| The following information is supplied as a brief
synopsis of the submission requirements for certification.
The current edition of the BCG
Application Guide should be consulted for
the specific requirements. The guide may be purchased
online from the BCG.
The following requirements are for the research-category
of Certified Genealogist (CGSM).
General Requirements
As an applicant for certification, you will be required
to provide examples of your work to illustrate your
knowledge of bibliography, resources, and research
methodology. These examples should reveal your proficiency
in identifying documentary evidence and your ability
to evaluate research results in the context of a specific
problem. You will also be expected to demonstrate
knowledge in your area of research and general skills
of communication and professionalism.
As in most testing processes in the business world,
you will be asked to
- Sign the Genealogist's Code of Ethics, signifying
your willingness to abide by its tenets.
- Describe your general educational background.
-
List genealogical instructional courses completed,
conferences and/or workshops attended, dates of
attendance, and any certificates received or degrees
earned.
-
Enumerate your genealogy-related activities —
such as society memberships, offices held, and
volunteer activities.
-
Outline briefly your research experience.
-
Explain why you seek certification.
-
Discuss your accessibility to the records of
your geographic specialty.
You will also be asked to
- Transcribe, abstract, and comment upon the genealogical
value of an historical document provided by the
Board; and comment as to its genealogical value
and your research plans based on the clues it contains.
Examples can be found here.
- Transcribe, abstract, and comment upon the genealogical
value of an historical document chosen from your
research; and comment as to its genealogical value
and your research plans based on the clues it contains.
- Submit a research report prepared for a client
that meets the criteria described in the BCG
Application Guide (sent to you by BCG
when you apply)
- Supply a case study from your own research that
demonstrates your application of the Genealogical
Proof Standard to a complex problem involving
conflicting or indirect evidence.
- Submit a kinship determination project as a narrative
genealogy, narrative lineage, narrative pedigree,
or case study that documents and explains linkages
among individuals through at least three ancestral
generations (ascending or descending) that conforms
to criteria listed in the BCG
Application Guide. For more information
on this requirement, review the FAQ
page, questions 13 and 14.
The following documents from the BCG
Application Guide include details of the new
requirements and will be available during the transition
between printed versions of the Guide:
A sample application
portfolio is available for
viewing online.
After or at your first renewal, you may apply for a teaching-category.
As an applicant for Certified Genealogical Lecturer
(CGLSM),
you will be asked to
- Summarize your lecturing activities.
- List the genealogical topics you feel competent
to address.
- Submit audiotape recordings of two lectures as
well as a copy of the script, handout material,
and copies of visual aids.
- Submit a list of books, periodicals, tapes, CDs,
computer programs, or other materials you recommend
for further study of the topic.
Note: Teaching-category certification is available
to associates whose certification is current and has
been renewed at least once.
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