What genealogists do and how to start

A genealogist researches and documents family histories by finding, organizing, and interpreting records about ancestors. Some genealogists work independently, helping clients trace their family trees. Others work for historical societies, archives, DNA testing companies, or government agencies. The work involves reading old documents, cross-referencing records across multiple sources, interviewing relatives, and building accurate family trees that show relationships and dates.

You do not need a specific degree to start. Many genealogists begin as a hobby, then move into paid work. The most common path is to build informed through self-study, take courses in genealogy methods, and earn a credential that signals competence to clients or employers. Some people combine genealogy with a related field like history, library science, or archival work.

Key Takeaways

  • Genealogy has no single required credential, but the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) credential is the most recognized in the field and requires documented research experience and a passing exam.
  • Start by researching your own family tree using free resources like FamilySearch and Ancestry.com, then move to courthouse records, census data, and primary documents.
  • Formal education options include certificate programs in genealogy (often offered online), courses through the National Institute for Genealogical Studies, and university programs in history or archival science.
  • Professional genealogists typically spend two to five years building a portfolio of research before seeking certification or taking on paying clients.
  • Specializations like DNA genealogy, immigration research, or records from specific regions or time periods can set you apart once you have foundational skills.

Build your skills through self-study and practice

Start by researching your own family. Use FamilySearch (run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and free to all users), which holds millions of digitized records including census data, birth and death certificates, and church records. Create a family tree, document what you find, and note where each piece of information came from. This teaches you how records connect and where gaps appear.

Move beyond your own family by volunteering to research for others through local historical societies or genealogy clubs. This builds your experience with different record types and geographic areas. Read books on genealogy methodology—The Genealogist's Handbook and Evidence Explained are standard references that teach how to evaluate sources and avoid common mistakes. Join online forums like the FamilySearch Research Wiki or Reddit's r/genealogy to learn from experienced researchers and see how they solve problems.

Practice using courthouse records, microfilm archives, and digitized collections. Many county courthouses have websites with searchable records. The National Archives (archives.gov) holds census records, military documents, and immigration files. State archives and university libraries often have regional records. Spend time learning how records are organized in different places—a will in Virginia is filed differently than one in Massachusetts, and knowing the system saves hours of searching.

Pursue formal education and certification

The Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) offers the most widely recognized credential in the field. To sit for the BCG exam, you must have at least five years of genealogical research experience (not necessarily paid), submit a portfolio of your research showing competence across different record types and geographic areas, and pass a written exam covering methodology, ethics, and analysis. The exam costs several hundred dollars and is offered twice a year. Certification lasts five years and requires continuing education to renew.

Before pursuing BCG certification, take formal courses to build your foundation. The National Institute for Genealogical Studies offers online courses in research methods, specific record types, and regional history. Many community colleges and universities offer genealogy certificates or courses. The Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (run by Samford University) offers week-long intensive courses. These programs teach you how to read old handwriting, understand historical context, evaluate evidence, and organize findings in a way that other researchers can follow.

Some genealogists pursue degrees in related fields instead of or in addition to genealogy-specific credentials. A degree in history, library science, archival science, or records management opens doors to work in institutions and pairs well with genealogy informed. These degrees take longer but provide broader career options.

Understand the different types of genealogy work

Independent genealogists take on clients directly, charging hourly rates or flat fees for research projects. They manage their own business, find clients through word-of-mouth or websites, and deliver research reports. This path requires both research skills and business skills—you need to manage timelines, communicate findings clearly, and handle billing.

Institutional genealogists work for historical societies, archives, libraries, or government agencies. These positions often include a salary, benefits, and stable hours. You might manage collections, help patrons with research, teach classes, or conduct research for the institution. These jobs usually require a degree in history, library science, or a related field, sometimes combined with genealogy experience.

DNA genealogists specialize in genetic testing and how DNA results connect to family trees. Companies like Ancestry, 23andMe, and MyHeritage employ genealogists to help customers understand their results. This work requires understanding both DNA science and traditional genealogy. Forensic genealogists use genealogy and DNA to help law enforcement solve cold cases or identify remains—this is a newer, specialized field that requires both genealogy credentials and often law enforcement or investigative background.

Choose a specialization to stand out

Once you have foundational skills, specializing makes you more valuable to clients and employers. Regional specialization means becoming informed in records from a specific area—for example, German immigration records, Southern plantation records, or Irish genealogy. This requires learning the language (if applicable), understanding the historical context, and knowing which archives hold the best sources.

Time period specialization focuses on a particular era—colonial America, the Civil War period, or medieval England. You learn the records available for that time, the historical events that shaped record-keeping, and the challenges researchers face. DNA genealogy is increasingly important; understanding how to interpret genetic matches and combine DNA with traditional research is a marketable skill. Other specializations include immigration research, adoption searches, or Native American genealogy, each with its own record types and methodologies.

Build a portfolio and start taking clients

Before marketing yourself as a professional genealogist, complete at least 10 to 20 research projects that you can show to potential clients. These can be for family members, friends, or volunteer work. Document your process clearly—show the records you found, explain how you evaluated them, and present your conclusions in a way a non-informed can understand. This portfolio demonstrates your competence and becomes your marketing tool.

Create a straightforward website or social media presence describing your services, specializations, and rates. Many genealogists charge between $25 and $75 per hour, though rates vary by location, experience, and specialization. Some charge flat fees for specific projects like "trace your paternal line back five generations" or "research your immigration story." Start with a rate you are comfortable with; you can raise it as you gain experience and reputation.

Join professional organizations like the National Genealogical Society or regional genealogy societies. These groups offer networking, continuing education, and credibility. Many clients look for members of professional organizations as a sign of serious, ethical work. Attend genealogy conferences and workshops to stay current with new records, tools, and methods.

Stay current with tools and records

Genealogy research tools change constantly. New records are digitized every month, and research platforms add features regularly. Subscribe to newsletters from major archives and genealogy websites to learn when new collections become available. Follow genealogy blogs and podcasts to hear about new methods and tools. The FamilySearch Research Wiki is updated regularly with guides to records in different regions and time periods.

Learn to use the major research platforms: FamilySearch, Ancestry.com, FindMyPast, and regional databases. Each has different strengths and record collections. Understand how to use DNA testing results—even if you do not specialize in DNA, clients increasingly want to know how genetic matches fit into their family tree. Take continuing education courses through genealogy organizations to maintain and expand your skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a college degree to become a genealogist?

No. Many successful genealogists have no college degree. You can build informed through self-study, genealogy courses, and practice. However, a degree in history, library science, or archival science helps if you want to work for an institution rather than independently.

How long does it take to become a professional genealogist?

Most genealogists spend two to five years building skills and a portfolio before taking on paying clients. BCG certification requires five years of documented research experience. The timeline depends on how much time you invest and how quickly you build informed.

Can I make a full-time living as a genealogist?

Yes, but it usually takes time to build a client base. Many genealogists start part-time while working another job, then transition to full-time as demand grows. Institutional positions offer stable full-time work. Independent genealogists' income varies based on how many clients they take and their hourly rate or project fees.

What is the difference between a genealogist and a family historian?

A genealogist focuses on documenting relationships, dates, and names—building an accurate family tree. A family historian does that plus researches the lives, stories, and historical context of ancestors. Some genealogists specialize in one or the other; many do both.

Is BCG certification necessary to work as a genealogist?

No. Many genealogists work successfully without it. However, BCG certification signals competence to clients and employers, can justify higher rates, and is required for some institutional positions. It is valuable but not mandatory.