Wills and estate files are a useful tool in genealogical research. Not only are they excellent original sources filled with information, but they are also remarkable historical documents offering insight into the world as experienced by ancestors.
Tag Archives: International Institute of Genealogical Studies
American Records Certificate
Research your American Heritage with our American Records Certificate!
Foundations: Methodology Certificate
Our students are enthusiastic about our online genealogical courses. However, many new students are unsure of where to begin. Which courses should they take first? Just as in planning to build a house, your genealogy education plan must begin with a strong foundation. Whether you are just beginning to research your family history, or you are an experienced researcher, it is recommended for all students to begin with understanding the methodology guidelines and standards used in all genealogy research. This is accomplished through our Methodology Certificate.
To receive your Methodology Certificate in Genealogical Studies, you must successfully complete the required 15 courses, which include 5 compulsory courses at the Basic Level, 5 compulsory courses at the Intermediate Level, and 5 compulsory courses at the Advanced Level. You can take these courses individually, or along with your specific country-themed certificate courses at the Basic, Intermediate and Advanced levels. If you are considering any certificate, these are the first courses to work on as they are COMPULSORY for all of our Certificate Programs.
Methodology Certificate – 15 Courses
Methodology Basic Level
Methodology – Part 1: Getting Started
This course includes basic charts & definitions, Home resources; types of sources; records & where to find them; and useful forms.
Methodology – Part 2: Organizing and Skill-Building
This course includes file storage; definitions for Transcribe/Abstract/Extract; using forms; citing your sources; Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS); Proof Arguments; and creating Research Plans.
Electronic Resources: Using the Internet
This course includes computers/Internet basics; databases online; searching surnames; archives and libraries; Internet search tools; maps; and using social media.
Skills: Transcribing, Abstracting & Extracting
This course includes definitions, word processing features; and exercises.
Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 1
The AS courses provide an overview of all of the material covered at each level. They include exercises and the study of a peer-reviewed article with analysis discussions online in our virtual meetings. There will be two compulsory Consultation appointments with an instructor. These are the most interactive courses and must be completed for the Basic, Intermediate and Advanced certificates. This course should be completed before proceeding to the Intermediate level courses.
Methodology Intermediate Level
Methodology – Part 3: More Strategies
This course includes goals and objectives; organizing research; repositories; using Original Sources; and Strategies.
Methodology – Part 4: Effective Searching and Recording
This course includes recording research; calendars and dates; charts; preserving your work; and Ethics.
Methodology – Part 5: How to Prove It
This course includes Proof and the GPS; linkages; Sources/Information/Evidence; pedigree analysis; and problem solving and pitfalls.
Latin for Genealogists – Latin is a complex language. Why learn a “dead” language? Genealogists experience Latin through historical documents. The surprise to most learning a language not used conversationally is how much Latin is used still today in business, medical, and legal documents.
Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 2
This AS course provides an overview of all of the material covered at the Intermediate level. It includes exercises, and the study of another peer-reviewed article with analysis discussions online in our virtual meetings. There will be two compulsory Consultation appointments with an instructor. This course should be completed before proceeding to the Advanced level courses.
Methodology Advanced Level
Methodology – Part 6: Professional Preparation and Practice
This course includes Professional requirements; business considerations; clients; Research Reports; and career options.
Palaeography: Reading & Understanding Historical Documents
This course includes scripts; handwriting; grammar; currency; calendars; weights and measures; Church/Manor/social life; surnames; occupations; Latin terminology. This course also includes a comprehensive workbook with many practical exercises.
Genealogy and Copyright Guidelines
This course includes copyright basics; fair use, Public Domain and seeking permission; work for hire; and contracts. The required textbook is Carmack’s Guide to Copyright & Contracts: A Primer for Genealogists, Writers & Researchers by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack.
Genetics & Medical Family History
This course includes DNA and Genetics; Inheritance; Ethical pedigree; medical considerations; consent; and record clues.
Analysis and Skills Mentoring Program-Part 3
This AS course provides an overview of all of the material covered at the Advanced level. It includes exercises, and the study of an additional peer-reviewed article with analysis discussions online in our virtual meetings. There will be two final compulsory Consultation appointments with an instructor. This should be the final course to complete after the Advanced level courses.
International Institute of Genealogical Studies
Research With Confidence ~ Study at Your Own Pace

International Institute of Genealogical Studies trains professional genealogists around the world in genealogical sciences, research records, and professional development skills. As a career trade school, we offer Professional Credentials in 14 genealogical fields of study for career-minded genealogists and classes for family historians wanting to preserve genealogy, history, and knowledge for families and friends. Continuing education for librarians, law enforcement, professionals, and writers to enhance your career and capabilities. Come learn with us in a flexible, affordable, professional online education environment.
https://GenealogicalStudies.com
For Registration Information contact Angie at 800-580-0165 ext. 1 in the US and Canada or drop a note in the chat app on our website https://GenealogicalStudies.com
Contact information:
1 (800) 580-0165
Email: admin@GenealogicalStudies.com
Website: www.GenealogicalStudies.com
Blog: blog.GenealogicalStudies.com
Irish Records Certificate
The Irish Records courses include 4 compulsory courses at the Basic Level, 5 compulsory courses at the Intermediat
How Can A Mentoring Appointment Help?
Student, Judith Tracey, found the help she needed from both her course and a mentoring professor appointment. Here’s her thoughts about what it’s like to attend the International Institute of Genealogical Studies and work with a mentoring professor.
“Just a quick note to tell you that I am delighted with my tutorial with
Laurie James. She was well prepared, thorough and very personable. I am so
grateful for IIGS support with my Irish studies. They are outside of my
American Records courses and my lack of familiarity with things Irish makes
some aspects of some of the courses quite challenging. I knew from the
beginning that navigating the Irish Registry of Deeds can be difficult, but
I was not prepared for the complexities which I experienced. However,
Laurie walked me through and we did an example together, and she helped me
make sense of it. I was able to return to the collection today (five days
later) and was able to work my way through, from the index to the memorial
books, which was the objective. You can only imagine how good that makes me
feel. There is so much information in those documents that I need to
retrieve, it would be a pity to be unable to access and explore them. I am
relieved. In closing, I would like to share my positive IIGS ‘Irish experience’, both
with Claire and Laurie with other students and those considering enrolment.
Please let me know where I should post my positive remarks.”
Your happy student/client,
Judith Tracey
International Institute of Genealogical Studies
Research With Confidence ~ Study at Your Own Pace

International Institute of Genealogical Studies trains professional genealogists around the world in genealogical sciences, research records, and professional development skills. As a career trade school, we offer Professional Credentials in 14 genealogical fields of study for career-minded genealogists and classes for family historians wanting to preserve genealogy, history, and knowledge for families and friends. Continuing education for librarians, law enforcement, professionals, and writers to enhance your career and capabilities. Come learn with us in a flexible, affordable, professional online education environment.
https://GenealogicalStudies.com
For Registration Information contact Angie at 800-580-0165 ext. 1 in the US and Canada or drop a note in the chat app on our website https://GenealogicalStudies.com
Contact information:
1 (800) 580-0165
Email: admin@GenealogicalStudies.com
Website: www.GenealogicalStudies.com
Blog: blog.GenealogicalStudies.com
