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Credentials: Compare/Contrast Certificate Programs

The first level of qualification you can gain is a non-degree certificate in genealogy from an accredited program. There are three that I've seen regularly listed on the websites of professional genealogists, so I've compared them here to decide which provides the best education at a reasonable rate.

It seems like the National Institute for Genealogical Studies program is the best of these four-- it is very complete, but not too expensive. If offers plenty of variety and flexibility. Tomorrow, I'll compare college degrees such as the AA or BA in Family History.

1) Brigham Young University, Idaho-- Family History Research
"BYU-Idaho's online Certificate in Family History Research helps students gain the fundamental research skills and knowledge needed to become a successful family history researcher. This program provides students with a basic understanding of family history research principles and practises... The class progresses together through the semester and there is frequent interaction between students and with the instructor."
Time to Complete: approximately 15 credit hours, at six per semester, equals 9 months
Cost: $334 per credit hour x 15 credit hours, equals $5,010

CORE COURSES:
FDREL 261Introduction to Family History2
FHGEN 111Intro to Family History Research, Part 1: Record Group and Methodology3
FHGEN 120Internet and Computer Skills3
FHGEN 130Paleography3
TAKE 1 COURSE:
FHGEN 112Intro to Family History Research, Part 2: Analysis of Research Evidence3
FHGEN 160The Family and Society3
FHGEN 211Research Methodology: Part 13

Includes principles for citing common sources, research techniques, evaluating genealogical information, hone and writing skills.
"Within each course are modules providing instruction, examples, web links, self-correcting quizzes, bibliographies, glossaries, and written graded assignments. Upon satisfactory completion of the components, students receive a certificate."
Time to Complete: approximately 5 course, at two months each, equals 10 months
Cost: Four core classes cost $340, plus one more specialty course at $50, equals $390
CORE COURSES:
American Genealogical Studies: The Basics
American Genealogical Studies: Guide to Documentation and Source Citation
American Genealogical Studies:
Beyond the Basics

American Genealogical Studies: Branching Out
TAKE as many as desired:
African American Roots: A Historical Perspective 
Federal Land Records
Effective Use of Deeds
Researching 17th and 18th Century German Ancestor
Genetic Genealogy: Autosomal DNA
Researching Your Revolutionary War Ancestors
3) Boston University Certificate Program in Genealogical Research 

 Detailed instruction and hands-on practice to: Gain a solid understanding of genealogical concepts and terms; Master the Genealogical Proof Standard; Locate and search public records to resolve identity problems. Additionally includes modules in: Genealogical Methods; Evidence, Evaluation, and Documentation; Forensic Genealogy; Genealogy as a Profession
Time to Complete: 15 weeks
Cost:   Certificate Program alone $2,695 (the optional Genealogical Principles course is $995 and takes 7 weeks, ask at admissions if you must take this in addition)

 4) National Institute for Genealogical Studies
The National Institute for Genealogical Studies offers eleven Certificate Programs including the Professional Development Program. Courses in this new program include, Transcribing, Abstracting, & Extracting - Career Development: Choosing a Niche - Creating Programs for Adults & the Younger Generation - Organizing a One Name Study - Lecturing - Forensic Genealogy - Genealogy and Copyright - Palaeography - Document Analysis - DNA - Marketing - House and Farm Histories - One Place Studies - Analysis and Skills Mentoring - Methodology 
Time to Complete: They offer several certificates and the time frame varies based on the certificate you want. One course might take 6 weeks, a full certificate might take two years.
Cost:   Cost depends on how many courses you purchase at once as discount packages are available. One course costs $89, but a package of 14 courses cuts that cost almost in half, the only downside is that you do have to pay for all the courses up front.

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