Are genetic DNA tests real/accurate?

Has anyone tried these DNA genetic tests? How accurate are they? I want to know how much European, African, etc. I have in my history. Im debating about getting one but it ranges from $200 - $400. Anyone know the validity of these tests?

I did one of these DNA tests, and got interesting results. They said my fairly recent ancestory included English, Scots, Irish, Dutch, German, and Norman. Most of this mishmash clearly could not be concluded from my name, yet jibes perfectly with what I know of my family tree. They also, however, said that going back 1000 years or so I had one Jewish ancestor, several Mongol, and a cluster of Scandinavian. The Mongols make sense considering their invasion of Europe in the 13th Century, and I guess the Scands can come in through Vikings. In any case. it's amusing and not to be taken too seriously. But I tend to believe it is valid.

They are STUNNINGLY accurate, but interpreting the results is the hard part.

For instance I am J1 from Canaanite and Shemite stock, I have the Cohen Modal Halotype sequence so I am descended from Aaron (the brother of Moses), but I don't have enough of the other typically 'Jewish' results to be Jewish, I have lots of Phoenician, a bit of Carthagian and a touch of Berber, but my closest match is with a guy in Venezuela!

Did I mention I live in rural Somerset in England?

How my ancestors got HERE is the biggest mystery. My current theory is that they were Phoenicians traders who settled in Gloucester, but it's only a theory.

Fascinating stuff though. If you can afford the luxury of a test, go for it!

regards,

RouX - The Phoenician (probably)