This two-hour video seminar covers the essentials about BCG certification.

Presenters are Dr. Thomas W. Jones, CG, CGL, FASG, and Elissa Scalise Powell, CG.

Recorded before a live audience in Salt Lake City in November 2008, the video seminar follows the same format as the certification seminars BCG presents at the annual conferences of the National Genealogical Society and the Federation of Genealogical Societies.

BCG certification seminars have also been presented at various regional conferences, at Samford University's Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, and at the National Institute on Genealogical Research in Washington, DC.

Click on the title link to view each segment. They are best viewed in sequence to maintain the progression of the discussion and questions from the audience. The length of each segment is noted.

Preparatory Information
Introduction (4:40) - Begin here for an overview of the certification seminar and information about the Board for Certification of Genealogists.

What is certification and why should I obtain it? (4:54) - This segment defines certification, touches on some of the reasons for seeking certification, and briefly discusses BCG's standards as defined in the Genealogical Standards Manual.

Certification categories (0:51) - This segment delineates the two certification categories: Certified Genealogist and Certified Genealogical Lecturer. It also describes the occupations of some people who hold the certification credential through BCG.

Certified Genealogist preliminary application process (5:41) - This overview of the certification process describes the purchasing of the application packet, submitting the preliminary application to "start the clock," submitting the portfolio within one year, the judging process, and receiving results.

Parts of the Portfolio
Requirement 1: Code of Ethics (2:16) - This segment discusses the first requirement of the application portfolio, signing the Code of Ethics and Conduct.

Requirement 2: Background Résumé (8:02) - This segment discusses the second requirement of the application portfolio, the background résumé.

Requirements 3 & 4: Document Work (9:55) - This segment discusses the third and fourth requirements of the application portfolio, document work for BCG-supplied and applicant-supplied documents. The segment also provides tips for developing transcription and abstraction skills, and suggestions for selecting a document.

Requirement 5: Research Report (9:12) - This segment discusses the fifth requirement of the application portfolio, the research report for a client. This portfolio element defines who a client may be, discusses the skills necessary to respond to a client's needs, to develop and execute a research plan, and to report the findings to a client.

Requirement 6: Case Study (10:46) - This segment discusses the sixth requirement of the application portfolio, the case study using conflicting or indirect evidence, which is meant to demonstrate the use and understanding of the Genealogical Proof Standard.

Requirement 7: Kinship Determination Project (32:58) - This segment discusses the seventh requirement of the application portfolio, the kinship-determination project. This element documents the lives and families of three ancestral couples in successive generations, with proof arguments explaining two parent-child linkages. Acceptable formats are explained.

The Process
Certified Genealogical Lecturer requirements and CG recap (4:39) - This segment explains the requirements for Certified Genealogical Lecturer, reviews the seven requirements for the application portfolio for Certified Genealogist, and discusses assembling the portfolio package.

Extension, packaging, and mailing details (3:25) - This segment explains the process for requesting an extension, and information about the portfolio package weight and shipping.

Judging process (10:29) - This segment explains the process by which an application is judged, including how judges are selected, expected turnaround time for receiving results, and the types of comments provided. Evaluation criteria, common causes of failure, and the passing rate of new applicants are reviewed. This segment also includes a discussion of application fees.

Additional resources with Q&A wrap-up (11:44) - This segment lists where to go for further information about certification, resources for developing genealogical skills, and addresses questions from the audience.

Many thanks to FamilySearch who made this video possible, and to CindyLee Butler Banks, CG, BCG Trustee, for coordinating this production.

© Copyright 2009 - Board for Certification of Genealogists ®. All Rights Reserved. Videos for personal use only. Presentation at meetings or public assemblies requires prior written permission from BCG.

THOMAS W. JONES, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA
Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG, FUGA, is a genealogical researcher, editor, and educator. He has co-edited the National Genealogical Society Quarterly, a leading scholarly journal in the field, since 2002. Tom teaches "Evidence Evaluation and Documentation" in Boston University's certificate program in genealogy, "Writing and Publishing for Genealogists" at the Samford University Institute of Genealogical and Historical Research, and "Advanced Genealogical Methods" at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. He earned his doctorate, in education, at the University of Pittsburgh. Certified since 1994, Tom is a director of the Association of Professional Genealogists and past president and former BCG trustee.

ELISSA SCALISE POWELL, CG
Elissa Scalise Powell, CG, a western Pennsylvania researcher, is a BCG trustee, and serves as the board's exhibit booth coordinator. She coordinates the "Professional Genealogy" course at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University, teaches "Foundations of Genealogical Research" in Boston University's certificate in genealogical research program, and instructs classes at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy. Certified since 1995, Elissa speaks on topics such as Pennsylvania records, methodology, professional development, and society management. She served as a director for the Association of Professional Genealogists for six years, is co-editor of a cemetery book series, and appeared in the cemetery episode of the PBS-TV show "Ancestors 2." She is a past president of two local genealogical societies and a contributing author to many publications.