Examination Eligibility
The examination eligibility categories listed below recognize that there are variations in the certification history of our candidates. They consider a variety of factors, such as whether the examination is being taken for initial certification or recertification, graduation date and whether this is the first attempt or a repeat attempt. Review of the categories below will help a candidate determine which, if any, are applicable to them. Many candidates will fall into either category 1 or 2.
If a candidate has any questions about the examination categories or has difficulty determining eligibility for a category, please contact the ABGC Executive Office at 312-321-6879 or info@abgc.net.
ABGC encourages all applicants to contact state licensure boards regarding eligibility to qualify for a license to practice in the state in which they would like to work. ABGC is not responsible for, nor has any authority over, state requirements.
Why Are There Different Examination Categories?
ABGC strives to keep pace with the evolution of the profession while ensuring the public has access to competent genetic counseling services. This may necessitate the creation of new, sometimes time-limited, categories and gradual discontinuation of others. The prevalence of licensure, for example, was a driving force for some changes.
Examinees who graduated from a training program accredited by ACGC may apply for eligibility to take the exam in Categories 1–3
Category 1: ACS-Eligible First Time Examinees
Candidates applying under Category 1 must request official transcripts directly from their school to be sent to ABGC at transcript@abgc.net. Official transcripts must state the degree and date the degree was conferred. Please be aware that transcript requests often take an educational institution several weeks to process. Request transcripts as soon as possible so they are received by ABGC well before the application deadline. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted. ABGC examination cannot be scheduled without a complete application
Category 2: ACS-Eligible Repeat Examinees
Graduates of a training program accredited by ACGC are eligible for Active Candidate Status (ACS) for five years from the date of graduation (e.g., eligibility period would be 6/1/2020 – 6/1/2025 with 6/1/2020 being date of graduation). ACS expires when the applicant successfully completes the examination or exactly five years from the date of graduation, whichever comes first. Candidates are responsible for being aware of when ACS expires and being prepared to apply for examination administration prior to that date.
Category 3: Non-ACS Attempt Examinees
Candidates who do not obtain certification within the first five years of graduation from an accredited program remain eligible to sit for the examination. However, candidates will not be granted ACS for any examination attempt in Category 3.
Category 4: Internationally Trained Genetic Counselors Who May Be Eligible for the Examination
Internationally trained genetic counselors who hold a current registration/certification from an international body and who have earned a master’s degree from a genetic counseling program that has achieved accreditation/recognition from an ABGC-recognized accrediting body may be eligible to apply for the examination. Currently, ABGC only recognizes the international programs accredited through the Human Genetic Society of Australasia.
Individuals applying under the International Pathway must submit the following documentation to the ABGC Executive Office for review:
- Documentation from the certifying/registration body indicating when the individual was initially certified or registered, including expiration or renewal date.
- Official transcript of master’s degree in genetic counseling listing the date the degree is conferred. Transcripts not in English must be accompanied by an English translation. If the academic records do not include official evidence of the award of the degree, applicants must also submit additional documents that verify the degree conferral.
Please note that through the exam application process, candidates following this path will be prompted to provide this documentation.
Former ABGC Diplomates Whose Certification Has Lapsed
Former ABGC Diplomates whose time-limited certification has lapsed may become certified again by attempting the examination. Candidates who qualify under this category are not eligible for Active Candidate Status (ACS).