Board for Certification of Genealogists
Encyclopedia
The Board for Certification of Genealogists is a certifying body for genealogists founded in 1964 by Fellows of the American Society of Genealogists
, the genealogical field's academic honorary society
. The Board licenses associates under two categories: Certified Genealogist℠ and Certified Genealogical Lecturer℠. Associates' licenses are granted for a five-year period, at which time they may be renewed upon application to the Board, and that application's evaluation in a peer-review
process.
Associates holding certification work in a variety of fields. They have been recognized as experts in matters of inheritance
and probate
; some work to assist in reuniting families separated through adoption
. Others prepare applications for lineage societies; still others work to prove Native American genealogies. Board-certified associates also provide leadership in an effort to raise standards for research, writing and reporting in the genealogical field.
American Society of Genealogists
The American Society of Genealogists s the scholarly honorary society of the genealogical field. Founded by John Insley Coddington, Arthur Adams and Meredith B. Colket, Jr., in December 1940, its membership is limited to 50 living fellows...
, the genealogical field's academic honorary society
Honor society
In the United States, an honor society is a rank organization that recognizes excellence among peers. Numerous societies recognize various fields and circumstances. The Order of the Arrow, for example, is the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America...
. The Board licenses associates under two categories: Certified Genealogist℠ and Certified Genealogical Lecturer℠. Associates' licenses are granted for a five-year period, at which time they may be renewed upon application to the Board, and that application's evaluation in a peer-review
Peer review
Peer review is a process of self-regulation by a profession or a process of evaluation involving qualified individuals within the relevant field. Peer review methods are employed to maintain standards, improve performance and provide credibility...
process.
Associates holding certification work in a variety of fields. They have been recognized as experts in matters of inheritance
Inheritance
Inheritance is the practice of passing on property, titles, debts, rights and obligations upon the death of an individual. It has long played an important role in human societies...
and probate
Probate
Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a deceased person by resolving all claims and distributing the deceased person's property under the valid will. A probate court decides the validity of a testator's will...
; some work to assist in reuniting families separated through adoption
Adoption
Adoption is a process whereby a person assumes the parenting for another and, in so doing, permanently transfers all rights and responsibilities from the original parent or parents...
. Others prepare applications for lineage societies; still others work to prove Native American genealogies. Board-certified associates also provide leadership in an effort to raise standards for research, writing and reporting in the genealogical field.