National Institute for Genealogical Studies, Half way done!

Six months ago, I began working on a Certificate in Genealogical Studies-American Records from NIGS. The courses are divided into three levels, 9 Compulsory courses at the Basic and Intermediate Levels and 10 compulsory courses at the Advanced Level, for a total of 28 courses. The first classes I took were quite easy for someone with a few years of experience researching family history. However, they quickly became more interesting and challenging. There are six Methodology coures which gave me "experience and education; a review of research standards; peer-body certification or accreditation; business planning and office organization; the kinds of services to offer; setting fees; and promotion and marketing ideas to heighten your profile."

I regularly referred back to my notes and texts for the Methodology classes while doing assignments for other courses in the certificate program. There is a Methodology Certificate available which is far less involved than the American Records cert, but I think it would be valuable for anyone who spends a good deal of time researching family history for themselves or for clients.

The program usually takes two years to finish, but I am highly motivated and aiming to complete 19 classes in one year. Because I am a studious person and this is both my hobby and my profession, some classes were able to be completed in 5-6 hours while others took closer to 10 hours due to transcription projects. Three classes called "Analysis and Skills Mentoring," took an unknown amount of time but at least a month.

I've had a little trouble with the program, and it might just be because I am a teacher by trade and by nature, so I see places where the instruction could be better. The problem is usually on tests where I felt like multiple answers were possible or there was no clear choice. In those situations, I would email the instructor with an explanation of why I answered the way I did and 9 times out of 10, they would give me credit for my answer.

My final Analysis and Skills Mentoring appointments are in September 2019.