ABGC is committed to including varied perspectives, experiences, backgrounds, talents and interests in its genetic counseling certification exam development and joins other leaders in supporting equity across the profession. As Certified Genetic Counselors we are trusted health care professionals who promote patient safety and ensure higher quality health care for all.
As part of the genetic counseling community, ABGC is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion, which embraces, but is not limited to: race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, physical or medical condition, socioeconomic status, marital and familial status, and sexual orientation.
DEIJ Certification Assessment Report
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did ABGC have this assessment conducted?
What did the report find?
What is ABGC doing to address the recommendations in the report?
What about the recommendations that aren’t already part of ABGC’s Strategic Plan?
How will ABGC keep the exam questions free of bias moving forward?
How can I provide feedback on this?
Why did ABGC have this assessment conducted?
The ABGC certification examination is one point of entry into the genetic counseling profession. As such, it is critically important for ABGC to administer an exam free of any bias that disadvantages some candidates from achieving a passing score. In response to Diplomate feedback following the 2020 #ABGCListens initiative, ABGC committed to hiring an independent third party to review processes, procedures, and content regarding certification examination development and administration.
What did the report find?
The full DEIJ Certification Assessment report concludes that ABGC’s certification exam development and corresponding processes “are generally in good shape where information is available, but that there are opportunities for further investigation and consideration to address potential DEIJ concerns.“
What is ABGC doing to address the recommendations in the report?
ABGC will continue to offer live remote proctoring and align with collaborative organizations on ongoing and complementary DEIJ efforts. As part of our Strategic Plan, the ABGC Board is researching ways to provide scholarships to help offset the cost of the exam, alternative methodologies for initial certification, and methods to recruit more demographically diverse item writers.
What about the recommendations that aren’t already part of ABGC’s Strategic Plan?
This is only the beginning of a continual process of assessment and improvement for ABGC. We are forming a new ABGC DEIJ committee dedicated exclusively to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice as they relate to the certification exam and the organization as a whole. This committee will also be responsible for evaluating and prioritizing the areas of opportunity and improvement we have not yet initiated.
How will ABGC keep the exam questions free of bias moving forward?
Our Certification Exam Committee (CEC) is reviewing and revising the nine items identified as needing adjustment or removal from the exam as well as the 38 items flagged for further review, in addition to continuing its review of exam items for bias. The CEC is also incorporating a list of words, phrases, and scenarios to avoid when writing new exam questions into item writer training.
How can I provide feedback on this?
ABGC will be setting opportunities to continue the ongoing DEIJ conversation as it relates to ABGC Diplomates and candidates. Please email any immediate questions or comments to info@abgc.net.