Start with evidence fundamentals
Learn focused questions, source analysis, information quality, direct and indirect evidence, conflict resolution, research logs, citations, and written conclusions before treating advanced tools as shortcuts.
Practice complete problems
A researcher learns faster by completing whole investigations than by collecting isolated tips. Work from question to plan to search to evidence correlation to report.
Expand beyond your own family
Your own tree can hide weaknesses because you know family context in advance. Practice unfamiliar surnames, places, record systems, and contradictory evidence.
Add DNA deliberately
Genetic genealogy requires documentary identity work, relationship reasoning, privacy judgment, and an understanding of the limits of cM ranges and shared-match patterns.
Professional practice is another skill layer
Client intake, scope, pricing, privacy, deadlines, communication, reports, corrections, record retention, and business administration all require practice beyond research technique.