{{primarysources, date=May 2009
The Board for Certification of Genealogists is a certifying body for
genealogist
Genealogy () is the study of families, family history, and the tracing of their lineages. Genealogists use oral interviews, historical records, genetic analysis, and other records to obtain information about a family and to demonstrate kins ...
s founded in 1964 by Fellows of the
American Society of Genealogists
The American Society of Genealogists is the scholarly honorary society of the genealogical field. Founded by John Insley Coddington, Arthur Adams, and Meredith B. Colket, Jr., in December 1940, its membership is limited to 50 living fellows. ASG pu ...
, the genealogical field's academic honorary society. The Board licenses associates under two categories: Certified Genealogist and Certified Genealogical Lecturer. Associates' licenses are granted for a five-year period, at which time they may be renewed upon application to the Board, and that application's evaluation in a
peer-review
Peer review is the evaluation of work by one or more people with similar competencies as the producers of the work ( peers). It functions as a form of self-regulation by qualified members of a profession within the relevant field. Peer revie ...
process.
Associates holding certification work in a variety of fields. They have been recognized as experts in matters of
inheritance
Inheritance is the practice of receiving private property, titles, debts, entitlements, privileges, rights, and obligations upon the death of an individual. The rules of inheritance differ among societies and have changed over time. Officia ...
and probate; some work to assist in reuniting families separated through adoption. Others prepare applications for lineage societies; still others work to prove Native American genealogies. Board-certified associates also provide leadership in an effort to raise standards for research, writing and reporting in the genealogical field.