For genealogists who wish to demonstrate advanced skill and professional standing, certification and accreditation provide structured pathways. While not required to practice genealogy, credentials from organizations such as the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen) represent significant achievements. They signal to clients, colleagues, and the broader historical community that a genealogist adheres to rigorous standards of research and ethics.

Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG)

BCG was founded in 1964 to establish and uphold high standards in the field. It offers two credentials: Certified Genealogist (CG) and Certified Genealogical Lecturer (CGL). Applicants for the CG credential prepare an extensive portfolio demonstrating their ability to apply the Genealogical Proof Standard. This includes a case study, a kinship determination, and a research report, all carefully documented and clearly written. Certification is valid for five years, with renewal requiring evidence of continued professional work.

The CGL credential is aimed at those who teach or lecture. It requires demonstration of effective communication and educational skill, alongside mastery of genealogical research.

International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen)

ICAPGen focuses on accrediting genealogists for specific geographic regions. Its exam process includes three levels: a written exam on general methodology, a region-specific knowledge exam, and a research project that must demonstrate practical application. Accreditation lasts for ten years, with renewal based on continuing education and professional activity. The regional specialization ensures that accredited genealogists can navigate language barriers, archival systems, and cultural contexts.

Preparation for Credentials

Preparing for certification or accreditation is no small task. Many genealogists participate in ProGen Study Groups, which provide structured practice in source analysis, research planning, and report writing. Others attend genealogical institutes such as SLIG or IGHR, which offer in-depth training on advanced topics. Mentorship from credentialed professionals can also be invaluable, offering guidance, encouragement, and critical feedback.

The Value of Credentials

For clients, credentials offer assurance that a genealogist’s work meets recognized standards. For the genealogist, the process of preparing for certification is itself transformative. It forces careful reflection on methodology, clear writing, and ethical practice. Even those who do not complete the process often report that the preparation improved their research skills significantly.

Contribution to the Profession

Certification and accreditation are not just personal milestones; they elevate the entire field. They underscore that genealogy is more than a hobby—it is a discipline requiring training, rigor, and ethical responsibility. Credentialed genealogists often contribute to scholarship, teach, and mentor, helping to advance genealogy as a whole.

Citations

• Board for Certification of Genealogists. “Become Certified.” https://bcgcertification.org.
• ICAPGen. “About Accreditation.” https://www.icapgen.org.
• ProGen Study Groups. “About.” https://progenstudygroups.com.

Genealogy does not exist in a vacuum. At its core, it is a historical discipline that intersects with archives, libraries, and broader historical scholarship. Yet professional genealogists sometimes focus so narrowly on family reconstruction that they overlook the value of cross-training in adjacent fields. Learning from historians, archivists, and librarians not only expands technical skill but also strengthens analysis, writing, and professional credibility.

Why Cross-Training Matters

Genealogists often borrow methods from history—contextualizing evidence, analyzing social patterns, or interpreting legal documents. They rely heavily on archivists’ work in preserving, cataloging, and describing collections. And they navigate library systems daily to access published materials, whether local histories, scholarly articles, or specialized bibliographies.

By deliberately learning from these neighboring disciplines, genealogists can improve how they locate, interpret, and present evidence. Cross-training also exposes them to professional standards outside genealogy, broadening their perspective and raising the credibility of their work in interdisciplinary settings.

Lessons from Historians

Historians offer genealogists models of contextual analysis. Where genealogists often ask, “Who were this person’s parents?,” historians ask, “What larger forces shaped this person’s world?” Both questions are essential.

Studying historiography—the history of historical writing—helps genealogists situate their work within broader scholarly conversations. For instance, African American genealogy can be enriched by understanding the scholarship on slavery, emancipation, and Reconstruction. Migration research benefits from familiarity with historical debates on push and pull factors.

Attending history conferences, reading academic journals, or even auditing a college-level history course can sharpen a genealogist’s ability to interpret records not just as isolated facts but as part of larger social, economic, and political systems.

Lessons from Archivists

Archivists manage the collections genealogists rely on every day. By understanding archival theory and practice, genealogists can better navigate repositories and appreciate how records are described and preserved.

For example, archivists apply the principle of provenance—the idea that records should be kept according to their creator, not by subject. Recognizing this principle helps genealogists track records in unfamiliar repositories. Likewise, archivists think in terms of “series” and “record groups,” concepts that explain why certain records are arranged the way they are.

Cross-training with archivists also highlights the challenges of digitization and access. Not all records can be digitized, and many are subject to privacy laws. By learning archival perspectives, genealogists can set realistic expectations for clients and develop creative strategies for locating materials.

Professional genealogists can benefit from taking part in archival training opportunities such as the Society of American Archivists’ workshops or local state-archivist conferences. These experiences build relationships and strengthen practical research skills.

Lessons from Librarians

Librarians are experts in information retrieval. Their mastery of cataloging systems, controlled vocabularies, and subject headings can transform how genealogists search for published materials. Too often, researchers rely on keyword searches in online catalogs, missing valuable items because they don’t understand Library of Congress Subject Headings or classification schemes.

By cross-training with librarians, genealogists learn to:

• Navigate specialized catalogs and databases.
• Use interlibrary loan effectively.
• Build bibliographies systematically.
• Evaluate information literacy and source credibility.

Many libraries also offer professional development workshops in digital humanities tools, metadata, and citation management. These skills directly benefit genealogists writing client reports or scholarly articles.

Practical Ways to Cross-Train

• Attend conferences outside genealogy. State historical association meetings, archival institutes, or library workshops often welcome non-members.
• Read interdisciplinary journals. Titles like The American Archivist, American Historical Review, or College & Research Libraries offer insight into professional debates.
• Take online courses. Platforms such as Coursera and edX provide free or inexpensive courses in history, archival studies, and library science.
• Volunteer or intern. Serving in a local archive or historical society offers hands-on exposure to how collections are processed and preserved.

Professional Benefits

Cross-training has multiple payoffs for genealogists:

• Stronger analysis: Incorporating historical frameworks leads to more persuasive proof arguments.
• Improved research efficiency: Understanding cataloging and archival organization saves time and uncovers hidden sources.
• Enhanced credibility: Demonstrating awareness of interdisciplinary standards strengthens reports, especially in legal or academic contexts.
• Networking: Building relationships with historians, archivists, and librarians creates collaborative opportunities and referral networks.

Conclusion

Cross-training with historians, archivists, and librarians enriches genealogical practice by broadening skills and perspectives. It helps genealogists see individuals within larger narratives, navigate repositories with confidence, and retrieve published sources more effectively. For professionals who want to elevate their craft, stepping outside the genealogy echo chamber and engaging with neighboring fields is one of the most valuable investments they can make.

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Citations

• Howell, Martha, and Walter Prevenier. From Reliable Sources: An Introduction to Historical Methods. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2001.
• Society of American Archivists. “Workshops and Education.” https://www2.archivists.org.
• Library of Congress. “Subject Headings.” https://id.loc.gov/authorities/subjects.html.
• American Historical Association. “Annual Meeting.” https://www.historians.org.
• The American Archivist. Society of American Archivists Journal. https://americanarchivist.org.

Genealogy is often thought of as a hobby—a way to pass time by collecting family stories, gathering names for a family tree, or identifying ancestral villages. Yet it is also a serious field of study, combining history, law, demography, and archival science. Whether someone pursues genealogy as a profession or as a dedicated avocation, continuing education is essential. Professional development ensures genealogists remain accurate, ethical, and effective in their work.

The Pace of Change

The field of genealogy is not static. Over the past few decades, it has transformed dramatically. A generation ago, most genealogists relied heavily on courthouses, microfilm reels, and in-person research trips. Today, millions of documents are available online, searchable through sophisticated databases. DNA testing has become a standard tool, offering new evidence to confirm or challenge documentary findings. Even more recently, artificial intelligence tools are being applied to transcription, translation, and image analysis, speeding up once labor-intensive tasks. Without continuing education, genealogists risk falling behind, unaware of the resources and techniques that can transform their research.

Professional Credibility

For genealogists who serve clients, publish findings, or participate in lineage societies, professional credibility matters. Standards such as the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS), set forth by the Board for Certification of Genealogists, provide a framework for reliable work. Attending workshops, reading scholarly journals, and participating in advanced study ensures genealogists are not only familiar with the GPS but also capable of applying it effectively. Continuous professional development signals a commitment to accuracy and integrity—qualities valued by courts, historical organizations, and families alike.

Confidence and Competence

Learning also builds confidence. A genealogist who has attended an institute on land records or DNA analysis is better prepared to tackle thorny problems. They know how to evaluate indirect evidence, resolve conflicting data, and present a reasoned conclusion. Professional development deepens expertise and makes genealogists more versatile, whether reconstructing African American lineages from fragmented records or using Scandinavian parish registers to trace family migrations.

Community Connections

Educational opportunities also foster community. Institutes, conferences, webinars, and study groups bring genealogists together across distances. These connections often lead to collaboration on projects, publication opportunities, or new friendships rooted in shared passion. Networking is as important in genealogy as it is in other professions; continuing education provides the forum where relationships are formed and ideas exchanged.

Strengthening Societies

For genealogical societies, encouraging professional development among members elevates the organization as a whole. Members who return from institutes or certification programs often share what they learned, raising the society’s collective knowledge. Workshops, lectures, and mentoring programs enrich society meetings and build enthusiasm. By promoting education, societies ensure they remain vibrant, relevant, and appealing to both new and experienced members.

A Lifelong Commitment

Ultimately, professional development matters because genealogy is a lifelong pursuit of learning. Records continue to surface, technology continues to advance, and history always offers new perspectives. Genealogists who invest in education sharpen their skills, strengthen their credibility, and contribute to the advancement of the field. In short, professional development ensures genealogy is not just a pastime but a respected discipline that connects the past with the present.

Citations

• Board for Certification of Genealogists. Genealogy Standards. 2nd ed. Nashville: Ancestry.com, 2019.
• Mills, Elizabeth Shown. “Genealogical Proof Standard: Building a Solid Case.” OnBoard 15, no. 3 (2019).
• National Genealogical Society. “Continuing Education.” https://www.ngsgenealogy.org