How To Build your Research Skills and Establish your Genealogical Credentials.

 

There is no absolute method of proving that you are a Genealogist. Unlike other professions - teacher, doctor, lawyer, plumber - the profession which we call "Genealogist" has no set credential. Anyone can call themselves a "Genealogist".

 

In practice, someone who wishes to call themselves a Genealogist with any degree of authority, must prove that they have advanced genealogical research skills. Expert Connect, for example, a service offered to members of Ancestry.com, has a series of tests which they apply to anyone who wishes to be listed as an "Expert". They do not even use the term "Genealogist". Some of their tests include:

 
  1. A recognised university degree in a related subject field, or proof of genealogical studies;
  2. Proof of research over a period of three or more years - which may be derived from an online web site which features family genealogy;
  3. Proof that the proposed Expert operates a business which is registered for the purpose of family research or genealogy;
  4. Proof of membership in an association such as APG, even though one may join APG with no proof of ability;
  5. One or more reference letters from another approved Expert, or from someone who has genealogical research skills;
  6. Satisfactory research results obtained by an 'Expert', on behalf of a client who engages them, at the Expert Connect web page. This is determined by feedback from the client at the completion of a Project; the clients submit comments and give a Star-rating, with five stars being the best. NFFG has a five star rating with Expert Connect, as of January 2010.

 

NFFG POLICY: has a team of members, researchers, and contributors. Many of this team are clearly Experts in genealogical research. Others approach NFFG as beginners, and over a period of time, become much more expert in genealogical research. Often, we are asked for tips or advice, about methods of developing research skills, or methods of having their skills recognized.

 

Some suggestions for Genealogical Studies...

 

I suggest that the best source of study is The National Institute for Genealogical Studies. If you click on the web site at the link below, you can review the courses which they offer, and more details. Several members & contributors of NFFG have taken, or are now taking, some of their courses. The Institute is recognised by Expert Connect and other accreditation bodies. It is the best institute for genealogical studies in the USA or Canada. Here is the link...

Web site for The National Institute for Genealogical Studies

 

Also recommended is the NEHGS, the New England Historical and Genealogical Society. They offer courses from time to time. Here is a link...

Web site for NEHGS

 

The closest University to the Morman vaults in Nevada, is Brigham Young University. The genealogical world owes an incredible debt to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, for compiling their HUGE base of worldwide family records. NFFG gratefully uses their resources often. BYU is their university, and they do offer Independent Study Courses in Family History & genealogy. Here is a link ...

Web site for BYU

 

A suggestion for Establishing your Research Credentials...

 

If you are a recognised Expert Family Researcher, you will be better able to research your family roots. You will be better able to help others in their research. You may even be able to undertake genealogical research work for a fee. If you are a valid NFFG Forensic Member with Expert Status, you will even be able to use NFFG resources in your efforts.

When you join NFFG at the level of Forensic Member, and submit examples of your research, NFFG is able to give a recognised rating to your level of genealogical skill. You are designated by NFFG as an "R.F.R.", or Registered Family Researcher, Expert Status. The Forensic Level of Membership includes five hours of professional research time by NFFG, which is generally used to post your submitted family research in the main NFFG Family Database. It will also be posted online, at the NFFG Online Family Tree. NFFG undertakes to use its resources to correct any errors, or to solve issues in your family research, or to add research data to your submitted research work. Of course, no information is posted online, for any living person. If you wish, your name can be added to the Ongoing Research for Members page, with a brief biography, as well as a description of your family research areas, and your email address. Your email address is added, so that anyone looking through the NFFG Online Family Tree, for anyone in your research sphere, can contact you directly.

NFFG will issue you a Certificate of your Research level, and will act as a reference when needed. Your may take your NFFG-approved research level and use it for your own professional research, if you wish. Here is a recently issued Certificate...

 

This is an RFR- Expert Level Status Certificate for Richard Miller of Dallas, Texas.

 

Your Expert Level Status, once approved by NFFG, will remain effective so long as your Forensic Membership is Active. There is a small renewal fee each calendar year.

 

If you would like to view the areas of research, the research level status, and the families under study by current NFFG members, please click here. If you join NFFG as a Forensic Member, you could have a place on this page.

 

To find out more about NFFG Forensic Membership and other optional levels of NFFG Membership, please Click here.

 

 

 

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