The type of courses or study required for genealogists, records agents and family historians varies depending on whether you wish to be a professional in your field or whether you are studying to further your own private research.

SHORT COURSES

Ideal for the family historian to further their own research and for professional genealogists and record agents wishing to increase their knowledge in a particular area.

Short Courses or workshops are often run by family history societies, libraries, archives, historians and genealogists and often cover a specific topic so you can pick and choose the courses/workshops relevant to your area of interest.  Many can now be attended via the web and some are recorded and can be viewed at any time.

CERTIFICATE

The Society of Australian Genealogists offer a “Certificate in Genealogical Research”.  The course contains 8 components of work each with an assessment and followed by an online examination. The certificate course is completed over 12 months.  To enrol in the certificate course you must be a member of the Society of Australian Genealogists.

DIPLOMA

For those wishing to formalize their skills, perhaps aspiring to become a professional genealogist or record agent, there are currently two places in Australia that offer a Diploma course.

	Society of Australian Genealogists	University of Tasmania
Diploma	Diploma in Family Historical Studies Non-accredited.  The course follows the practices and standards of genealogical education.	Diploma of Family History Nationally accredited qualification recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF5)
Entry Requirements	Must be a member of SAGS and passed the Certificate course with a 75% pass.	Senior Secondary Certificate, ATAR or meet the General Entry Requirements.
Course Delivery	Not applicable. Candidates are expected to already have the acquired skills and wish to formalize them by writing a thesis using self-directed learning.	Online.  Taught by academics in history, genealogy, writing and creative arts.
Assessment	20,000 word thesis, topic must be approved by SAGS, followed by an examination.	Pass assessments in 8 units.
Time Scale	Up to 18 months	1-3 years

PROFESSIONAL

There is no formal qualification required to become a professional genealogist.  However, associations that represent professional genealogists & record agents, such as AAGRA, require proof of their members’ competence in their chosen field of genealogist or record agent.  A qualification is documented evidence of competence along with work samples, manuscripts, published articles and genealogies.