Certification – Family Locket

RLP 262: Michelle Dickens’ Certification Journey

Jul 17, 2023

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is an interview with Michelle Dickens, CG, a member of the Research Like a Pro Facebook group, who recently completed her application for certification through the Board for Certification of Genealogists. Michelle shares how she prepared for certification through studying textbooks, the RLP podcast and books, and working on her work samples. Join us for a fun talk with Michelle. Transcript Nicole (1s): This is Research Like a...

RLP 143: Writing a Family Narrative: The Thomas Bradley Family

Apr 5, 2021

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about Nicole’s ProGen study group assignment to write a family narrative about one generation in a family. We discuss Nicole and Diana’s ancestor, Thomas Bradley, his life in Lincolnshire, England, and his four illegitimate children. Join us as we discuss the process of acquiring records about his life, organizing the information into a narrative, and selecting details about his life to include in the narrative. Transcript Nicole...

RLP 110: Development Activities – Certification Preparation

Aug 17, 2020

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about the second portfolio element for certification: development activities. In this element, you list the genealogy-related activities that helped you prepare for certification and share how they helped you. We discuss several educational opportunities and how they help you learn more about genealogy standards, records, and methodology. Links Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) – website Educational Activities – Board for Certification of Genealogists website with list...

RLP 104: Research Reports – Certification Preparation

Jul 6, 2020

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about portfolio element four: the research report prepared for another person. To apply to the Board for Certification of Genealogists you must submit a research report that meets standards. You cannot submit a report that focuses on your own ancestors. Listen in as we discuss the requirements, best practices for reports, and the rubrics for grading this portfolio element. Links Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) BCG...

RLP 101: Proof Arguments – Certification Preparation

Jun 15, 2020

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about proof arguments. We discuss different types of proofs, including proof statements, proof summaries, and proof arguments. Then we discuss the requirements for the case study element of the portfolio for certification and go over the rubric indicators that show if a case study has met the standards. We talk about resources for helping you with proofs and logical arguments. We also discuss various methods for...

RLP 99: Writing a Narrative Family History – Certification Preparation

Jun 1, 2020

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about the Kinship Determination Project (KDP), the narrative family history work sample portfolio element submitted to the Board for Certification of Genealogists. The KDP element shows your ability to prove parent-child links as well as tell the story of a family in their unique place and time. There are three formats of narrative family histories – narrative genealogy, narrative lineage, and narrative pedigree. We discuss these terms...

RLP 86: Mining Records for Research Opportunities – Certification Preparation

Mar 2, 2020

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about how to analyze a record thoroughly and find clues for future research. Nicole is preparing her portfolio to submit to the Board for Certification of Genealogists, so we are discussing portfolio element 3 – Document Work – in conjunction with this subject. For this portfolio element, applicants are given a document to transcribe and analyze. We focus primarily on parts 3C, 3D, and 3E – creating...

Strategies to Meet Standards with DNA Evidence – Compelling SLIG Course

Feb 6, 2020

How can genealogists know if they are using DNA evidence correctly to prove conclusions? What is required to meet the Genealogical Proof Standard when incorporating DNA evidence? Since the 2nd Edition of Genealogy Standards was published last year, I have been studying the new standards relating to DNA evidence, Standards 51-57. Then at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) last month, I had the opportunity to learn from Karen Stanbary and her team of...

RLP 78 : Getting Things Done Part 4 – Reflecting

Jan 6, 2020

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about the fourth step in Getting Things Done, reflecting. Regularly capturing the new items that have risen to the surface, reviewing your calendar and project lists, and processing new materials can keep your mind free to do its best work. We discuss the weekly review, getting clear, getting current, and getting creative. We also talk about the big picture review and considering the larger goals that may...

RLP 76: RootsTech and Genealogy Education – Interview with Amberly Beck

Dec 23, 2019

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about genealogy education opportunities, including attending genealogy conferences like RootsTech. Our guest, Amberly Beck, talks about her first experience at RootsTech in Salt Lake City and how Tom Jones’ classes impacted her. She also shares about her experience speaking at RootsTech London and some of the classes she liked there. After recording the episode, Amberly shared a great thought with us. She said, “Sometimes we love researching...