Sound genealogical research depends on accurate document analysis, yet many researchers struggle with this fundamental skill. Whether you’re staring at a centuries-old will or a modern death certificate, knowing how to properly capture and interpret the information is critical to avoiding research errors.

This course teaches you three essential note-taking techniques that form the foundation of professional genealogical research:

• Transcription: Create precise word-for-word copies while preserving original spelling and grammar — essential for capturing every potentially significant detail
• Extraction: Identify and record the most genealogically significant information from any document without missing crucial clues
• Abstraction: Transform lengthy documents into clear, thorough summaries that capture all key information in a format that is easier to access and use

Through step-by-step instruction, you’ll learn not just how to perform each technique, but when to use each approach. You’ll master professional standards for document analysis while learning to avoid the common pitfalls that can lead to research errors.

This course is ideal for:

• Genealogists preparing for certification or accreditation
• Researchers who want to elevate their work to professional standards
• Dedicated beginners committed to building a strong foundation in proper research methods
• Anyone who has ever felt uncertain about whether they’re capturing all the important information from their documents

Access your course anytime, anywhere using a computer or tablet with an internet connection. All course content—including lessons, examples, exercises, and quizzes—is cloud-based, requiring no software downloads or installations.

The course runs on Canvas, which requires an up-to-date web browser. Check your browser compatibility at https://guides.instructure.com/m/67952/l/720329-which-browsers-does-canvas-support.

Your registration provides a personal, nonexclusive, nontransferable license to access the course materials for your individual educational use only. All coursework must be completed independently.

The Continuing Genealogical Studies series offers flexible, self-paced online courses designed to fit your schedule. Whether you’re balancing work, volunteer commitments, or personal obligations, you can complete the coursework when it’s most convenient for you. You control your learning journey and set the pace that works best for your needs.

Your course access begins on the date of enrollment and continues for six months. Need more time? Paid extension options are available by contacting the NGS Course Administrator.

You’ll receive an automatic email with course details confirming your registration. Within three business days, the NGS Course Administrator will send your login credentials for the Canvas online learning platform.

All purchases of courses are final. No refunds or credits are available.

Here is a link to the Continuing Genealogical Studies: FAQs. If you have further questions, please contact the NGS Course Administrator.