The International
Institute of Genealogical Studies is a full trade school program
with graduate certificates. Post nominals are earned when a full
certification program with country records, methodology, and
electives are completed as designated below.
PLCGS is the acronym for Professional Learning Certificate Genealogical Studies. Need some help to register? Call 800.580.0165
Methodology
Methodology certification requires successfully complete 14 compulsory credits. This is the foundational science for ALL genealogists. Also excellent for continuing education credentials. All certificates with PLCGS require these courses.
American Records
Resources for all states in the United States of America are covered. To receive your Certificate in Genealogical Studies-American Records you must successfully complete 28 Compulsory credits and 12 Elective credits.
Once all requirements are successfully completed, you will be awarded the post nominals PLCGS (Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies).
Australian Records
The Australian Department is under the guidance of Brenda Wheeler, PLCGS. She is a professional genealogist, author, speaker, and researcher. All resources for all states will be covered.To receive your Certificate in Genealogical Studies-Australian Records you must successfully complete 25 Compulsory credits and 15 Elective credits. Once you successfully complete all the requirements, you will be awarded the post nominals PLCGS (Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies).
Canadian Records
Susanna de Groot, PLCGS and Cheryl Levy, PLCGS are directors of the Canadian Department. They are professional genealogists, researchers, authors, and lecturers. All resources for provinces and territories will be covered. To receive your Certificate in Genealogical Studies-Canadian Records you must successfully complete 30 Compulsory credits and 10 Elective credits. Once you successfully complete all the requirements, you will be awarded the post nominals PLCGS (Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies).
DNA and Genetic Genealogy
Under the supervision of Shannon Combs-Bennett, MSc, QG, PLCGS. To receive your Certificate in DNA & Genetic Genealogy you must successfully complete 15 Compulsory credits. Excellent for continuing education credentials. PLCGS post nominals are only earned if a full country records and methodology program have been completed as well.
Eastern European Records
The Eastern European Department is under the guidance of Lisa Alzo. She is a professional genealogist, author, speaker and researcher. Resources for all geographical area will be covered. To receive your Certificate in Genealogical Studies-Eastern European Records you must successfully complete 25 Compulsory credits and 15 Elective credits. Once you successfully complete all the requirements, you will be awarded the post nominals PLCGS (Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies).
English Records
Under the supervision of Brenda Wheeler, PLCGS, the record courses for the English Department will naturally cover the records of England. When appropriate, the records of Wales and the Common Wealth will be included. To receive your Certificate in Genealogical Studies-English Records you must successfully complete 27 Compulsory credits and 13 Elective credits. Once you successfully complete all the requirements, you will be awarded the post nominals PLCGS (Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies).
German Records
All resources will be covered. To receive your Certificate in Genealogical Studies-German Records you must successfully complete 26 Compulsory credits and 14 Elective credits. Once you successfully complete all the requirements, you will be awarded the post nominals PLCGS (Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies).
Irish Records
Claire Bradley, MA is the Irish Department chair. She is a professional genealogist, author, speaker, and researcher based in Dublin, Ireland. The record courses for the Irish Department include the records of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To receive your Certificate in Genealogical Studies-Irish Records you must successfully complete 28 Compulsory credits and 12 Elective credits. Once you successfully complete all the requirements, you will be awarded the post nominals PLCGS (Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies).
Italian Records
Under the supervision of Melanie D. Holtz, this Certificate program IS NOT complete, but is in process now. The BASIC level is complete and should be the only level purchased at this time. This certificate will need 25 compulsory and 15 electives to be awarded. The post nominal, PLCGS, will be available when this program is completed. Melanie is currently finishing course writing for intermediate and advanced courses.
Librarianship
The Librarianship Department was created by Patricia Moseley Van Skaik and George Morgan, both professional librarians, authors, and speakers. This is a completely self-driven program. To receive your Certificate in Genealogical Studies-Librarianship you must successfully complete 10 Compulsory credits and 2 Elective credits. This program will be of benefit to those who have a basic understanding of genealogy and who are involved in the genealogical collection of their library. Excellent for continuing education requirements.
Professional Development
The Professional Development Certificate is under the guidance of Angela Breidenbach, PLCGS, and Executive Director of the International Institute of Genealogical Studies. She is a professional genealogist, author, and speaker. To receive your Professional Development Certificate you must successfully complete 32 compulsory courses and 8 elective courses. In order to earn the PLCGS, you must also complete one of the country records certificates. Electives may be used toward country records certificates. This program benefits those who wish to pursue a career in genealogy, create a genealogy business, or augment income potential by adding niche areas to their business plan. Skill-building courses are of high importance in this certificate to ensure quality results as a professional researcher running a business.
Scottish Records
This certificate program is under the direction of Alison Spring and IS NOT yet complete, though actively in process. The BASIC level is complete. There are courses in the Intermediate and Advanced level that remain to be completed. You will successfully complete 40 courses to earn your PLCGS post nominal.
**Most certificate programs require at least 40 courses to earn the PLCGS. There are a few exceptions. For individual questions, please call 800-580-0165 or email info@genealogicalstudies.com