Practice Standards
The Practice Based Competencies (or Practice Standards) define and describe the twenty two practice-based competencies that an entry-level provider must demonstrate to successfully practice as a genetic counselor. These competencies are established and maintained by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC).
The didactic and experiential components of a genetic counseling training curriculum and maintenance of competency for providers must support the development of competencies categorized in the following domains:
- Genetics Expertise and Analysis
- Interpersonal, Psychosocial and Counseling Skills
- Education
- Professional Development and Practice.
Practice Based Competencies for Genetic Counselors
Diplomates must also adhere to ABGC’s policies and procedures in order to maintain an active Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC®) credential. As part of certification and recertification, diplomates must also be aware of and practice in accordance with the National Society of Genetic Counselor (NSGC) Code of Ethics (for U.S. based genetic counselors) or the Canadian Association of Genetic Counseling (CAGC) Code of Ethics (for Canada based genetic counselors). For those practicing abroad, ABGC encourages the adoption of all internationally recognized genetic counseling bodies’ codes of professional conduct.