Professional Genealogist - Become one, become a better one (941)

Do you have ambition to become a professional genealogist? Have you already started taking on clients but are looking for guidance or want to check you have thought of everything? Whether you are already researching for clients or planning to do so, this 4 week professional genealogist course guides you through the steps and professional skills that form the foundation for success.

This course was developed in association with the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives (AGRA), the professional body for genealogists in England and Wales, and includes guidance on what AGRA requires of its members and the application process.

The course begins by considering how professional research differs from personal research with a focus on standards for research, analysis and reporting. We move onto education options, membership of professional bodies and handling client enquiries. Equally important are the business skills that contribute to success. Topics in this segment of the course include advice on managing your office, UK regulations for the self-employed and costs and pricing. Another section of the course presents advice about the ways professional genealogists can stay current with new developments, with advice on the advantages of diversifying into writing and lecturing. We conclude with a practical guide to marketing your business and yourself.

Students should note that this course does not give guidance on advanced methods of research or records, and will assume you already have extensive research experience.

Whilst focused on the requirements in England and Wales, many overseas students have taken this course as the general principles apply wherever in the world you are located.

AGRA members should note that there is a discount for this course. Please see the members' area of the AGRA website.

Reading List:

Students often ask us for recommended reading for their courses, that they can look at before the course starts. Here is a suggested book list for this course.

NEW: Students may take the opportunity to submit one of their client reports for review and feedback at the end of this course by purchasing the 'assessed' option for this course. Students will then be able to submit an example 'client report' or a report written in a similar style, of up to 3,000 words at the end of the course. You will have around four weeks after the end of the course in which to submit this report to your tutor.