Board Certification

On my retirement agenda: become a board certified genealogist.

I investigated the process. One has to develop a portfolio showing the research process for a particular genealogy problem (someone else's family, not mine). The portfolio has to include all sources, research logs, written analyses, and sound conclusions based on verified proof. All steps in the process must meet with the guidelines in the standards handbook. The portfolio is examined by a panel of judges, and either it passes or it doesn't. And all of this costs money! There are application fees and submission fees and re-submission fees if it doesn't pass the first time.

Right now, it strikes me as too much work! The process is not unlike the process to become a board certified teacher. That was a year-long project, equivalent to getting a masters degree. So much time, effort, and money. I am just not sure that's the direction I want my retirement to take. If I could work on a problem in my own family tree, it might be worth it.

If I ever decide to become a professional genealogist, I will revisit it, but in the meantime, I will continue to refine my skills on my own family tree.