Become a Genealogist

In this part-time online Professional Genealogist Certificate Course, you will learn how to become a genealogist, including important principles and practical step-by-step techniques for getting started in a career as a professional genealogist.

What Happens in the Genealogist Certificate Course

The Genealogist Certificate course is an online learning program with suggested readings from the textbook (IAP Career College Guide to Become a Genealogist). This course is self directed, which means you may study and complete assignments at times that are most convenient for you from the comfort of your own home. In this course, you will learn everything you need to know about how to become a genealogist.

This part-time Genealogist Certificate Course has a recommended completion date of 6 weeks from the start of the program, however, you may choose to complete the course in as little as 2 weeks or as long as 12 weeks, depending on your schedule.

The Genealogist Certificate Course Online has been created to allow you to complete it without any teaching assistance. However, if you have questions or need assistance, you can receive help from a Faculty Member throughout the 6 weeks of the course. Your Faculty Member is a valuable resource person who can provide you with personal teaching assistance to help you succeed in the course and advice to help you succeed in the career.

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Course Topics

The Genealogist Certificate Course has been developed to meet high academic standards, ensuring that as a graduate you can display with pride the Genealogist Certificate you will earn from the International Association of Professions Career College. Through this course, you will learn how to become a genealogist.

Topics covered in the Genealogist Certificate Course include the following:

Overview of the Genealogy Career

  • What is a Genealogist and Why Do People Hire One?
  • Information Gathering and Initial Clues
  • Using Census, Cemetery and Other Sources of Information
  • Genealogical Software
  • Taking Notes, Citing Sources, Compiling Data
  • Finalizing and Preparing Reports and Charts

Starting Your Genealogy Business

  • Honing and Developing Your Skills
  • Gaining Experience and Knowledge
  • Your Business Plan
  • Start-Up Budgeting and Funding
  • Choosing a Name and Niche
  • Negotiating Contracts and Setting Fees

Marketing Your Genealogy Business

  • Marketing Tools Including Portfolio, Brochures and Website
  • Advertising and Free Publicity
  • Meeting with Prospective Clients and Preparing Proposals
  • Getting Repeat Business and Referrals
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What Is Included in the Genealogist Certificate Course

This all-inclusive Genealogist Certificate Course package includes:

  • Registration for the Genealogist Certificate Course
  • Lifetime access to course materials
  • Access to a Faculty Member to provide you with personal teaching assistance and career advice
  • (Optional) 2026 membership in the IAPO International Organization of Business Professionals for only US$ 2.99 per month
  • Downloadable Genealogist Certificate personalized with your name and the seal of the International Association of Professions Career College which you may print
  • (Optional) Opportunity to order official certificates printed on fine linen paper and embossed with the gold seal of the college
  • Textbook: IAP Career College Guide to Become a Genealogist (e-book edition)

 

Register for the Genealogist Certificate Course


BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL
Easy changes and cancellations
It’s easy to change or cancel your course registration. See our FAQ page for details.

You can have all this for an incredible price. It can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to take other programs. (We found courses based on old editions of our guides with registration fees of up to $999 and more.) We are able to offer you online courses at a significantly lower cost to you because of our expertise from over 20 years of producing the leading online guides for non-traditional careers.

Our online certificate courses have previously been offered for a registration fee of $297 U.S. and include a textbook and professional membership – a total value of almost $377.

BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIAL: This all-inclusive registration package for the Genealogist Certificate Course is priced as only US$ 149.00 for the September 14, 2026 course.

Associated Courses

Register today for the Genealogist Certificate Course. Enrollment is limited and registration is on a first come first served basis, so we recommend that you register early for the Genealogist Certificate Course online to avoid disappointment.

If the course is full, please email support@iapcollege.com to be notified when a new course date is scheduled.

To ensure your complete satisfaction all certificate courses are backed by our full 100% money back guarantee.

About a Career as a Genealogist

Imagine having a rewarding career that lets you get paid to research family histories, helping people to discover their own family history and find long-lost relatives. Welcome to the world of professional genealogy!

If you enjoy tracking down historical evidence, you could have a rewarding career as a genealogist. Interest in genealogy is increasing as celebrities such as Ozzy Osbourne, Stephen Colbert, and even Oprah Winfrey have submitted their DNA samples to genetic genealogy specialists in order to learn more about where they come from.

Although a growing number of websites are dedicated to family history research, many amateur family historians soon realize that they need the services of a professional genealogist to help them in their hunt for their family’s roots.

As a genealogist, you’ll be a history detective solving age-old mysteries, offering valued services, and reconnecting people to their own families’ pasts.

You might even reveal new facts about famous — and infamous — historical people and achieve recognition by becoming a consultant to film and television productions, writing books or giving talks about your research.

Thank you for the Genealogist course. It covered a lot of ground and made me feel much more well informed about what I needed to know to start my career as a professional genealogist. I am reading through the course a second time because there were so many resources and so much valuable information I need to read it again to make sure I am using it to the utmost degree. This saved me thousands to get me started.
Amy Molthan

Why Get a Certificate?

How can you benefit with a certificate from the International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College)?

A certificate from the International Association of Professions Career College may give you:

  • Respect as a professional
  • A competitive advantage when marketing your services
  • A sense of achievement and confidence
  • A credential for your resume when applying for jobs
  • Assurance to clients of your professionalism
  • Evidence of your expertise
  • Higher earnings (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in Certificates: A fast track to careers)

With the International Association of Professions Career College, you can earn a certificate online more quickly and affordably than many other educational options.

Student Spotlight: A Graduate's Success Story

Angeleah Henrichs

“After years of pursuing genealogy as only a hobby, I came across IAP and was delighted to see that they offered a certificate for it.”

Angeleah went into IAP College’s Genealogist Certificate Course a bit nervous due to some past academic setbacks, but found it basic enough to understand while also being very in-depth.

The course helped her greatly in developing her skills, especially in learning the business side of pursing genealogy as a career. Getting a certificate has given her the confidence and credibility. She even got her first client this year!

“I’m looking forward to what my future holds professionally, thanks to IAP.”

Why Choose IAP Career College?

The International Association of Professions Career College (also known as IAP Career College) aims to offer the finest in affordable online certificate programs for dream careers.

The textbooks for most of our courses were developed by our parent company, the leading online publisher of career guide books on how to get started in a dream career, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Our guides have been used as textbooks for more than a decade, and you can find them in the career centers and library collections of many famed colleges and universities – from the University of Texas to the Fashion Institute of Technology – as well as in numerous public libraries in cities from Vancouver to New York.

It can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to take other certificate programs. When we discovered online courses based on old editions of our career guides costing over US$ 1,000.00, we knew it was time to offer our own online certificate programs.

Now, the leader in online career guides for dream careers, along with a team of respected academics, have created online certificate programs through IAP Career College, allowing you to study and earn a certificate from the comfort of your own home.

Established online in 1999, the parent company of IAP Career College (known as FabJob) is an award-winning organization named “the #1 place to get published online” by Writer’s Digest. Our company and career guides have been featured in media ranging from ABC to Oprah’s newsletter and respected news sites ranging from CNN to the Wall Street Journal online.

We continue this tradition of excellence in online career education with the International Association of Professions Career College. Each of our career certificate programs has been developed to meet high academic standards, ensuring that as a graduate you can display with pride the certificate you will earn from the International Association of Professions Career College.

We invite you to learn more about the online certificate courses we offer you by visiting our Certificate Courses page. We are also happy to answer any of your questions to help you decide whether an online certificate course from the International Association of Professions Career College is right for you.

Have questions or need help?

Contact an Academic Advisor at International Association of Professions Career College:

support@iapcollege.com

Student Service Center
(For registered students only)
1-844-204-7982

If you are not a student you can email support@iapcollege.com or use live chat for inquiries.

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Click on “Ask Us a Question” at the bottom of this screen.

About IAP Career College

IAP Career College, also known as the International Association of Professions Career College, is a private online career college affiliated with FabJob Inc, the leading online publisher of guide books on how to get started in a dream career, serving hundreds of thousands of career changers on six continents since 1999. Learn more about us.

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  • What does a Genealogist do?
    A genealogist researches family histories and ancestral lines using historical records, DNA testing, interviews, and online databases. They may trace lineage, build family trees, uncover unknown relatives, or verify family connections for legal, personal, or historical reasons. Genealogists often work with individuals, law firms, adoption agencies, or historical organizations.
  • What will I learn in the Genealogist Certificate Course?
    You’ll learn essential techniques for tracing family histories, including how to research records, organize information, conduct interviews, analyze documents, and present findings clearly. The course also covers using online databases and genealogical tools, understanding DNA results, and tips for launching your own genealogy business or freelance practice.
  • How long does the Genealogist Certificate Course take to complete?
    The Genealogist Certificate Course is designed to be self-paced, with a recommended completion time of 6 weeks. However, you have the flexibility to complete it in as little as 2 weeks or extend it up to 12 weeks, depending on your schedule.

    Need more time? No problem. All of IAP’s Courses include lifetime access.
  • How much can I earn as a Genealogist?
    Genealogists typically charge between $25–$85 per hour, depending on experience, specialization, and location. Those who specialize in forensic genealogy, heir research, or DNA analysis may earn even more. Top professionals or business owners can generate steady income through client work, reports, consultations, and speaking engagements.
  • Can I start my own Genealogist business after completing this course?
    Yes! The course provides the foundational skills and practical steps needed to launch your own genealogy business. You’ll learn how to offer research services, create compelling client reports, set your pricing, and market your services to individuals, legal professionals, or historical organizations.
  • Do I need any prior experience or education to enroll in this course?
    No previous experience is required. This course is beginner-friendly and ideal for anyone interested in genealogy as a career or serious hobby. Whether you're new to the field or looking to formalize your skills, you’ll find the course clear, practical, and easy to follow.
  • Can I take the Genealogist Certificate Course from outside of North America?
    Absolutely. Students from around the world are welcome to enroll. The course is designed to be globally relevant, and you can complete it entirely online from your home country, at your convenience.
  • Will I receive a certificate when I finish the course?
    Yes! Upon completing the course, you will receive a Genealogist Certificate from IAP Career College. This certificate will demonstrate your proficiency in genealogy techniques and help you stand out as you pursue your career in this field.
  • What is IAP Career College?
    The International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College) is a leading online career college offering online certificate courses and professional certifications for non-traditional and "dream" careers.

    Since 1999, we’ve helped over 500,000 students across six continents get started in dream careers—from life coaching to event planning to end-of-life care. Our courses are flexible, beginner-friendly, and designed for adult learners looking for practical, self-paced options.

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