Frequently Asked Questions

Family History Academy's course presenters and instructors are highly-respected and experienced genealogists. Most are credentialled by the Board for Certification of Genealogists(R), or have genealogy qualifications from other accrediting organisations, so you can have confidence that you will be learning from the very best in their field.

Family History Academy is a global genealogy institute. Our highly sought after courses/workshops are offered virtually so that we can make them available to as many people as possible across the world. With so many time zones to consider, it may not always be possible to meet your requirements, but all courses are recorded so you can then watch them at a time that suits you.

All our courses/workshops are recorded. Attendees have access to the recordings for fourteen (14) days after the event. The syllabus/handout and any other course materials are made available either before the event or shortly after.

We understand that sometimes things happen and you can't attend the live event. However, we do offer recordings which are available for 14 days after the event.  If you can't attend, the recording is available.  

All refunds are subject to a processing fee which is $50 USD. However, for courses with a fee less than $50, the amount varies according to the course fee, usually about $10 and never more than $20 (USD). No refunds are given if cancellation is 29 days or less from the start of the course or the course has commenced. Substitutions are not permitted.

 If you would like a refund, please contact: courses@familyhistoryacademy.com.au.

Payments are made online using a credit or debit card. We use Stripe as our payment system and it has been certified to PCI Service Provider Level 1, the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry.

Courses and workshops vary depending on the content and the instructor.  Some are 1-1.5 hours long and this includes time for Q & A. Workshops are generally between 2 -3.5 hours per session with time for breaks (at least one) and Q & A. For example, a three-module workshop, each with 2 sessions (1.5 hours per session), may be offered over 3 weeks for a total of 9 hours.

Family History Academy uses Zoom Meeting for its courses and workshops. You don't need an account to attend a Zoom meeting. Zoom is compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android. To join our Zoom meetings, you click on the link which was sent to your email address.  If you regularly update your computer software, then Zoom should work without any problems.  You can check the requirements at this Zoom Help page. 

Absolutely!  We would love to hear from you about the topics and instructors you would like to see included in our courses and workshops. Contact us at: courses@familyhistoryacademy.com.au.

The distinction between the two can be a bit blurred.

Courses are generally shorter in duration than a workshop and are usually a blend of presentation and practical work. For example, you may be given pre-course exercises and these are then discussed in the course with time for questions and answers.

Workshops, on the other hand, are longer, more intensive, sessions which include some elements of a course. The difference is that more time is allocated to working on exercises, guided at each step by the experienced instructor. Interaction and practical problem solving is emphasised with collaboration integral to the process.