How do you become a professional genealogist or get paid for doing genealogical

Question:I have 5+ years of experience doing my own research and I have learned a lot during this time. Would like to consider turning a hobby into something more. Any advice or success stories?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have 5+ years of experience doing my own research and I have learned a lot during this time. Would like to consider turning a hobby into something more. Any advice or success stories?

I'm not a professional genealogist, but I've looked into this a little myself. First, get the book "Professional genealogy : a manual for researchers, writers, editors, lecturers, and librarians." It has EXTENSIVE information on standards, setting fees, contracts, research skills, etc. etc. It's a huge book!

If you would like to become certified, there are two professional organizations that do this:

Board for Certification of Genealogists
(See this for more info:
http://www.bcgcertification.org/certific...

and the
International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists.
(See http://www.icapgen.org/index.html)

For the former, you need to outline your educational background, provide info on the courses you've taken and the research you've done. You will need to "Transcribe, abstract, and comment upon the genealogical value of an historical document provided by the Board." You will also need to do this another document from your research. You will need to submit a research report, a case study, and a kinship determination project .

For the latter, you need to have at least 1000 hours of research time in your chosen specialization. You must give them a four-generation lineage, prior to 1900, in the area to be tested, which you have personally researched. It must include sources, a report, etc.

Another important resource for you is the Association of Professional Genealogists
Here's a very brief overview from them about becoming a professional genealogist:
http://www.apgen.org/articles/becoming_a...

I hope you decide to become one! Good luck!