Sample Application Portfolios

Certification is extended by the Board for Certification of Genealogists® to everyone whose work meets quality guidelines described in The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual. When you apply for certification, the portfolio of work samples you submit is your opportunity to demonstrate that your research, analysis, and writing skills meet those standards. Portfolios do not have to be perfect, they have to meet standards.

The BCG Trustees would like to extend a special thanks to Judy (Kellar) Fox, CG, for allowing the Board for Certification of Genealogists® to display her application for others to view. In the sample area below, the documents are in PDF format. Each title links to a sample. The size is shown for large files so that download times can be estimated.

Your application portfolio will consist of seven items all neatly placed in a light-weight three-ring binder. The total weight should be two pounds or less. Portfolios over two pounds will be assessed a $60 postage surcharge. Portfolios over three pounds will not be accepted.

1. Genealogist’s Code. You are asked to sign and date the copy of the Genealogist’s Code that is printed on the back of the Category Application Form.

2. Background Résumé. The résumé includes seven sections. Résumé of Judy (Kellar) Fox, CG.

3. Document Work (BCG-Supplied Document). You will receive a document that represents typical records you might encounter in your work. You will supply five treatments for the document to demonstrate your transcribing, abstracting, analysis and evaluation abilities. For practice examples, see the “Test Your Skills” section of the BCG website.

4. Document Work (Applicant-Supplied Document). You will select a document that represents typical records you use in your work. You will supply five treatments for the document to demonstrate your transcribing, abstracting, analysis and evaluation abilities.

5. Research Report Prepared for a Client. You will submit one research report including all documents sent to the client. For a full description of what needs to be included, see the BCG Application Guide. A letter of permission needs to be included. For examples of letters of permission, see the two sample "Client Agreements" on the Work Samples page. Other examples of research reports are found in the Work Samples section. For answers to frequently asked questions about research reports, see FAQ 30, 31, 32. Research report of Judy (Kellar) Fox, CG.

6. Case Study: Conflicting or Indirect Evidence. You will supply a case study (or proof summary) drawn from your own research that (a) demonstrates application of the Genealogical Proof Standard, and (b) resolves a problem of relationship or identity that cannot be resolved from uncontested direct evidence. Other examples of case studies are found on the Work Samples page. Case study of Judy (Kellar) Fox, CG.

7. Kinship-Determination Project. (5.6M) You will submit a narrative genealogy, narrative lineage, or case study that documents and explains linkages among individuals through at least three ancestral generations – ascending or descending. For a full description of what is required, see the BCG Application Guide. For answers to frequently asked questions about genealogy formats, see FAQ 13 and 14. For answers to frequently asked questions about Kinship Determination projects, see FAQ 15, 16, 17, and 18. Other examples of Kinship Determination projects are found in the Work Samples section. Kinship-determination project of Judy (Kellar) Fox, CG.

After your portfolio is evaluated, you will receive feedback on your submission. The three evaluations for Judy's portfolio are available for review. Evaluation 1, Evaluation 2, and Evaluation 3.