As stated by the National Genealogy Society (NGS), becoming a professional genealogist can look very different depending on your area of interest. Genealogists can become “lecturers, teachers, archivists, librarians, writers, editors and research trip consultants.”
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Have you ever wondered what the process is to become a professional genealogist?
July 2023 | By Shannan
Wonder no longer–here are a few of the main steps to consider. A full detailed list can be found in the resources section below.
As stated by the National Genealogy Society (NGS), becoming a professional genealogist can look very different depending on your area of interest. Genealogists can become “lecturers, teachers, archivists, librarians, writers, editors and research trip consultants.”
For example, if you work as an independent researcher, you will also need to have knowledge and skills in business management, client management and social media.
•The first question you should ask yourself is what you want your career to look like. National Genealogy Society (NGS) and APG have a list of questions you will want to review before moving forward. For example, would you like to focus on a specialty? This could involve specific records, locations, ethnicities, cultures, languages, religious organizations, etc.
•The next step can involve gaining a certificate. While you do not officially need a certificate to become a professional genealogist, it showcases your knowledge base and qualifications to those seeking out your services. You can get two certificates from the Board of Certification of Genealogists (BCG).
These certifications include Certified Genealogist ® (CG), and Certified Genealogical Lecturer SM (CGL). You can find more information on the application process here.
You can also obtain a certificate from the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen). More information is available here.
•Once you have your certificate, you will continue your education throughout your career. This will help you keep up with the latest research techniques. Thankfully, the genealogy community has incredible webinars, conferences, courses, networking groups, books, and more available to help everyone in the field.
resources
• Are You Ready to Become a Professional Genealogist (from Association of Professional Genealogists)
•Becoming a Professional Genealogist (from National Genealogy Society)
•Guide to Applying for an Accredited Genealogist Credential (from International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen))
•What is Certification? (from Board For Certification of Genealogists) They also offer a recommended reading list.
•How to Become a Professional Genealogist: Steps to Becoming a Professional Researcher by Kathleen W. Hinckley (from Genealogy.com)
•How to Become a Genealogist: Everything You Need to Know (from GenealogyBank)
GEneration by generation: A modern approach to the basics of genealogy
By Drew Smith
“The question all beginners in genealogy research ask themselves is, ‘Where do I begin?’ ‘Should I join a commercial subscription service like Ancestry.com?’ ‘What if I don’t find what I’m looking for on the Internet?’ ‘How do I organize the information I’m gathering along the way?’ Fortunately, this guide answers all those questions and engages neophytes with a book that takes an entirely fresh approach to the subject. Author Drew Smith has organized the chapters according to the actual process used in genealogical research: Start with yourself, then move on to living family and relatives, and then move backwards in time, generation by generation.” –Provided by publisher.