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DNA the Smart Way

We have created a simple guide to getting the most out of your DNA testing for genealogy!     

  

We think you have the best chance of breaking down your "brick wall" and increasing your knowledge of your family history when you take all of the right steps to make sure you get the most out of your DNA testing.  By working with thousands of genealogists and project members, we have learned that the hardest part for most people is not knowing: i.e., what should I do, how should I do it, when should I do it.., or why do it? 

Make sure you have a basic understanding of genetic genealogy by reading our About DNA Testing page.  Then you are ready to get involved by following our guide!

We have distilled this knowledge into a step-by-step guide that will give you the best chance of getting the most from your DNA testing.  By following these steps, reading the information we provide, and working with your surname project, you may just find the answers to your family mystery!

(You will find the guide DNA the Smart Way in the left sidebar of each information page, so you can refer to it often.) 

(To learn how Worldfamilies evolved, read Our Story.)

Here are some things you may not know about DNA testing that you will learn by following our 10-step guide:

DNA the Smart Way

Joining a project gives you a lower price for yDNA tests

  • You can join the project simply by ordering through the project's order page at FTDNAi.
  •  If you have already been tested at FTDNA, you can still join the project through your FTDNA personal pagei. 
  • If you have been tested elsewhere, you can get tested at FTDNA for a reduced price, and join the project at the same time.
    Click here for Step 1  Find and Join a Project

Choosing the right test has some "simple rules" that help you decide

  • Only males can take the yDNA test, both females and males can take the mtDNAi test.  Learn the rules.
  • Women can often find a male relative to represent them in the yDNA testing.
  • The number of  markers you need may depend on your paper trail and what you want to discover.
  • The information you seek will determine which mtDNA test you need.
  • You can start with a lower-resolution test and upgrade in steps.
    Click here for Step 2  Find the Right Test      

Ordering a Test is easy

  • Order through a project to automatically join the project.
  • Y-DNA tests are always less expensive when ordered through a project.
  • You can order a test kit for someone else and receive information about their test and resultsi (with their permission), if you follow the right steps.
    Click here for Step 3 Order a Test. 

Be sure to access your "Personal Page" at FTDNA as soon as you can

  • FTDNA will send you a password when you return the test kit
  • You can modify contact information--who gets an email whenever there is news about the test.
  • You can track the progress of your test as the lab processes it.
  • You can order tests and upgrades, if you decide you want more markers or a different test while you're waiting.
  • You can order a certificate.
    Click here for Step 4  Access Personal Page     

Post your pedigree while you're waiting for your test results.

  • You must register to post on the Worldfamilies.net Pedigree Forum
  • Post on your Project's Pedigree Forum by scrolling to the bottom and hitting "reply"
  • Post a "stripped down" version of your pedigree on the forum
  • The Project Administrator will then move your pedigree to the Project Patriarch Page, placing it chronologically with the others, and trying to link pedigrees that connect.
    Click here for Step 5 Post Your Pedigree 

I've received my results--Now what?

  • Family Tree DNA notifies you by email when your results are ready
  • You will also receive results and a certificate by mail, but it takes more time
  • You can access your results right away by logging in at FTDNA and going to your personal page.
    Click here for Step 6  Receive Your Results 

Be sure to update your Personal Page!

  • Join groups--surname, geographic, haplogroupi
  • Set your preferences to match outside your surname project
  • Upload your Gedcom
  • Join y-Search
  • Post your Most Distant Known Ancestor
  • View your test results
  • View your matches
  • Learn your haplogroup
    Click here for Step 7  Update Personal Page 

How do you understand your results?

Do I need to upgrade?

I've joined a project, gotten my results, posted my pedigree, but how do I join forces to find my ancestry?