Students at this stage will be training to obtain a standard of knowledge and competence suitable to enable them to manage a successful genealogical practice and to provide a professional standard of research performance for their clients. Consequently, besides demonstrating a thorough knowledge of sources and techniques, the candidate must also have the ability to plan and conduct a logical programme of genealogical research and to report the results to the client. The successful candidate is advised to acquire a thorough knowledge of the basic methods of running a genealogical business. Some knowledge of book-keeping, accounting and the laws relating to employment, taxation and insurance will be required. The Institute may recommend certain reading matter, but specific advice should be sought by prospective professionals from their bank and from an accountant.
Some rudimentary advice is provided in the correspondence course.
Assignment 1 - Candidates will be set an actual piece of genealogical research to conduct in their own area of the country. The starting point for research will be supplied to the candidate, who will then be required to conduct the research, using the relevant sources available nationally and locally. The candidate will submit a detailed outline of the research programme followed and a full report of the results including a detailed statement of expenditure in time and costs. While a record agent is free to work in isolation, supervision and advice from an experienced person is preferable. To guide the student in this research, The Institute will provide the name or names of researchers or specialists in the appropriate area of the country who may be willing to advise on the use of local sources.