Hi! I'm fairly new to GenealogyWise. I do have a question regarding the certificates available through the National Institute of Genealogical Studies. 

How does one decide which certificate to take? Is any one better than another? I have been taking some English record related courses, but I also have a few general methodology courses under my belt. Do I continue in the English records stream and opt for the English Records Certificate? Or do I try something else?

Would this comment have been better suited to a discussion thread instead?

Thanks,

Melanie

Hi Melanie!

Really, it depends on what your goal is in determining what certificate to pursue. If you plan on concentrating on English research than you probably would want to pursue the English Records certificate. Doing that does not stop you from taking courses in other areas, like American Records for example. It just means that the majority of your courses focus on English Records.

There is no certificate that is "better" than another.  It all depends on what your interests and genealogy goals are. If you decide to change and go for a different certificate, that is fine to do.You might want to look at the courses you are interested in taking and make your decision based on that.

Gena Philibert-Ortega

Director, Genealogy Services

National Institute for Genealogical Studies

Hi Gena,

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question and I hope you won't mind a further question. Is there a time frame in which all of the courses towards a certificate must be completed?

Thanks again,

Melanie

Good morning Melanie!

Please ask away! That's what this group is for.  You can complete the certificate at your own pace. For some people that has meant doing it in as little as a year and for others they take more than a year.  We have even had students take as long as 10 years. It's at your own pace, that way it fits in with what's going on in your life.

Gena

Cathy,

Thanks for letting me know. I will find out of there is a browser problem with those downloads so we can let other students know.

Gena

Is there a post somewhere of the recommended order of courses, both for prerequisite purposes for the compulsory courses, and guidance with the elective courses? I know we don't HAVE to do it any particular way, but it would help plan to see something that says "think about doing x and y before taking z class".

I do know that when I tried to sign up for "Skills: Transcribing, Abstracting & Extracting" the page mentioned you should have taken Met 1 and Met 2 first. However, I'm referring to some kind of master list or flowchart. Or even just a list of which electives are Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced level courses, without having to click through every course offered. 

Also, I was reading the posts in the NIGS FB group and someone further along than I mentioned it's better to take Analysis & Skills Courses at the end of the level. That's the kind of stuff I would like to know about.

Thanks!

(((Cross-posted in "American Records".)))

I have been completing the Social Media Tools for the Wise Genealogist, and am wondering if I have a general suggestion for courses, would I suggest it on the Student Suggestions & Recommendations section?

Hi, Happy to meet other students. I joined this group since I just started taking a few classes. I would like to know what percentage is awarded to the homework for each module and the final exam to then give a final score. Thanks

Welcome Alana!