Credentialing for genealogists

DearREADERS,

This weekend Ol' Myrt had a conversation with a gifted genealogy researcher who is considering becoming credentialed. Two organizations offer intensive professional review of genealogists. Check out the website for each organization to determine the type of credentialing that best fits your career goals.

Board for Certification of Genealogists - http://www.bcgcertification.org/  "The first and most necessary step to becoming certified is to acquire the knowledge and skills that exemplify the standards articulated in the BCG Genealogical Standards Manual." Review examples and test your skills at this the BCG site.

ICAPGen - http://www.icapgen.org/ Review by this organization leads to accreditation through comprehensive written and oral examinations. Years ago, this process was sponsored by the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, but has since been "spun off" as a stand-alone organization.

PREPARATION

• Boston University Center for Professional Education Genealogy Research Program - Students choose from either a classroom or online course, termed intensive by participants I've interviewed. "Developed in collaboration with—and taught by—some of the premier genealogists in the country, the Genealogical Research Program employs lectures, demonstrations, hands-on learning, workbook exercises, practice activities, and open discussions to help students identify and evaluate evidence, design research strategies, and write quality reports."
• Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research - Samford University -  Week-long intensive courses of study.
  
• ProGen Study Group  an intensive 18 month online course based on the Professional Genealogy book. This is  a great place to develop your skills and work with a volunteer mentor.  Based on participation here, your group's mentor may have a suggestion for a mentor you.
• Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy -  Week-long intensive courses of study offered by the Utah Genealogical Association.

OTHER RESOURCES

• Association of Professional Genealogists Professional Association for all genealogists supporting high standards in the field of genealogy, with over 1000 members worldwide. They have a public and private email list, where you'll learn a great deal about professionals in a variety of genealogy genres (publishing, editing, writing, lecturing, researching, etc.) Attend the annual APG Professional Management Conferences usually in conjunction with the Federation of Genealogical Society's annual conference.
• National Institute of Genealogical Research - held at the National Archives in Washington DC. The 2011 program focuses on commonly used records such as immigration, military, land, African American, and naturalization. Complementing those core lectures will be presentations on lesser-known federal records useful to family historians. The group spends one day at Archives II in College Park, Maryland, and there are optional evening sessions at the Library of Congress and the DAR library.
• National Genealogical Society American Genealogy Home Study Course 
• Transitional Genealogists Mailing List - This is a mailing list for anyone who is on the road to becoming a professional Genealogist. It is a place to share experiences, problems, obstacles, downfalls and triumphs. It is a place to compare notes, and to learn from each others' successes, as well.

I do think national genealogy conferences contribute positively to a genealogist's learning experience. However, Ol' Myrt here favors intensive, week or month-long studies where interaction with a mentor can immediately correct and guide the developing professional.

Happy family tree climbing!

Myrt     :)

DearMYRTLE,

Your friend in genealogy.