This week the Board for Certification of Genealogists approved an interpretation of existing
requirements in The BCG Application Guide for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in a new CG®
application portfolio. The interpretation states:
Use of Artificial Intelligence in New CG® Application Portfolios
BCG’s application process evaluates competence in research, documentation, analysis and
correlation, conflict resolution, and writing. BCG provides this interpretation of current
requirements for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in new CG® application portfolios.
Work submitted in a new CG® portfolio must be entirely the applicant’s own. This means it
may not be written or generated by AI. Additionally, the application requirements state, “No
material in an initial application may have been reviewed, critiqued, or proofread by
another individual.” These restrictions apply to the use of AI, with these exceptions:
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- Applicants may use AI-powered search tools such as search engines, genealogy-
company hints, and online trees.
- Applicants may use spelling and grammar checking tools.
- Applicants may translate documents—except the BCG-supplied document—with the
help of translation tools.
AI may not be used for any aspect of the BCG-Supplied Document Work requirement:
transcribing, translating, abstracting, analyzing, and research planning.
The applicant assumes responsibility for the permissible use of AI.
BCG expects to issue Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on its website within several weeks. This
interpretation and the FAQs will be posted on the BCG website, www.bcgcertification.org, as soon as
possible. [Click here for the FAQ.]
The words Certified Genealogist and letters CG are registered certification marks, and the designations Certified Genetic Genealogist or CGG, and Certified Genealogical Lecturer or CGL are service marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists®, used under license by board certificants after periodic evaluation.
