| Aspect | Genealogy | Genealogist |
|---|
| Definition | The study or research of family history and lineage | A professional who conducts genealogical research and creates family trees |
| Credentials | Knowledge-based, often self-taught or through courses | May hold certifications like Certified Genealogist (CG) |
| Work Environment | Research, archives, libraries, online databases | Conducts research, interviews clients, prepares reports |
| Industry Usage | Used broadly to describe the field or activity | Refers specifically to the professional conducting research |
Genealogy is the field or activity of researching family history, while a genealogist is a professional who performs genealogical research. The term genealogy encompasses the overall study, whereas genealogist refers to the individual conducting the work. Both are closely related, but genealogy is the discipline, and genealogist is the practitioner.