BCG Adopts Two-Part Portfolio for its Certified Genealogist Application Process

BCG Adopts Two-Part Portfolio for its Certified Genealogist Application Process

12 March 2025

The Board for Certification of Genealogists is implementing a permanent two-part application
process for its Certified Genealogist credential. Following a successful pilot program conducted
in 2024, this streamlined approach divides the portfolio submission into two parts. The new
process becomes available with the release of the 2025 Application Guide, currently anticipated
on 1 July 2025. The two-part process has been well-received by preliminary applicants, current
applicants, and the trustees.

The two-part process does not change the portfolio elements, standards, or rubrics, only the
submission timing by breaking the portfolio into two parts. The rigor, standards, and
expectations remain the same as the current full portfolio submission.

Applicants affected by this change include:

1) Preliminary Applicants Currently “On the Clock”
Preliminary applicants who are currently on the clock and have not submitted any part
of the portfolio can submit a full portfolio until their due date. These applicants also have
the option to use the new two-part application process beginning with the release of the
2025 Application Guide, currently anticipated on 1 July 2025.

2) Applicants Who Submit a Preliminary Application or Extension Before the
Release of the 2025 Application Guide
Applicants who submit a preliminary application or extension between now and the
release of the 2025 Application Guide, currently anticipated on 1 July 2025, will have
one year from the date they submit their preliminary application or extension to submit
a full portfolio. These applicants also have the option to use the new two-part application
process beginning with the release of the new guide.

3) Applicants Who Submit a Preliminary Application or Extension After the
Release of the 2025 Application Guide
Applicants who submit a preliminary application or extension after the release of the
2025 Application Guide, currently anticipated on 1 July 2025, will fall under the
requirements of the new guide. The guide and minor program changes are still in
development. Notably, the two-part portfolio submissions will continue to require these
elements:

> Part 1 Portfolio Elements – Genealogist’s Code of Ethics, Development Activities,
Document Work, Kinship-Determination Project
> Part 2 Portfolio Elements – Updated Genealogist’s Code of Ethics, Research
Report, Case Study

4) Applicants Who Have Passed Part 1 and are “On the Journey”
Pilot program applicants who submitted and passed Part 1 (previously called TAP2 or
Part 2) during the 2024 Pilot Program remain under the BCG Pilot Application Guide.
These applicants have one year from the date they received approval of TAP Part 2 to 
proceed to the next phase to submit Part 2 (previously called TAP3 or Part 3).
Additionally, they can extend that deadline by one year in accordance with the BCG Pilot
Application Guide.

Most of the FAQs from the Pilot Program will remain relevant, and those can be reviewed here.
They will be updated as soon as possible. For questions not answered in this press release, the
applicable Application Guides, or the FAQs, please contact Darcie Hind Posz at
.