Sample Application Portfolio

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.

The BCG Trustees would like to extend a special thanks to Kathy Brady-Blake, 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.

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. (Note: the actual document is not included in the example.)

5. Research Report Prepared for a Client. You will submit one research report including all documents (18M) 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.

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.

7. Kinship-Determination Project. 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.