Portfolio Elements

A complete research-category portfolio will include the following materials:

Genealogist’s Code: signed and dated

Development Activities

Document Work (BCG-Supplied Document)

Research Report Prepared for Another Person

Case Study: Conflicting, Indirect or Negative Evidence

Kinship-Determination Project

Each of the work products required in a research-category portfolio is designed to elicit evidence of an essential genealogical skill set. Each portfolio element is evaluated against standards-based rubrics that address all aspects of the work, including documentation, research, writing, and adherence to the Genealogical Proof Standard.

The Application Guide

A full explanation of the portfolio process and of each of the work products required in a portfolio is set out in the Application Guide,

Portfolios are evaluated based on the Application GuideGenealogy Standards, and the BCG rubrics.

Portfolio Work Products: No “One Right Way”

There is no “one right way” to meet the requirements for any portfolio element. Work products in successful portfolios may meet standards and yet vary widely in style and format. For that reason, applicants are strongly cautioned against trying to simply copy the style or format of any work sample they may encounter.

The BCG Learning Center offers a variety of suggestions as to resources for key skills, recommended reading, and educational activities that may be useful to applicants as they undertake the application process. It includes examples of high-quality genealogical work that demonstrate some or all of the skills required in a successful portfolio including document work, research reports, case studies and family histories.