DNA Testing 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?

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

Here are some things you may not know about DNA testing that you will learn by following our 10-step  DNA Testing 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 FTDNA.
  •  If you have already been tested at FTDNA, you can still join the project through your FTDNA personal page. 
  • 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 mtDNA 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 results (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, haplogroup
  • 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?
  • What does the string of numbers mean?
  • What am I looking at on the project's Results Page?
  • How do I compare my results at FTDNA?
  • I have some matches--what do they mean?
    Click here for Step 8  Understand Results
     
• Do I need to upgrade?
  • When is an upgrade appropriate?
  • How do I order an upgrade?
    Click here for Step 9  Upgrade, if needed
     
• I've joined a project, gotten my results, posted my pedigree, but how do I join forces to find my ancestry?
  • Contact your matches
  • Recruit new participants who will help you learn more about your line.
  • Contact researchers
  • Use the forums
  • Find other resources
    Click here for Step 10 Join Forces with Kin!