I am a graduate of the International Institute of Genealogical Studies, and have earned my PLCGS in Canadian Records (2016) and DNA & Genetic Genealogy (2024). I am currently working on my Professional Development and Business Skills certificate (*2026). I am now part of the IIGS Team, helping to mentor family historians and genealogists working to earn their credentials or hone their research skills.
When you look at the impressive list of over 240 courses offered by IIGS, you may think to yourself, “How can I choose?” There is such a wide variety to choose from! Really, there is something for everyone, no matter what your experience level is. So, as I reflected on all of the courses I have taken, I sat down and made a list of my top picks for a 15-course package. (TIP: always bundle your courses into a package to receive discounts.)
My Favourite Electives were:
EL-222 Research: Grandmothers, Mothers, and Daughters-Tracing Women
EL-238 Research: Social History
EL-240 Life of Our Ancestors
EL-AM-227 Research: Mayflower Ancestors
EL-AM-257 Research: U.S. Colonial New England Ancestors
EL-CA-214 Research: United Empire Loyalist Ancestors
EL-CA-241 Research: Nova Scotia Ancestors
My Favourite Business and Professional Development courses were:
PD-103 Business Skills: Career Development: Choosing a Niche-Part 1
PD-104 Business Skills: Career Development: Choosing a Niche-Part 2
PD-107 Skill-Building: Breaking Down Brick Walls
PD-205 Writing for Genealogy: Articles, Blogs, Research Reports and so much more
PD-208 Skill-Building: Nuts and Bolts of Reporting Research
PD-210 Lecturing Skills including Preparation
My Favourite DNA courses were:
DG-202 Organizing a One-Place Study
DG-304 DNA: Historical Studies
With so many more courses to choose from, are we ever finished? No! Here are the next courses I want to take, after I have completed the compulsory courses for my current certificate.
On My Wish List:
BR-201 British: Military Records
BR-203 Research: Child Migration from Britain
EN-201 English: Understanding Names in Genealogy
Am I planning to work on another certificate? The newest certificate program at IIGS has my attention: Personal Historian. These are valuable courses for any family history enthusiast working to preserve their family’s stories and heritage. What is the best part? I have already taken many of the compulsory courses in my other certificate programs. Yes! Many courses overlap and give you a head start on the next certificate.
So, if you are planning your genealogy educational goals for 2026, consider adding IIGS courses to your plan. You don’t know what you don’t know. Perhaps one of these courses holds the key to breaking that brick wall in your research. 2026 could be your year of awesome family history discoveries!
Cheryl Levy PLCGS
For more information about IIGS courses and certificate programs, go to GenealogicalStudies.com.
To create a custom education plan, contact Angie Breidenbach at the office. Phone: 800.580.0165 x1
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