Mechanisms for certification and recertification have been established by most professional organizations to assess an individual's ongoing professional knowledge and skills.
- Certification of genetic counselors began in 1982 through an examination program that is now jointly administered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling, Inc. (ABGC) and the American Board of Medical Genetics, Inc. (ABMG).
- To assure that knowledge and skills continue to be maintained, certification of genetic counselors was limited to a ten-year period, beginning with those certified in 1996, and a recertification program was developed.
- A five-year certification / recertification period will be implemented on January 1, 2010.
- Recertification demonstrates a commitment to maintaining the standard ethical and competent practice set by the profession. In the future, genetic counselors may find that recertification is significant for licensing, professional advancement, hospital credentialing, and insurance reimbursement.
The ABGC Credential Committee has developed several Fact Sheets related to recertification activities.
Documentation of Recertification Status
Updated records of all diplomates´ current certification status, including those diplomates who opt for voluntary recertification, will be published at regular intervals on the ABGC website.
Upon successful recertification, the new certificate will be dated January 1st of the year following certification expiration. For certificates awarded to diplomates achieving recertification by the examination pathway or the continuing education pathway as of January 1, 2010 or later, certification will extend until December 31st, five years later. For example, a diplomate whose time-limited certification expires December 31, 2009 and who has met all of the recertification requirements for the pathway selected will receive a new certificate effective January 1, 2010, and expiring five years later on December 31, 2014.