ABGC

Certification Process

Certification process

Applicants should apply for the examination online through our partner PSI. Once on this website, choose the Candidates menu item, health care category, and then American Board of Genetic Counseling. All materials, including an official transcript, must be submitted online.

If you need to achieve Active Candidate Status (ACS) for purposes of state licensure, you can apply for ACS after graduating from an ACGC accredited genetic counseling program.

Certification processBe sure to thoroughly review the Examination Bulletin and ask for clarification if you are unsure about any aspect of the process. It is critical that you not miss any application deadline or required documentation to determine eligibility. The ABGC office is available to assist you and can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone (913) 222-8661. Candidates may also contact PSI, ABGC’s testing partner, at 888-519-9901 from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Central Time) Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday and 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Common questions

 
  • What is the first step?

    What is the first step?

    Individuals wishing to apply to sit for the ABGC CGC® certification examination must review the Examination Bulletin and apply online though our partner PSI. Applicants must upload an electronic transcript that states the name of the degree and the date conferred. The director of the accredited genetic counseling program from which an applicant graduated must also logon to an online system and verify the graduation date of all applicants. All application materials are reviewed before eligibility is conferred. This process can take between 7-14 business days once all eligibility requirements are met.

    Once an applicant is accepted to sit for the examination, s/he will be granted Active Candidate Status (ACS) and will be able to schedule an examination appointment. The examination is administered generally six days a week in the months of February and August and is administered in testing centers worldwide.

  • How is the test administered?

    How is the test administered?

    The ABGC Certified Genetic Counselor® Examination is a computer-based examination given at specific testing centers worldwide through our partner PSI. The examination consists of 200 questions. Candidates are given four hours to complete the examination.

  • Is there a time limit to pass the exam?
  • Exam dates and fees

    Is there a time limit to pass the exam?

    To achieve ABGC certification, applicants must pass the Certified Genetic Counselor® Examination during the period of their Active Candidate Status. Candidates have three attempts within five years of graduation from an ACGC accredited program to become certified.

    Be sure to thoroughly review the Examination Bulletin and ask for clarification if you are unsure about any aspect of the process.

  • What about recertification?

    What about recertification?

    Certification lasts five years, after which individuals must recertify. Certified individuals are referred to as Diplomates.

    Diplomates may recertify by examination or by participation in appropriate continuing education activities. If a Diplomate chooses to recertify by examination, he or she may follow the application guidelines and eligibility requirements included in the Examination Bulletin.

    Each Diplomate is responsible for:

    • Applying for recertification
    • Creating and updating the contact information on his/her ABGC Portal profile
    • Keeping current with ABGC news, information, policy, rules and regulations

ABGC

4400 College Blvd. Suite 220 Overland Park, KS 66211

913.222.8661

913.222.8606

[email protected]

© Copyright American Board of Genetic Counseling, Inc.