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Archiver > APG > 2006-07 > 1154027966


From: "Mills" <>
Subject: RE: [APG] Genealogical credentials
Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2006 14:19:41 -0500
In-Reply-To: <200607271453618.SM01412@pgkronos>


Kory, thanks for weighing in with your perspectives. The fact that we have
different "historical memories" reflects, as with all things genealogical,
the need to always rely on written evidence. (Needless to say, over the
decades in genealogy, I've had to build an awful lot of storage into my
house to keep those files of past happenings, discussions, decisions, &c &c
&c :).

Thanks, too, for the details on the AG test. This list frequently discusses
the specifics of the BCG examination. It helps to have comparable specifics
from the AG program. May we ask for a bit more detail on the current
requirements? You write:

>Yes, the "test" is really a day-long battery of six timed tests, some
briefer than others. Furthermore, *none* of those tests is specifically
oriented to the FHL or its collection. The six tightly timed components
include:
-- Document recognition
-- Paleography (transcribe and/or translate)
-- Electronic research and resources
-- Pedigree analysis (examine 4 to 6 separate genealogical cases and
identify at least 8 more sources to search for each case)
-- Written exam (objective questions of various styles: multiple choice,
fill in blank, short answer essay, etc.)
-- Research problem (conduct brief research on a problem and write a report)

You say that the "day-long battery" of six components are "timed." How much
time is allotted to each component? When you say that someone is to conduct
"brief research" (there at FHL, yes?) and write a report, how much time are
they allotted for that research and that report?

>The purpose of the timed nature of the test is to simulate the conditions
of
client work, where only a certain number of hours are provided to research
and seek to solve a specific request.

And that's a very important purpose! Many potential BCG applicants ask why
BCG requires a client report covering significant research if they do not
intend to take clients---and they ask why BCG requires them to specify the
amount of time expended on a client-based project. The *discipline* one
learns in doing focused, timed work is highly valuable, whether one takes
clients or not.

Elizabeth

-----------------------------------------------------
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG

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