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Practising and Applying the Standards 3 9
studies program by correpondence, currently available only
at a certificate level. Naturally, the Institute concentrates
on British sources and records. Written assignments are
distributed with each of the 24 modules or lesson packages,
and each student has a personal tutor. An online forum has
been added to the home studies program for discussion
purposes and extra learning. After completing the Home
Studies program, candidates can then write the Institute
examination for the Certificate in Genealogy.

Certification and Accreditation
CertZJication from an independent, peer-testing organization
is not to be confused with a certzjicate, which is usually an
educational acknowledgment that certain courses or
programs have been completed.
Accreditation or certification in genealogical research has
made great progress in educating all levels of genealogists to
"professional" standards. The obviously interested parties
are hobbyists or part-time family historians who wish to
employ their skills for an income. It is true that
postnominals (e.g. CG or AG) after your name give you a
certain advantage of credibility with the general public and
among your peers. However, do not be misled that "going
into business" is a goal or even any kind of requirement or
commitment with these examining groups. Many people
undergo the testing for the personal challenge and private
satisfaction, with no intention of seeking clients. Others
find this a complement to a job they are doing, whether
sen-ing the public in a records centre, answering enquiries
for a local genealogical society or libran;, or working as the
genealogist for a family association.
Certifying bodies traditionally maintain independence
'-~m any specific society from which they might hare
,rown, and do not offer educational programs (although