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Genealogists seek BCG certification for
many reasons. These include
- validating their genealogical skills
and knowledge;
- enhancing their professionalism;
- a challenging learning experience;
- a desire for acknowledgment of competence.
Many genealogists — once they are
BCG certified — find that certification
- has enabled them to expand their
knowledge of genealogical sources and
research techniques;
- shows peers, clients, and the general
public that they have been tested and
shown to meet the standards of capable
and knowledgeable genealogical researchers;
- attests that their work is at a high
level of expertise;
- warrants that they abide by a code
of ethics; and
- commands recognition from librarians,
clerks, historians, and other genealogists.
Certification — in any field — provides
benefits not only to the people who are certified
but also to the field in general. BCG certification
provides assurances to the general public, including
those who use the professional services of BCG certified
researchers. In sum:
- Certification advances knowledge and
skills in the field.
- Certification provides a basis for
trusting a genealogist's work.
- Certification creates a need for genealogical
education from which all can benefit.
- Individuals who are certified are
models for others to follow.
- Certification provides more leaders
for the field.
- Certification enables standards and
practices to be clarified, organized,
codified, and publicized.
- The process of testing individuals
generates new standards and proves old
ones.
- Certification promotes best practices
in the field.
For amplification of these points, see Thomas W.
Jones, "Why Certify?" OnBoard 5 (September
1999): 26–27.
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