My Journey Toward Earning the Certified Genealogist® Credential
For years, genealogy was a passion. I loved the thrill of finding the pieces of a complex puzzle, which, when pieced together, told a forgotten ancestral story. But at some point, I began to wonder: Was my research reliable, and did it meet current standards?
These questions led me to pursue the Certified Genealogist® (CG®) credential from the Board for Certification of Genealogists® (BCG). I wanted to know whether my research and writing could stand up to professional scrutiny—not for bragging rights, but for confidence, growth, and a deeper understanding of the craft I loved.
Why Certification?
Everyone comes to certification for different reasons. Some want to work with clients, teach, or publish. For me, it was about credibility and self-assurance. I had been researching for years, but I wanted to know if I was truly meeting the profession’s standards—the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS).
I also saw how certification could open doors. Many organizations, editors, and clients look for the CG® credential as a mark of reliability and ethical practice. But most of all, I wanted to learn from the process itself. I wanted my work to be the best it could be.
Understanding What It Really Is
One thing I quickly learned: certification isn’t a course or a test—it’s a peer review of your work. You don’t “take” certification; you earn it through a portfolio of your own research and writing.
That portfolio includes several major pieces:
A case study where you resolve conflicting evidence
A kinship determination project tracing a family through at least three generations
A research report (for a real or hypothetical client)
Other supporting materials that demonstrate analysis, citation, and adherence to the GPS
It’s a lot. And it’s designed to be. The process is not only meant to test your skills as a researcher, but also your ability to think critically and communicate clearly.
The Preparation Stage: Learning, Unlearning, Relearning
Before I even applied, I spent a few years studying BCG’s Genealogical Standards manual and Thomas W. Jones’s Mastering Genealogical Proof. I joined study groups, read articles in the National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ), and practiced writing case studies.
It was humbling. There were things I thought I understood—like source citations or evidence correlation—that suddenly seemed much more complex. But it was also invigorating. I found myself seeing records in new ways, questioning assumptions I’d never thought to test, and developing a new respect for the discipline of genealogy.
The Application Process
Once I submitted my preliminary application, the time I spent working on my portfolio felt like both a marathon and a master class. I worked through research problems that had been on my “someday” list for ages, refining them until they met the standards.
Turning research into clear, logical, properly cited narratives took time, as did the research for all the required research projects. But this became the most rewarding part of the journey. Writing forced me to confront every weak link in my reasoning and every missing citation.
The Wait and the Outcome
When I submitted my portfolio, I felt a mix of relief and anticipation. BCG’s peer review process is anonymous—three qualified judges evaluate your work independently. Weeks later, the results arrived.
Whether you pass on the first try or receive feedback for revision, the process itself is transformative. It shows you exactly where your strengths lie and where you can grow. For me, it was validation that I was on the right path—and a reminder that learning in genealogy never ends.
What I Learned Along the Way
If you’re considering certification, here’s what I’d tell you:
Study the standards early and often. They’re the backbone of everything.
Join a study group. The feedback, accountability, and shared experience are invaluable.
Practice writing. Your research is only as good as your ability to explain it.
Be patient with yourself. The process is rigorous because it’s worth it.
Embrace the learning. Certification isn’t the finish line—it’s a step toward mastery.
The Real Reward
Earning (or even pursuing) the Certified Genealogist® credential isn’t about a title—it’s about growth, confidence, and professionalism. It pushed me to look at my research differently, to document more carefully, and to respect the standards that keep our field strong.