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Credentials: Overview of Classes and Programs

There are so many exciting options out there, the hardest part is deciding which one to take! One of the requirements for accreditation through the BCG or ICAPGen is that genealogists show they have done extensive learning through classes and conferences.

All of these programs are available ONLINE, and they give us the "practical experience in research methodologies and client report writing and will learn the fundamental skills needed to become capable family history researchers and to even establish a successful research business" (from BYU Idaho).
  1. I am planning to start my professional education with the National Genealogical Society. The yearly membership dues (don't forget memberships are credentials that you can use to promote your business!) include access to some introductory courses for FREE. I am registered for the Family History Skills class, which might be too simple for me but maybe "I don't know what I don't know," so I'm going to go for it. It is free anyway! After that, I'll try some of the courses in "The American Genealogical Studies series, which is a multi component track that covers different types of genealogical topics and research skills." Each of these intermediate courses costs around $50 for members, and slightly more expensive for non members.
  2. Boston University offers two unique family history certification programs. The first is Genealogical Principles Course a seven week introductory course that begins in January 2019. It is a prerequisite for the second program called Certificate Program in Genealogical Research. This program takes 15 weeks and covers many important topics for genealogical professionals.
  3. Brigham Young University offers the only bachelor’s degree in Family History/Genealogy in the country. Only a few of those courses, though, are available as online classes. Note that BYU does not allow anyone to get a second bachelor’s degree! So this won't be an option for me. However, they do have non-degree related opportunities to further your knowledge in family history. BYU-Idaho has some online genealogy programs that might fulfill your needs. Their main program is the Associate of Arts in Family History Research 
  4. The National Institute for Genealogical Studies is a source of MANY courses in specialty topics. Their goal is "to support the needs of both amateur family historians and aspiring professional genealogists for reliable and comprehensive education we have designed a series of courses leading to various Certificates in Genealogical Studies with specialization in various countries." When you finish one of these certificates, you can use the letters PLCGS (Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies) after your name.



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