Maybe!
I spent last night reviewing a number of the subsites at the BCG site. They have a quiz there that you are to take to determine whether you are skilled/knowledgeable enough to do the work at a level that is necessary to have a credible application. It was interesting. You are “supposed” to score 20 of 23 points on all questions or you should reconsider whether you are ready to apply. The one I lost the most points on was the question pertaining to reading five peer-reviewed journals (NGSQ, TAG, NEHGR, NYGBR, The Genealogist. I subscribe and read only one–NGSQ) for two years minimum. I would be interested in your opinion of the relative value of subscribing vs. just taking a trip to my local library regularly and copying/reading a few of the articles. And, which ones? Is there value for a person from the NW and who works in the Midwest to subscribing to either NEHGR or NYGBR? if so which one makes for a better illustration of scholarly writing?
Here is the link for the quiz: http://www.bcgcertification.org/ruready.html
I do think that the rigor of my education is lacking and so last night I put myself on the waiting list for ProGen. I am very interested in its structure. It’s an 18 month program and uses Professional Genealogist by ESM as its text. It meets virtually with a mentor to discuss the assignments that have already been shared and reviewed by the class. Since much of the class is oriented towards serving clients, I think that I have enough experience to find a professional mentor helpful. And you would have the camaraderie of a group of like minded genealogists.
Here is the link for the ProGen Study Group: http://progenstudy.org/
My next post (probably) will cover the analysis related to the last question on the quiz: assess five of your reports against the rubrics of the BCG Certification. I think this will not only re-acquaint me with the standards against which you are measured but also show me if I am consistently missing any particular area and be a terribly humbling experience! Stay tuned for this one.
The rubrics are in PDF format so you will have to click on the link after getting to the site via:
http://www.bcgcertification.org/certification/judging.html
Happy Hunting!
Jill
What I have done since the last post: made an appt. to meet with my client, Stephanie, to review the draft of the book; did some research on the paternal side for her report. I am gaining experience working in the southern states but it is harder for this “northerner” than I was expecting. You really do have to live in any area to do genealogy in the area well. It seems like there are far fewer documents than in the north. (of course, being from Iowa which has an enormous amounts of on-line records, I admit to being spoiled! I signed up for ProGen (they place you on a waiting list until they have 24). I finished up my reimbursibles for the conference and submitted them to the association’s Treasurer.
Genealogy Certification: My Personal Journal 