Aside from librarians, archivists, and publishers, most professional genealogists have other sources of income and may "moonlight" as genealogists until they become established. Those who make a living purely from client research in genealogy probably number no more than a few dozen.

A first step to get started? We can think of many:

• Check out the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) Web site (www.apgen.org), and follow the link "Becoming a Professional Genealogist."
• For a good overview of genealogical methods and sources, study Val Greenwood's Researchers Guide to American Genealogy.
• Buy, read, and re-read cover to cover, Professional Genealogy, edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills.
• Join the National Genealogical Society and read and re-read every case study in every issue of The National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ) until you understand the methodology each author employed.
• Buy The BCG Genealogical Standards Manual, study the examples of reports and compilations in the book's appendixes, and strive to do work that emulates the examples and meets the standards and code of ethics.
• Attend at least one national-level (NGS, FGS, or GENTECH) genealogy conference per year. See: www.ngsgenealogy.org/confnatl.cfm.
• Look for the Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG) "skills track," which is offered at periodically at NGS or FGS conferences every four years. See: www.ngsgenealogy.org/confnatl.cfm.
• Apply to attend the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research offered at Samford University (in Birmingham, Alabama) for one week every June until you complete its "advanced methodology" course.
• Explore the BCG Web site (www.bcgcertification.org) with an eye to applying for genealogical certification when you feel you have adequate knowledge and skill (take the "are you ready to apply" test on the Web site), so that you have a professional level genealogical credential.
• In the meantime, subscribe to BCG's educational newsletter, OnBoard.
• Plan to attend the APG professional management conference held in conjunction with the FGS conference at least every two years.
• Join APG and read its quarterly.
• Join the APG mailing list and "lurk" to gain insight on the issues professionals are discussing online.
• When you have done research that meets its criteria, enter NGS's Family History Writing Contest.
• Whenever you solve a difficult case, write it up for NGSQ.
• Volunteer in your local Family History Center to help others with their research and to broaden your research experience and knowledge of sources.

Does it sound overwhelming? It isn't --it just takes time. No one can become a professional in any field overnight. Like any professional endeavor, becoming a genealogy professional requires study and research experience over a period of years. The learning curve is long but enjoyable.

For listings of professional genealogists by state, etc., check the BCG and APG directories, online at www.bcgcertification.org and www.apgen.org, respectively.

Genealogy is a rewarding, fascinating, and enjoyable profession -- albeit challenging to do well. I wish you the greatest of success as you pursue it.