Genealogical Proof Standard

The purpose of the Genealogical Proof Standard is to show what the minimums are that a genealogist must do for his or her work to be credible.

There are five elements to the Genealogical Proof Standard:


 * 1) Reasonably exhaustive research has been conducted.
 * 2) Each statement of fact has a complete and accurate source citation.
 * 3) The evidence is reliable and has been skillfully correlated and interpreted.
 * 4) Any contradictory evidence has been resolved.
 * 5) The conclusion has been soundly reasoned and coherently written.

Any proof statement is subject to re-evaluation when new evidence arises.

More information about the Genealogical Proof Standard can be found on the Board for Certification of Genealogists website.

Another wiki article about The Genealogical Proof Standard

Sources