The Board for Certification of Genealogists is launching a pilot program that divides the application process for earning the Certified Genealogist credential into multiple parts. The pilot program does not change portfolio elements, standards, or rubrics, only the submission timing. This change aims to make the process more approachable and encourage more preliminary applicants to submit portfolios while remaining just as rigorous.
Applicants can opt in to the pilot program from 1 March 2024 to 31 December 2024 by submitting the Part 2 Pilot Program Application with the required elements and applicable fee within the pilot program window. There is no limit to the number of participants, and it is not limited to those currently “on the clock.”
Changes to the Application Process
As a part of the pilot program, applicants will submit the following elements:
- Part 1: Preliminary Application
- Part 2: Part 2 Pilot Program Application, Genealogist’s Code of Ethics, Development Activities, Document Work, Kinship-Determination Project
- Part 3: Part 3 Pilot Program Application, Genealogist’s Code of Ethics, Research Report, Case Study
If the Part 2 submission is deemed sufficient, applicants can submit the Part 3 elements for evaluation. Applicants who have both parts judged sufficient for certification will become certified.
The purpose of the pilot program is to explore the feasibility of implementing a three-part application process for certification in the future. The BCG Pilot Program Application Guide and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) can be accessed from BCG’s website at www.bcgcertification.org/pilot.
For questions, please contact Rebecca Koford, Executive Director, at office@bcgcertification.org.
The words Certified Genealogist and letters CG are registered certification marks, and the designations CGL and Certified Genealogical Lecturer are service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists®, used under license by board certificants after periodic evaluation.
