Are you wondering how to become a genealogist? It’s a worthwhile question with a variety of answers. In fact, asking how to become a genealogist is a little like asking how to become an artist or a cook. Do you want to paint for your own enjoyment, or do you want to sell your artwork? Do you want to cook informally for family and friends, or do you want to become an expert chef?
As an aspiring genealogist, you face similar questions. Do you want to do genealogy as a hobby, or do you want to make it a career? Do you want to work on your own family tree or help others find their ancestors? Do you want to specialize in an area of research or learn how to break through a brick wall? All these goals are worthwhile, and they’re not mutually exclusive; your choice depends on your interests and priorities.
You may be thinking, “Is it hard to be a genealogist?” When people ask this question, usually they’re really asking, “Can I succeed as a genealogist?” The analogy we started with can help answer this question. Is it easy or hard to create art or to cook? The answer, of course, depends on what you want to create or cook. Some things are easy, others take more effort and skill, and some take a lot more effort and skill. It’s the same with genealogy—tasks range from very simple to extremely challenging. But with motivation and the right guidance, you have a good chance of reaching your genealogy goals.
In this article, we’ll discuss 3 paths a genealogist could take:
- Doing genealogy as a hobby—You want to do genealogy for your personal enjoyment.
- Obtaining formal genealogy education or credentials—You want to develop expertise in an area of interest.
- Working as a professional genealogist—You want to earn a living as a genealogist, whether as a teacher, researcher, scientist, or technologist, or in some other way.
It’s important to recognize that these options aren’t mutually exclusive. For instance, you could get training or credentials to help you enjoy your hobby more, or you could get them to boost your career. Or perhaps you’d like to turn your hobby into a profession without pursuing credentials.
Let’s explore each option.
Doing Genealogy as a Hobby
People around the world enjoy genealogy as a hobby, whether they create family trees, collect family photos and stories, or learn more about the lands and cultures of their ancestors. Some enjoy planning and hosting family reunions, sending family newsletters, or finding other ways to help living family members connect.
Resources for Increasing Your Genealogy Skills
While you don’t need formal training or credentials to enjoy genealogy as a hobby, it helps to understand the basics of your chosen area. For instance, if you’re focusing on photos, you probably want to learn best practices for preserving and sharing them. If you’re creating a family tree, it helps to know standard ways to record family information and relationships.
In today’s world, you’ll almost certainly use some kind of technology, whether a desktop app or an online service such as FamilySearch.org. Understanding how to use the relevant technology is just as important as understanding the basics of your chosen area. Misusing technology can lead to unexpected problems, from incorrect relationships in a family tree to lost or damaged files.
Fortunately, high-quality training is available online, much of it free. Here are a few sources of free training:
- FamilySearch Help and Learning Center
- FamilySearch Library in Salt Lake City, Utah
- BYU Library Family History Center
- RootsTech Library
- The Family History Guide
- Free Online Courses from the University of Strathclyde
The FamilySearch Research Wiki is another great resource for aspiring and established genealogists, with helpful articles such as the following:
You can also use the wiki’s Guided Research tool to help you get started. For other ideas on getting started as a genealogist, see What Is Genealogy? Starting Your Own Genealogy Adventure.
Seeking Formal Genealogy Education or Credentials
If you’re seeking formal genealogy training, 2 main options are available to you:
- A certificate or degree in genealogy
- Genealogy credentials
Again, these options aren’t mutually exclusive; you can pursue either or both.
Obtaining a Certificate or Degree in Genealogy
Genealogy certificates or degrees can be obtained from various institutions around the world. Keep in mind that a certificate is not the same as a certification. A certificate is awarded by a university or similar institution. On the other hand, certifications generally refer to credentials given by an accrediting organization. Certifications are covered in the next section.
A degree or certificate can require a significant investment in time and money. You’ll probably want to consider these factors when deciding on a degree or certificate program:
- Cost
- Location
- Required and optional classes
- Availability of online or independent study classes
- Qualifications of faculty
The institution’s website should answer many of your questions. You may also want to talk to faculty members, as well as alumni who have received the degree or certificate you’re considering.
Below are 3 tables listing institutions around the world that offer education in genealogy and related fields. Each table is organized by the type of program and then alphabetically by the institution name.
- Universities and Colleges with Certificate Programs
- Universities with Degree Programs
- Institutes or Societies with Certificate Programs
Some programs offer online options, while others are exclusively in person. Visit the respective university’s website to learn more about each program.
Universities and Colleges with Certificate or Diploma Programs
Certificates and diplomas typically have a specific emphasis in a field of study. They require fewer hours than a full degree, making them an option when pursuing a degree isn’t feasible. Diplomas tend to have more requirements than certificates.
| Type of Program | University or College | Location | Program Name |
| Certificate | Boston University | Boston, Massachusetts, United States | Online Genealogy Studies Certificate Program |
| Certificate | Brigham Young University–Pathway Worldwide | Salt Lake City, Utah, United States | Family History Research |
| Certificate | University of Limerick | Limerick, Ireland | History of Family and Genealogical Methods |
| Certificate | Ramapo College of New Jersey | Mahwah, New Jersey, United States | Investigative Genetic Genealogy Certificate |
| Certificate (Basic and Advanced) | Salt Lake Community College | Salt Lake City, Utah, United States | Genealogy (Certificate) |
| Undergraduate Certificate | Aberystwyth University | Aberystwyth, Wales, United Kingdom | Certificate of Higher Education in Genealogical Studies |
| Undergraduate Certificate | University of Tasmania | Tasmania, Australia | Undergraduate Certificate in Family History |
| Undergraduate Advanced Diploma | University of New England | Armidale, New South Wales, Australia | Local, Family, and Applied History |
| Undergraduate Diploma | University of Tasmania | Tasmania, Australia | Diploma of Family History |
| University Diploma | Le Mans Université | Le Mans, France | Histoire et Généalogie Familiale (DU) |
| University Diploma | Université de Nîmes | Nîmes, France | Approfondissement en généalogie (DU) |
| University Diploma | Université de Nîmes | Nîmes, France | Installation du généalogiste professionnel (DU) |
| University Diploma | Université de Nîmes | Nîmes, France | Genealogie et histoire des familles (DU) |
| Postgraduate Certificate | University of Dundee | Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom | Archival Studies (PGCert) |
| Postgraduate Certificate | University of Dundee | Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom | Archives and Records Management (PGCert) |
| Postgraduate Certificate | University of Dundee | Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom | Digital Recordkeeping (PGCert) |
| Postgraduate Certificate | University of Dundee | Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom | Records Management and Information Rights (PGCert) |
| Postgraduate Certificate | University of New Haven | West Haven, Connecticut, United States | Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy |
| Postgraduate Certificate | University of Strathclyde | Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom | Genealogical, Palaeographic, and Heraldic Studies (PgCert) |
| Postgraduate Diploma | University College Cork | Cork, Ireland | Genealogy (Diploma) |
| Postgraduate Diploma | University of Dundee | Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom | Archives and Records Management (PGDip) |
| Postgraduate Diploma | University of Dundee | Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom | Records Management and Digital Preservation (PGDip) |
| Postgraduate Diploma | University of Dundee | Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom | Records Management and Information Rights (PGDip) |
| Postgraduate Diploma | University of Strathclyde | Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom | Genealogical, Palaeographic, and Heraldic Studies (PgDip) |
Universities with Degree Programs
Degrees usually take 2–4 years to complete. Classes include general and specialized topics. A degree program may allow you to choose an emphasis or electives so you can tailor the degree to your interests and goals.
| Type of Program | University Name | Location | Name of Program |
| Associate’s Degree | Brigham Young University–Pathway Worldwide | Salt Lake City, Utah, United States | Family History Research (AAS) |
| Undergraduate Degree | Brigham Young University | Provo, Utah, United States | Family History–Genealogy (BA) |
| Undergraduate Minor | Brigham Young University | Provo, Utah, United States | Family History–Genealogy (Minor) |
| Master’s Degree | University of Dundee | Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom | Archives and Records Management (MLitt) |
| Master’s Degree | University of Dundee | Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom | Records Management and Digital Preservation (MSc) |
| Master’s Degree | University of Dundee | Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom | Records Management and Information Rights (MSc) |
| Master’s Degree | University of Strathclyde | Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom | Genealogical, Palaeographic, and Heraldic Studies (MSc) |
| Doctorate Degree | University of Strathclyde | Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom | History with Genealogical Studies (PhD) |
Institutes or Societies with Certificate Programs
If you’re considering a certificate, you aren’t limited to institutions of higher education. Some genealogical institutes and societies offer certificates as well.
| Type of Program | Institute or Society | Location | Certificate Name |
| Certificate | Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies | Canterbury, Kent, United Kingdom | Higher Certificate in Genealogy |
| Certificate | International Institute of Genealogical Studies | Ajax, Ontario, Canada | Certificate Programs in 14 Areas or Topics |
| Certificate | National Genealogical Society | Annapolis, Maryland, United States | Advanced Skills in Genealogy |
| Certificate | Society of Australian Genealogists | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | Certificate in Genealogical Research |
| Diploma | Society of Australian Genealogists | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | Diploma in Family Historical Studies |
The tables above are not an exhaustive list of formal educational genealogy opportunities. The resources below provide more information about formal education for genealogists:
- FamilySearch Wiki: Education Opportunities
- FamilySearch Wiki: Professional Genealogy Educational Opportunities
- Cyndi’s List—Institutes, Campuses, and Universities
- ConferenceKeeper Genealogy Education
Obtaining Genealogy Credentials
To become a credentialed genealogist, you demonstrate your commitment and expertise by meeting the requirements set forth by a professional genealogical organization. While credentials are helpful if you want to work as a professional genealogist, you may also want to earn credentials simply to improve your skills and knowledge. Cyndi’s List offers more information about genealogy credentials.
Three respected credentialing organizations are:
- ICAPGen (International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists), which awards the Accredited Genealogist® (AG) credential.
- BCG (Board for Certification of Genealogists), which awards the following credentials:
- Certified Genealogist® (CG)
- Certified Genetic Genealogist℠ (CGG)
- Certified Genealogical Lecturer℠ (CGL)
- CAFG (Council for the Advancement of Forensic Genealogy), which awards the ForensicGenealogistCredentialed℠ credential.
Becoming a Professional Genealogist
You may love genealogy so much that you want to make it your career. There has never been a better time to work as a professional genealogist, thanks to widespread interest and varied opportunities. Advancements in areas such as DNA and Artificial Intelligence (AI) have given rise to careers that weren’t possible even a decade ago.
When considering a career in genealogy, be sure to research your options, just as it is with any career choice. For example:
- Do you want to work for an organization or as an independent professional?
- Do you want to work full-time or part-time?
- What kind of work do you want to do? For example, do you want to help clients, teach, write, or research? Do you want to be involved with cutting-edge technologies such as handwriting recognition and machine learning?
- Do you have the skills needed for the work you want to do, or would additional education be helpful?
- Would one or more genealogy credentials improve your ability to make a contribution in your career?
If you’re considering genealogy as a career, you can find helpful information and advice online. For example:
- Becoming a Professional Genealogist (National Genealogical Society)
- Are You Ready to Become a Professional Genealogist? (Association of Professional Genealogists)
- How to Become a Genealogist: Professional Career Guidance (GenealogyBank)
- Things No One Told Me About Becoming a Professional Genealogist (WayBackGen)
You’ll probably also want to talk to one or more genealogists who work in the field you’re considering.
Genealogical Societies: Help for Your Path
No matter which path you choose, consider joining a genealogical society. Societies range from national to local and from specialized to general. You may want to join more than one!
What benefits can you expect from joining a genealogical society?
- Opportunities for learning. Many societies offer live and recorded training for their members.
- Access to records. A society may provide access to historical records that aren’t widely available.
- Mentors. If you’re just starting out, a genealogical society is a great place to find a mentor who can show you the ropes, answer your questions, and help you avoid common pitfalls.
- Connecting with fellow genealogists. A society offers the added bonus of spending time with people who share your interests. When you share your genealogical discoveries, they’ll be just as excited as you are!
To find a genealogical society that’s right for you, you can talk to other genealogists and review information online. The FamilySearch Research Wiki has a list of genealogical and historical societies sorted by country. Cyndi’s List also has a comprehensive list of societies and groups.
What’s Next?
If you have a clear idea of the path you want to take, take some time to develop a long-term strategy. You may find it helpful to create a timeline with the major milestones on your path. You’ll also want to decide on your next steps and set deadlines. Giving yourself deadlines will change your next steps from good intentions to concrete tasks that you will achieve.
However, if you are still exploring, take some time to research your options. Brainstorm with trusted family or friends. Talk to experts or hobbyists. Try writing down your questions, concerns, and possible directions; writing is one of the best ways to find clarity about the direction you want to go.
Best wishes to you on your genealogy journey!
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