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Background
ABGC's mission is focused on promoting high standards within the field of genetic counseling. In an effort to support our mission, ABGC must continuously evaluate how genetic counselors are certified and recertified.
As part of this process, in 2019, the ABGC Board of Directors convened the Continuing Competence Taskforce to evaluate the current recertification process for Diplomates and to evaluate new strategies for maintaining and enhancing competency that would increase learner engagement. This taskforce recommended a change to the recertification process that will include the integration of reflective learning scenarios.
Overview of Continuing Competence Learning Scenarios
The learning scenarios are developed by ABGC’s Continuing Competence Committee (CCC). ABGC and the CCC have also amended their original process to include a review of all scenarios by ABGC’s DEIJ Committee. Each learning scenario describes a novel or complex genetic counseling situation, followed by a series of questions These questions ask diplomates to reflect on how they would react in the situation as new details are provided.
As part of the development process, scenarios are given to a group of panelists (separate from the CCC and DEIJ Committees). Panelists are asked to reflect on the scenarios and to provide their rationale for why they chose an answer choice that they did. These rationales are included for all questions within a learning scenario and come directly from panelists’ initial reactions to the scenario. They illustrate different thought processes as each panelist draws on their own knowledge, experiences, and values to make a clinical judgment. The range of responses and rationales (noted by the proportion of the panel selecting each response) shows how competent practitioners take different approaches, arrive at different conclusions, and identify different gaps in their expertise in response to the same case. By comparing our reasoning with that of others, we can better recognize our own strengths and limitations and gain insight into areas of practice to explore through further learning.
Once the diplomate has answered each of the questions and reviewed the panelist rationale, they will be provided with an educational summary on the scenario. This summary is intended to provide additional resources should a diplomate want to learn more about the topics explored in the educational summaries. Diplomates will also be provided an opportunity to provide an open response reflection on the scenario.
Details of the New Requirement
In addition to the existing process for recertifying through CEUs or reexamination, and to support a smooth transition and minimize disruption to diplomates’ ongoing recertification efforts, the new Learning Scenario requirement will take effect as each individual enters a new recertification cycle on or after January 1, 2026. This phased approach allows diplomates adequate time to understand and prepare for the recertification policy changes.
What Does This Phased Approach Look Like?
Recertification Cycle Schedule
| Recertification Cycle Start Date |
Learning Scenario Start Date |
Learning Scenario Due Date |
| 01/01/2026 |
01/01/2026 |
12/31/2030 |
| 01/01/2027 |
01/01/2027 |
12/31/2031 |
| 01/01/2028 |
01/01/2028 |
12/31/2032 |
| 01/01/2029 |
01/01/2029 |
12/31/2033 |
| 01/01/2030 |
01/01/2030 |
12/31/2034 |
What Does This New Mandatory Component Mean?
- Diplomates must complete 25 learning scenarios during their 5-year recertification cycle. Diplomates do not have to complete learning scenarios every year as long as they complete all 25 within their 5-year cycle. All 25 learning scenarios must be completed by December 31st of the recertification cycle end date in order to recertify and maintain the CGC credential.
- Diplomates will earn CEUs for each learning scenario completed, even if they complete scenarios before their next full recertification cycle begins.
- ABGC encourages diplomates to complete at least five (5) learning scenarios per year.
- This flexible framework is intended to alleviate concerns about falling behind, offering ample time to complete requirements without disrupting professional obligations.
Can I Complete the Learning Scenarios Prior to my Official Mandatory Requirement?
Those currently in recertification cycles ending in 2026–2029 may complete learning scenarios voluntarily and earn 0.1 CEU for each scenario completed, which will count toward their current recertification requirements. However, learning scenarios completed prior to the recertification cycle will not count toward the 25 required to recertify within the next 5-year recertification cycle.
Where Can I Find the Learning Scenarios?
All available learning scenarios can be found in the recertification application. Diplomates will need to login to the ABGC portal and open their recertification application to add the available learning scenarios. Each year, ABGC will release 5 learning scenarios on a rolling basis beginning in January of each year. Upon the release of each learning scenario, an email will be sent out through the recertification portal. Please ensure that you have your correct email address attached to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do other health care certification bodies have a requirement like this?
Yes, per the Institute for Credential Excellence (I.C.E.), many organizations have moved or are moving towards developing new, more effective recertification processes that are less costly, less invasive, more relevant to practice, more educational, more convenient and inclusive of ongoing continuing competence assessments.
How long will it take to complete each learning scenario?
We currently estimate that each learning scenario will take approximately 60 minutes to complete; however, all scenarios are self-paced and allow for each Diplomate to read and reflect prior to answering the questions. At the end of each question, Diplomates will receive rationale statements for each answer choice. Following the completion of all questions for each scenario, Diplomates will also have access to an educational summary as an additional resource, and the software will allow time to provide reflective feedback at the end of each scenario if you choose.
Is the number of CEUs going to increase with the addition of the learning scenarios?
No, the total number of CEUs required to recertify is not increasing. Diplomates will still only be required to earn 12.5 CEUs over five years. Starting in 2026, Diplomates will earn 0.1 CEU for each scenario they complete.
Can I count the completion of the learning scenarios towards state licensure requirements?
Yes. Because Diplomates will earn category 1 CEUs for completion of the learning scenarios, they will count towards licensure.
Do I have to complete all of the learning scenarios at once?
No. Diplomates must complete 25 scenarios over their 5 year recertification cycle. 5 new scenarios will be released on a rolling basis each year (starting in January).
Resources
ABGC Continuing Competence Learning Scenarios Infographic
How to Complete an ABGC Continuing Competence Learning Scenario (PDF)