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. Adequate experience is absolutely essential to acquiring the necessary expertise. No specific program of education is required; however, as standards rise genealogists increasingly are finding that educational preparation via institutes and conferences is extremely helpful. Applicants also benefit from studying case studies developed by certified persons and published in national genealogical journals to be helpful.

Certification results from evaluation of work samples in a portfolio submission. BCG requires different materials for each certification category. Three to four judges independently evaluate each application. If three judges recommend certification, you will be certified for a five-year period. You can perpetuate your certification with five-year renewal applications showing that you have kept your skills up to date.

• If you would like to evaluate your readiness, click here.
  
• If you are nearly ready to apply, or definitely are ready to apply, click here.
  
• If you doubt that you will be ready to apply for certification in the foreseeable future, but would like detailed information about the standards and requirements, click here.
  
• If you would like to see the judging rubrics that will be in place when you submit your application, click here., click here.