BCG Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield BCG facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What distinguishes a 'derivative source' from an 'original source' in genealogical terminology? → A derivative source is based on or transcribed from another record
2. A new regulation impacts evidence analysis & documentation procedures. What should a BCG professional do first? → Ensuring compliance with current regulatory requirements and standards
3. What distinguishes an advanced board certification in gerontology practitioner's approach to quality assurance & compliance from that of a novice? → Establishing cross-functional teams with clearly defined roles
4. What is plagiarism in genealogical work? → Using someone else’s work without credit
5. Which of the following best describes 'negative evidence' in genealogical research? → The absence of an expected record or entry that itself is informative
6. A genealogist uses a county deed index to locate a grantor entry but does not examine the original deed. In GPS terms, this source is best classified as: → A derivative source
7. What distinguishes an advanced board for the certification of genealogists practitioner's approach to documentation & record management from that of a novice? → Establishing cross-functional teams with clearly defined roles
8. A new regulation impacts ethical standards & professional practice procedures. What should a BCG professional do first? → Ensuring compliance with current regulatory requirements and standards
9. What should a well-written research report include? → A structured explanation of research
10. Under BCG standards, which statement best describes how genetic genealogy evidence should be cited? → Cite the testing company, kit number, test date, match name, and shared DNA amount
11. What is a 'centimorgan' (cM) used to measure in genetic genealogy? → The length of shared DNA segments between two individuals
12. Which element is key to making genealogical writing persuasive? → Citing credible sources
13. Which of the following would be classified as a 'primary' piece of information within a death certificate? → The date and place of death as reported by the attending physician
14. What is the primary purpose of a genealogical report? → To summarize research findings
15. What is an example of conflicting evidence? → Differing birthdates in vital records
16. Which GPS element requires that all relevant sources be examined before reaching a genealogical conclusion? → Reasonably exhaustive search
17. Which type of record is most useful for confirming family relationships? → Vital records
18. In the context of board for the certification of genealogists, which principle most directly governs evidence analysis & documentation practices? → Applying evidence-based methodologies with peer-reviewed support
19. What distinguishes an advanced board certification in gerontology practitioner's approach to communication & stakeholder engagement from that of a novice? → Establishing cross-functional teams with clearly defined roles
20. What type of DNA is inherited from both parents but recombines each generation, making it useful for identifying relatives within approximately 5–6 generations? → Autosomal DNA
21. Which type of U.S. record typically provides the most detailed information about an individual's birthplace, parents' birthplaces, and cause of death? → Death certificates
22. Which scenario would require a board for the certification of genealogists professional to escalate a report writing & communication concern? → Creating feedback mechanisms that encourage continuous improvement
23. Which tool or methodology is most appropriate for analyzing ethical standards & professional practice outcomes? → Maintaining professional boundaries while building collaborative relationships
24. What is the benefit of using multiple types of sources in genealogical research? → It strengthens evidence and accuracy
25. Which of the following is a key performance indicator for evaluating risk management & mitigation effectiveness? → Prioritizing based on risk assessment and potential impact
26. A stakeholder questions the value of documentation & record management initiatives. Which response best demonstrates ROI? → Building a culture of accountability with transparent reporting
27. BCG portfolio reviewers assess 'analytical skills' primarily by looking for evidence that the applicant: → Weighed each piece of evidence and explained reasoning in writing
28. When a BCG applicant submits a portfolio, the Kinship Determination Project must demonstrate competency in which specific area? → Reasonably exhaustive research and sound reasoning across multiple generations
29. Which term describes the process of grouping DNA matches into clusters based on shared matches to identify likely common ancestors? → Clustering
30. A genealogist prepares a proof summary rather than a proof argument. When is a proof summary appropriate? → When a simple, undisputed conclusion is supported by a single document