Do you want to take your genealogical abilities to new heights in 2025? The Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) is an excellent opportunity to build your genealogical knowledge and skills. In 2018, I enrolled in my first SLIG course and learned so much. I loved the classroom interaction and networking with new genealogy friends. In 2020, I took two more SLIG courses. Then Covid hit a few months later. I was worried when SLIG and other genealogy institutes pivoted to a virtual format.

Surprisingly, I discovered that virtual conferences suited my learning style better than expected. Learning from home has made genealogy institutes more affordable, allowing me to take more courses each year. I also love being able to review lecture recordings. With in-person courses, the lectures are one-and-done. However, with a virtual format, I can revisit materials as needed. While rewatching the recordings, I can pause videos to take notes and immediately explore the research techniques or websites shared by presenters.

Does a virtual institute course fit your learning needs, too? Check out the two SLIG options in early 2025 that are currently open for registration.

SLIG 2025 (Virtual):

SLIG 2025 Virtual runs from January 27–31, 2025, offering high-intermediate to advanced education. Participants can choose focused tracks in DNA, regional research, and methodology for a week-long comprehensive learning experience. You can ask questions, participate in discussions, and collaborate with peers throughout the week, making it an interactive and enriching educational opportunity.

SLIG Spring Virtual 2025:

For even more specialized learning, the SLIG Spring Virtual 2025 program offers advanced, professional topics such as business management, credentialing, or forensic genealogy, allowing you to learn from top educators in the field. Each course has an individual weekly meeting schedule within the timeframe of February to May. The weekly meetings provide opportunities to ask questions, engage in discussions, and offer the flexibility to study at your own pace between meetings. To see a list of courses, click courses in the lefthand sidebar.

Benefits of SLIG Courses:

SLIG offers an incredible learning experience, made even better by its flexible and accessible virtual format, allowing you to participate from anywhere while still benefiting from top-tier genealogy education. SLIG’s virtual format allows the following:

Attendance from anywhere in the world
Breakout room to collaborate and learn from peers
Expert instruction with opportunities to ask questions
Chat capabilities to ask questions and share resources
Hands-on activities to solidify learning
Homework with feedback from instructors
Networking with a supportive and engaged community
Recordings available to review important sessions

Registrating for SLIG

Follow this link to enroll and then login or create a UGA account.
Consider downloading the Registration Guide.

3. Click the arrow next to the Navigation Bar and then click “Add to Cart.” This will pull up a list of all courses.

4. Select the course you want and enter payment information.

SLIG Spring Virtual 2025 Course: Becoming an Accredited Genealogist^®

In 2022, Diana Elder, AG, invited me to collaborate on developing a SLIG accreditation course titled “Becoming an Accredited Genealogist: The Why, the What, the How.” The course focuses on helping students prepare for accreditation through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists (ICAPGen^SM). It was a fantastic experience, and I enjoyed teaching in the virtual format. We were asked to co-coordinate the course again in 2023 and switched the format to once a week for five weeks. We found the most significant benefit was that students learned even more when they had a full week to focus on their homework assignments.

If you are ready to advance your genealogy skills and work towards accreditation, consider joining me for SLIG Spring Virtual 2025 Course #7, “Becoming an Accredited Genealogist: The Why, the What, the How,” (scroll down to Course #7). I have a fantastic team of seasoned Accredited Genealogist instructors, including Alice Childs, AG; Jana Greenhalgh, AG; Jenny Hansen, AG; Torhild Shirley, AG; and Mindy Taylor, AG—each with years of experience teaching and mentoring aspiring professional genealogists. Join us to receive skill-building instruction to prepare for your ICAPGen Four Generation Project and Written Exams.

Highlights of Spring 2025 “Becoming an Accredited Genealogist”

During our SLIG course, we will spend twenty hours of instructional time together over five weeks, covering everything from research methodology to writing to analysis skills. Here are some reasons why I think our SLIG course might be right for you.

Hands-On Learning: We will integrate hands-on activities during class and homework assignments, giving practical experience with research, writing, and evidence analysis.
Personalized Consultation: A course highlight is a consultation with an AG expert knowledgeable in your region to discuss regional questions. This experience was one of our past students’ favorite sessions in the course.
Final Project Practice Test: Build confidence and sharpen research skills by completing a Final Project practice test. This four-hour, region-specific exam is designed to help enhance your research workflow, improve your writing abilities, and prepare you for real-world client work.
Peer and Instructor Feedback: Instructors and peers will review your Proof Summary/Argument and Final Project assignments with insights and feedback to help you refine and strengthen your work. Additionally, we will hold regular homework review sessions with peers and instructors to discuss your other homework assignments..
No Formal Application: Unlike the ICAPGen Study Groups, the SLIG course, “Becoming an Accredited Genealogist,” doesn’t require a formal application process. However, we strongly recommend having at least one generation of your Four Generation Project in draft form to ensure you get the most out of the course!

Preparing for the course

Before the course begins, you’ll want to:

Review ICAPGen’s “Guide to Applying for an Accredited Genealogist Credential.”
Choose your accreditation region and a family for your Four Generation Project.
Draft an outline for one generation of your Four Generation Project. Include all the sources you’ve found and any you plan to research as you progress.
Prepare one proof summary or proof argument from your Four Generation Project to polish during the course. (You can use a proof from another project if needed).
Practice writing research reports and proof arguments.

“Becoming an Accredited Genealogist” is a fantastic chance to hone your genealogical skills, and build confidence—all while connecting with professionals and peers who share your passion for genealogy. If you’re ready to immerse yourself in genealogical skill-building, this course will challenge, inspire, and prepare you for the next stage in your accreditation journey!

I hope you consider joining our course!

Lisa Stokes, AG