The DNA Skills Workshop brings the best aspects of her classes and webinars into an extended, hands-on format where you’ll learn in an interactive setting, work on real-life examples, follow up (live!) with your questions, and work on MORE examples to be sure your learning experience is complete and thorough. It won’t just be a fun-but-onetime event, but rather a series of progressive, hands-on tutorials and experiences. Plus, Diahan will be checking your progress to make sure you are learning all the things you need to.

I'm a beginner. Am I ready for the Workshop?

You're ready for the DNA Skills Workshop if you have the following:

Your DNA test results are in order. You've got autosomal DNA results, preferably from AncestryDNA with access to Pro Tools, or MyHeritage DNA with access to the advanced DNA tools.

Your family tree is set up and ready to work. This one matters more than people expect! Your tree should be on at least one major platform (preferably Ancestry), and it needs to be both deep (going back several generations) and wide (including siblings, cousins, and collateral lines—not just your direct ancestors). You should also know how to tag tree members and understand why close relatives need a DNA tag. If your tree is thin or incomplete, spending some time filling it out before the Workshop will pay off.

You're an advanced beginner with DNA. You've spent some time exploring your results and you're super curious—and motivated—to learn MORE.

You have a goal in mind. Things like: seeing how genetic evidence supports your genealogical research, identifying a mystery match, or pursuing a brick wall ancestor at the 3x great grandparent level or closer. (No missing ancestor in that timeframe? You can still work the process with a stand-in.)

You have the matches to work with. For example, identifying a close birth relative requires matches sharing 1200+ cM. Finding 2x great grandparents means you'll need 3rd–4th cousin matches. You can still learn a great deal without those matches—but you may not crack that specific mystery right away.

You have time to dive in. Plan for about 6+ hours a week. Honestly, most students get so excited they spend more time because it's actually fun!

By the time the Workshop starts, you should already have autosomal DNA test results in hand. You’ll need them because this is a hands-on learning experience. Optimally, you’ll be working with your own DNA test results, but you can also use someone else’s, as long as you have their permission and the login access.

The cost and ordering of DNA testing itself is not included in the course. See Workshop prerequisites below about a testing company recommendation.

Let's break it down.

We recommend that you pace yourself to complete the Workshop materials in 10 weeks, after which time there will be a live Q&A to address any lingering questions you have. That said, you'll have access to the course for a full six months, during which time you'll have access to coaches on our online chat board to answer questions pertaining to the Workshop material. After six months, your access to Workshop materials ends, including video tutorials, other recordings, and chat boards. You will keep your digital editions of Your DNA Guide--the Book and the Skills Workbook.

Students should plan to spend at least 5 hours per week watching prerecorded video tutorials, working on case studies and homework and solving your own DNA mysteries. Some people may work more quickly than others, and some may want to dive deeper than others. That part is up to you. About 60% of Skills participants report spending more than 5 hours a week on the course, and some report spending more than 10 hours.

A live, one-hour Kick-off meet-and-greet session will be held on Tuesday, August 4, and live one-hour Q&A sessions every-other week thereafter. All live sessions are scheduled at 2:00 pm ET. 

Students will receive a one-on-one coaching session. Information about scheduling the coaching session will be provided.  

An optional opportunity for students to collaborate together is provided via Study Groups. Our staff will facilitate organizing these groups for your convenience.

Life happens, even with the best intentions! While it will probably be more fun to attend live, don’t worry if something comes up. These sessions will be recorded.

Recordings will be made available in your personal courses page for the duration of the six month course access period. 

Because the recordings are available, refunds will not be granted due to unexpected changes in your schedule. (See our refund policy.)

Each Workshop takes place online. You’ll need a fast, reliable internet connection for learning sessions and for additional learning on your own time.

Those who have tested at AncestryDNA and have access to the Pro tools will likely have the most rewarding experience (both because of the advanced DNA analysis tools and its large database of testers).

For your individual coaching session, you will need to be able to access your family tree and DNA results on a device with a microphone and camera (and know how to use them). You’ll need access to your DNA test results on whatever testing site you’re using.

Your primary textbook is Your DNA Guide—the Book .  You will receive both the print and eBook editions. You’ll also receive a Skills workbook and additional reference materials that support your learning.

We are pleased to support various third party payment plan options on our checkout page!

All payment plan options are from third party companies. Your payment plan availability and amount may vary based on your personal financial situation or your place of residence. Please explore these options thoroughly in order to make the decision that fits your budget best. If you are not familiar with these companies, please check out their websites. If you have any questions about these options, please contact them directly for assistance.