The amount of time it takes to become a genealogist varies from person to person. There is no formal education or certification required to become a genealogist. However, most genealogists have a background in history, research, or a related field.

Individuals interested in becoming a genealogist can further their education by attending conferences or seminars, taking online courses, and obtaining professional certifications through organizations such as the Board for Certification of Genealogists.

Overall, becoming a proficient genealogist requires dedication, research, and a passion for history. It may take several years of experience and education to become proficient in the field.

The Basics of Genealogy

If you’ve ever been curious about your family history, genealogy can provide answers about your ancestors. Genealogy is the study of your family history. It involves researching family records to understand your lineage, family traditions, and more. Genealogy can be a fascinating career. As a genealogist, you’ll help people understand their family history and origins. But how long does it take to become a genealogist? Below are some of the steps and requirements:

1. Passion and Interest

To become a successful genealogist, you first need to have a genuine passion for the field. You also need to have an interest in history, research, and documentation. You should enjoy solving complex puzzles, digging through archives, and deciphering old handwriting. Genealogy is a field that requires patience, focus, and attention to detail.

Becoming a genealogist starts with discovering your family history. Begin by researching your family tree. You can start by using online genealogy tools to gather information about your ancestors. This family research can be enjoyable and eye-opening.

However, to become a professional genealogist, you need to have a deep knowledge and understanding of genealogy practices and techniques; this is where educational courses come into play.

2. Education and Training

You don’t necessarily need a college degree to become a genealogist. While having a degree in history can be an asset, what’s most important is having the right skills and knowledge. Attending conferences and seminars in genealogy can help you become proficient in the field.

There are also specific courses and certificate programs in genealogy that you can enroll in. They teach the basics of genealogy research, documentation, analysis, and bookkeeping. Online courses are also available, which cater to most learning styles.

3. Professional Experience

To develop your professional skills, you’ll need to gain hands-on experience working for clients. This may involve doing genealogy research, compiling reports, and conducting analysis. You’ll also provide documentation services, genealogy consulting, and oral history interviews.

Gaining relevant experience and demonstrating your genealogy knowledge are essential in becoming a successful genealogist. Therefore, it’s essential to be willing to work hard and take on challenging projects.

4. Professional Certifications

Although not necessary, obtaining a ​professional certification​ can add credibility to your credentials as a genealogist. Certifications such as Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) and the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen), can be pursued and attained. They offer varying levels of certification, for entry-level and experienced genealogists. Gaining certifications demonstrate your expertise in the field, and it can lead to better job opportunities and higher-paying projects.

Conclusion

In summary, becoming a genealogist is a journey that requires a lot of patience, research, and dedication. It’s a challenging but rewarding field, perfect for those who are passionate about history and family research. While there’s no set time to become a genealogist, going through the required steps, gaining professional experience, and attending courses or attaining certifications will aid the process significantly.

How long does it take to become a Genealogist?

Defining Genealogy Experience

Before we answer how long it takes to become a genealogist, let’s first understand what genealogy is and what type of experience is necessary to work in this field.

Genealogy is the study of families, their lineage, and history. It involves researching family members’ lives, including their relationships and ancestries, using records, documents, and other historical evidence. A genealogist uses all this information to create a comprehensive genealogy report that outlines the history of a family and its ancestors.

To become a genealogist, you need a genuine interest in history and an innate curiosity about the lives of people in the past, particularly those in your family. You also need to be dedicated and committed to pursuing this field, as genealogy can be a bit of a tedious and time-consuming process. Additionally, basic computer skills are essential when it comes to searching for records and conducting online research.

Genealogy is a field that requires continuous learning. Even experienced genealogists need to stay up-to-date on research methodologies, emerging trends, and new tools for research. There is no single degree or course that will prepare you to become a genealogist, but there are several educational paths you can take to get started in this field.

Some genealogists possess a degree in history, anthropology, or a related field. However, a degree in these fields does not mean you are an instant expert on genealogy. Many genealogists do not have a formal degree but instead opt for professional association membership and attend workshops, conferences, and other additional professional development opportunities. These opportunities offer genealogy training and experience, including tips on how to conduct extensive research and how to maintain the highest standards of genealogy research practice.

In summary, genealogical experience is primarily based on the amount of time one dedicates to learning and conducting genealogical research. Therefore, the length of time it will take you to become a genealogist will depend on how much time you devote to learning this field, whether you take a more informal or formal educational path.

Required Education and Certifications

To become a professional genealogist, there are several paths to take, and it depends on the country or state where you plan to practice. One may enter the profession through a formal genealogy degree program or obtain certifications from professional organizations and societies that recognize genealogy.

There are formal education programs that provide theoretical and practical knowledge for aspirants. While these programs are a great option, they are not a mandatory requirement to practice genealogy professionally. Many genealogy professionals are self-taught and have built their careers through their passion for this field.

In the United States, many schools, such as Brigham Young University, Boston University, Salt Lake Community College, and the University of Washington, offer genealogy degree programs. These programs provide fundamental and advanced knowledge in genealogical research, ethics, and technology used in the profession. Some programs are online, which offers flexibility to students pursuing other jobs. Some online certificate courses from renowned organizations like Boston University, the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, and the Genealogy Certification Institute offer certificates that strengthen one’s skills in critical family history research.

Additionally, specific states in the U.S. provide certification programs that recognize genealogists and other related professions. The Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) is a specialized council that aims to standardize and certify Genealogy professionals. They provide certification programs such as Certified Genealogical Records Specialist (CGRS), Certified Genealogist (CG), and Certified Lineage Specialist (CLS). Obtaining certification from this council is not mandatory, but it carries prestige and adds value to the professional’s profile.

Certifications offered by BCG and other societies come with prerequisites. For example, CG requires applicants to submit reports that showcase research skills and documentation of their work. Additionally, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that evaluates their knowledge and ability to solve complex genealogical problems. The certification’s cost varies, and it is essential to research the requirements before choosing to pursue certification.

In conclusion, formal education in genealogy is helpful but not required to become a professional genealogist. Self-taught individuals with a passion for genealogy can also make a successful career as a genealogist. Formal education in genealogy is available online and in-person; it provides the necessary knowledge for improving skills, and it adds value to the professional’s profile. Certifications from organizations like BCG attach prestige to the professional’s name, and it requires applicants to meet specific prerequisites and costs for certification.

Gaining Practical Experience

If you want to become a genealogist, gaining practical experience is crucial. Reading books, attending seminars, and taking courses are helpful, but they do not substitute for hands-on experience in genealogical research. As you gain experience, you will learn how to analyze old records for clues, connect families across generations, and identify research gaps that need further investigation.

The following ideas can help you gain practical experience as a genealogist:

1. Volunteer at a Local Historical Society

Historical societies, libraries, and archives often need volunteers to help with research, cataloging collections, and organizing events. Volunteering at a local historical society can provide a great opportunity to hone your genealogical skills and learn from others who share your interests. You may also gain access to rare or unpublished documents that can help you piece together your family’s history.

2. Conduct Family History Interviews

Conducting family history interviews is an excellent way to gather information directly from your relatives. Start by selecting an elderly relative who is willing to share their memories and stories. Prepare a list of questions in advance, such as where they were born, who their parents were, what jobs they had, and how they met their spouse. Record their responses using an audio recorder or video camera so that you can review and transcribe them later. Family history interviews not only provide you with useful information but also help you establish a personal connection with your relatives.

3. Attend Genealogy Conferences

Attending genealogy conferences can help you learn from seasoned professionals, share ideas with like-minded individuals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in genealogical research. Many conferences offer sessions on a variety of topics, such as how to use DNA testing for genealogy, how to solve brick walls in your family tree, and how to write your family history. Some popular genealogy conferences include RootsTech, the National Genealogical Society Conference, and the Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference.

4. Join Local and Online Genealogy Groups

Joining local or online genealogy groups can help you connect with other genealogists who share your passion. Local groups often offer regular meetings, workshops, or outings to historical sites. Online groups, such as Facebook groups or genealogy forums, offer a way to connect with others from the comfort of your own home. Members of genealogy groups can provide insight into research techniques, offer tips on where to find hard-to-find records, and share their own genealogical discoveries. Joining multiple groups can expose you to a diverse range of opinions and experiences.

In conclusion, gaining practical experience is essential to becoming a successful genealogist. While there are many ways to gain experience, volunteering at a local historical society, conducting family history interviews, attending genealogy conferences, and joining local and online genealogy groups are four of the most effective methods. Remember to take advantage of every opportunity to practice your genealogical research skills, and have fun exploring your roots!

Success Stories of Genealogists

Genealogy is an enriching and fascinating field. The stories behind our ancestors and their journeys are truly inspiring. Becoming a genealogist takes time and dedication, but the rewards are countless. Here are five success stories from genealogists who have followed their passion.

1. Kenyatta Berry

Kenyatta Berry is a genealogist and lawyer with extensive experience in tracing family roots. Among her successes is the search for her enslaved fourth great-grandfather, which led her to Ghana and the eventual discovery of his identity and lineage. Berry is also the host of the PBS series “Genealogy Roadshow” and author of the book “The Family Tree Toolkit.”

2. Bjorn Skaptason

Bjorn Skaptason is a genealogist who specializes in Scandinavian research. He is known for discovering the identities of the parents of his great-great-grandfather, who had emigrated from Norway. His research took him to the archives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and eventually to the discovery of his ancestry.

3. CeCe Moore

CeCe Moore is a prominent genetic genealogist who has worked on several high-profile cases, including identifying victims of the Golden State Killer. Her work also involves helping people find their birth families by using DNA testing. She hosts the TV show “The Genetic Detective” and is the founder of The DNA Detectives.

4. Amy Johnson Crow

Amy Johnson Crow is a Certified Genealogist who has been doing genealogy research for over 20 years. She has traced her own family roots back to the Revolutionary War and has helped many others discover their own family history. Her work has been featured in numerous publications, and she hosts the podcast “Generations Cafe.”

5. Roberta Estes

Roberta Estes is a genetic genealogist who specializes in Native American ancestry. Her research has helped many people discover their Native American roots and their tribal affiliations. She is the founder of the Native Heritage Project and has authored numerous articles on the subject.

These five genealogists are just a few examples of the countless success stories in the field. Becoming a genealogist takes time and persistence, but the rewards can be life-changing. With each discovery, a new chapter in the story of our ancestors is revealed, and the journey of discovery continues.