CG study guide
CG · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Genealogist (CG) credential is a professional certification for genealogists who research, analyze, and write about families for clients, courts, editors, or their own publication. It is awarded by an independent credentialing body, not a university, and it is neither a degree nor a license. The CG study guide has 6 sections and about 1,584 words.
01Research Planning and Problem Definition
A strong plan turns a vague goal into a bounded research question: a person, relationship, event, place, and date range. Separate the research objective (what you want to learn), the answerable question, and a hypothesis (a tentative answer).
277 words, about 1 min02Source Selection, Analysis, and Citation
Source selection starts with fitness for the question: does the record cover the right place, time, person, and event? Distinguish original records (first recording) from derivative works (transcripts, abstracts, indexes, compiled genealogies).
293 words, about 1 min03Evidence Analysis and Reasoning
Evidence analysis applies the Genealogical Proof Standard: reasonably exhaustive research, complete and accurate citations, analysis and correlation, resolution of conflicts, and a soundly reasoned conclusion. Classify evidence as direct, indirect, or negative, but remember that classification depends on the question.
262 words, about 1 min04Kinship Determination and Identity Resolution
Kinship determination depends on identity resolution: proving that records refer to the same person before linking generations. Build a profile of distinguishing identifiers: full name and variants, age, birthplace, occupation, religion, associates, migration, land, and naming patterns.
237 words, about 1 min05Genealogical Writing and Presentation of Conclusions
Genealogical writing presents conclusions so a reader can evaluate them. Choose the form: a proof statement for a simple answer, a proof summary for a brief explanation, or a proof argument for complex or conflicting evidence.
266 words, about 1 min06Ethical Standards, Documentation, and Professional Conduct
Ethical genealogists protect living people, obtain informed consent before sharing or publishing private information, and respect confidentiality in client work. They document sources honestly, distinguish their own conclusions from others' work, and credit collaborators.
249 words, about 1 min