website. There is a complete application guide available for purchase from their site as well.
But for a brief outline, here are some details on the requirements to become certified. Your submission to the Board will include the following components:
- Your agreement to follow the Genealogist's Code of Ethics
- Outline of your education history
- List of courses and workshops attended (with details)
- Other related genealogy activities (society memberships, volunteer work)
- Description of your past research experience
- Reasons for wanting to be certified
- Details on your personal accessibility to local records of interest
Along with the above submission documents, you are required to complete certain "projects" that illustrate your research abilities and genealogical knowledge, including:
- Transcription and commentary on the value of a historical document provided by the Board, including a description of its genealogical relevance.
- Same as above, but with a document from your own research
- A research report that you prepared for another person
- A case study of your own research that illustrates your understanding of the Genealogical Proof of Standard, and how you applied it while solving a complex problem.
- A kinship determination project spanning at least 3 generations, as a narrative genealogy, lineage, or pedigree.
Please note that this is just a requirement outline. Visit their site for the complete application process, as well as full instructions for the research projects above.
Your entire application portfolio will be judged by 3 members of the Board and you should get your materials back along with their comments within 5 months. If you are accepted, be aware that there are fees involved with membership (at the time of this writing, the application fee is $200, with a $45 annual fee as well).
Certification is not only important to those wishing to pursue a professional career in genealogy. Even as an amateur genealogist, having official certification can help further your own research goals. It can help you gain credibility when dealing with other researchers, archives, institutions and court offices.
If you are thinking of going pro, this is only the first step. Watch for a future article on how to establish a career as a professional genealogist.
