What Certified Genealogist means and who awards it

A Certified Genealogist is someone who has passed a written exam and met education requirements set by the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG), a private organization based in the United States. The BCG does not work for any government agency — it is an independent credentialing body that has been testing genealogists since 1964.

The BCG certification is the most widely recognized credential in the genealogy field. It tells clients, employers, and other genealogists that you have demonstrated knowledge of research methods, source evaluation, and how to document your findings. Other organizations offer genealogy credentials — the National Genealogical Society (NGS) offers a Home Study Course and a written exam, for example — but BCG certification is the standard that most professional genealogists pursue.

You do not need any certification to work as a genealogist or to help people research their family trees. Certification is voluntary and is mainly useful if you plan to work professionally, charge clients for research, or want to establish credibility in the field.

Key Takeaways

  • The Board for Certification of Genealogists administers the exam and sets the standards; you must pass a written test and meet education and experience requirements.
  • You need at least 60 hours of formal genealogy education (through courses, workshops, or self-study with approved materials) and two years of research experience before you can sit for the exam.
  • The exam costs money and covers research methodology, source analysis, documentation, and ethics — it is not a multiple-choice test but a practical writing exam.
  • Preparation typically takes one to two years of study and practice, and you can take the exam once per year.
  • Certification lasts five years and requires continuing education to renew.

Education requirements before the exam

The BCG requires 60 hours of formal genealogy education before you can sit for the certification exam. This is not a degree program — it is a combination of coursework, workshops, and self-study that you piece together yourself.

You can meet this requirement in several ways. The National Genealogical Society Home Study Course is one of the most common paths; it covers 12 lessons on research methodology and takes most people three to six months to complete. You can also take live workshops at genealogy conferences, university extension courses, or webinars offered by genealogy organizations. Many genealogists combine multiple sources — for example, two weeks at a genealogy institute, three online courses, and several workshops at a regional conference.

The BCG maintains a list of approved educational resources on its website. If you are considering a course or workshop, check whether it appears on that list before you enroll, because only approved hours count toward the 60-hour requirement. Self-teaching with books and materials does not count unless you use specific BCG-approved study guides.

Research experience you must document

Beyond the 60 hours of education, you must have completed at least two years of genealogical research. This does not mean two years of calendar time — it means you must have spent at least 100 hours actually doing research (roughly 50 hours per year). You document this by keeping a research log that shows the dates you worked, what you researched, and how many hours you spent.

Your research does not have to be for clients or paid work. You can research your own family tree, volunteer to help others, or work on research projects for genealogy societies. What matters is that you can show you have spent the time and have records to prove it. When you submit your BCG process, you will need to provide a summary of your research experience and examples of your work.

Many genealogists complete their education and research experience at the same time. For example, you might take a course while also working on your own family research, so the two-year clock and the 60-hour education requirement run in parallel.

The BCG written exam and what it covers

The BCG exam is a four-hour written test that you take once per year, usually in spring. It is not a multiple-choice test — you write essays and short answers that demonstrate your knowledge of genealogical research methods and your ability to evaluate sources.

The exam covers five main areas: research methodology (how to plan and conduct research), source analysis (how to read and understand historical documents), documentation (how to cite your sources correctly), analysis and correlation (how to weigh evidence and reach conclusions), and ethics (how to handle sensitive information and represent your work honestly). You will be given scenarios and asked to explain how you would approach them, what sources you would use, and how you would document your findings.

The exam costs a fee (the amount varies year to year; check the BCG website for current pricing). You must submit your process, education documentation, and research summary before the important date, which is usually several months before the exam date. The BCG reviews your process to confirm you meet the requirements before you are allowed to sit for the test.

Preparing for the exam: study materials and practice

Most people spend six months to a year preparing specifically for the exam after they have completed their 60 hours of education. The BCG publishes a study guide called The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual, which covers the standards and methods you need to know. You should also read Evidence Explained by Elizabeth Shown Mills, which is the standard reference for genealogical documentation and citation.

Beyond reading, the best preparation is practice. Join a study group (many genealogy societies have BCG study groups that meet online or in person), take a BCG prep course if one is offered in your area, or work through practice scenarios on your own. Many genealogists find it helpful to write sample answers to past exam questions and have someone experienced review them.

You can take the exam more than once if you do not pass on your first attempt. Many genealogists pass on the first try, but some need a second or third sitting. Each attempt requires a new process and fee.

After you pass: maintaining your certification

Once you pass the exam, you receive your BCG certification, which is valid for five years. During those five years, you must complete 60 hours of continuing education to keep your certification active. This is the same type of education as before — courses, workshops, webinars, and approved self-study.

When your five-year term is ending, you submit a renewal process to the BCG showing the continuing education hours you have completed. If you do not renew, your certification lapses, though you can reapply later if you wish.

Many certified genealogists also join the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), which is a membership organization for people who work professionally in the field. APG membership is separate from BCG certification but is often pursued by the same people.

Cost and timeline for the full process

The total cost depends on how you structure your education. The National Genealogical Society Home Study Course costs around $200 to $300. A week-long genealogy institute might cost $500 to $1,500. Webinars and workshops vary widely. The BCG exam process and exam fee together cost several hundred dollars (check the BCG website for the exact current amount).

If you are starting from scratch, expect the full process to take two to three years. You need at least two years of research experience, and most people take six months to a year to complete the 60 hours of education and then another six months to a year to prepare for the exam. Some people move faster if they already have research experience or take intensive courses, while others spread it out over a longer period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a degree in history or genealogy to become a certified genealogist?

No. The BCG does not require a college degree. You need 60 hours of genealogy education and two years of research experience, but these can come from courses, workshops, and self-directed study. Many certified genealogists have degrees in other fields or no degree at all.

Can I count my own family research toward the two years of experience?

Yes. As long as you keep a research log documenting the hours you spend and the work you do, research on your own family tree counts toward the experience requirement. You do not have to be paid or working for a client.

What happens if I fail the BCG exam?

You can take the exam again the following year. You will need to submit a new process and pay the fee again. Many genealogists pass on the second or third attempt. There is no limit to how many times you can sit for the exam.

Is BCG certification the only genealogy credential that matters?

BCG is the most widely recognized, but the National Genealogical Society also offers credentials through its Home Study Course and exam. Some genealogists hold both. Neither is legally required to work as a genealogist, but both are valuable if you want to work professionally or establish credibility with clients.

How much can I charge clients once I am certified?

That is up to you. Certified genealogists typically charge hourly rates that vary by region and experience, but certification itself does not set a price. Your certification signals to clients that you have met a professional standard, which may allow you to charge more than someone without credentials, but the actual rate depends on your market and experience.