ABMGG LGG
ABMGG Laboratory Genetics and Genomics (LGG) Certification Examination
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Cheat sheet
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ExploreAbout this exam
The ABMGG Laboratory Genetics and Genomics (LGG) Certification Examination is the initial certification examination offered by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics, a board whose stated mission is "to serve the public and medical profession by establishing professional certification standards and promoting lifelong learning as well as excellence in medical genetics and genomics." The LGG credential is intended for physicians and laboratory scientists who have completed ABMGG-accepted training in genetics and genomics and who seek board certification in the laboratory genetics and genomics specialty. Candidates should treat the ABMGG Initial Certification section as the authoritative hub: the Content Outlines and Blueprints page defines the knowledge domains and the relative emphasis of each, while the Certification Exam pages (Dates & Fees, Application Requirements, Exam Requirements, Testing Process, On Exam Day, Scoring) govern logistics. Because the LGG-specific content outline page was unavailable when this page was compiled, no item count, time limit, passing standard, or fee is stated here; verify every such figure directly with ABMGG before you register. Preparation should be built around the published blueprint: map each domain to primary genetics and genomics literature and current professional guidelines, practice interpreting laboratory data and variant classifications, and rehearse explaining results in written form. Confirm eligibility and application deadlines early, since application review precedes scheduling.
What you'll study
About ABMGG LGG preparation
What does the LGG certification examination actually test?
It assesses the knowledge and judgment expected of a board-certified laboratory genetics and genomics specialist. The authoritative description is the ABMGG Content Outlines and Blueprints document for the specialty, which lists the domains and their relative emphasis. Build your study plan from that outline rather than from third-party summaries, and check it each application cycle for revisions.
How many questions are on the exam, and how long is it?
The ABMGG pages that carry item counts and time limits were not available when this page was compiled, so no number is given here. Treat any figure you see elsewhere as unverified. Confirm the current format through ABMGG's Certification Exam pages, particularly Exam Requirements and Testing Process, before you finalize your test-day plan.
What score do I need to pass?
The passing standard is set by ABMGG and is described on its Scoring page, which also explains how results are reported. No passing score is stated on this page because the source material did not include one. Review the Scoring page directly so you understand the standard and the reporting timeline before you sit for the exam.
How much does the exam cost, and when is it offered?
Fees and test dates are published on the ABMGG Dates & Fees page under Initial Certification. Those values change periodically and were not present in the material used to compile this page, so verify the current fee and the next available window on the ABMGG site before budgeting or scheduling.
Can I retake the exam if I do not pass?
Retake rules, including any waiting period or limit on attempts, are governed by ABMGG policy and are addressed in the Certification Exam FAQs and the Policies section. Because the specific terms were not included in the source material, confirm them with ABMGG before you apply, especially if you are planning a single attempt.
How should I sequence my studying?
Start with the blueprint, then rank domains by weight and by your own weakness. Spend the most time on high-emphasis areas and on the interpretive skills the specialty uses daily, such as variant assessment and result reporting. Reserve the final weeks for timed practice and for reviewing the professional guidelines most likely to be referenced.
What are the most common reasons candidates struggle?
Two recurring problems are studying from general genetics review material instead of the ABMGG blueprint, and knowing facts without being able to apply them to a case. A third is neglecting the non-analytical content, including reporting, quality, and professional practice expectations. Practice justifying an answer in writing, not just recognizing it.
Do I need to apply before I can schedule a test date?
Yes. ABMGG reviews applications before candidates proceed, and it publishes separate pages on Application Requirements, Results of Application Review, and Exam Requirements. Read all three early in the year, because document collection and review take time and a late or incomplete application can cost you an exam window.
Is this page affiliated with ABMGG?
No. This is independent study material and is not produced, reviewed, or endorsed by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics. All official policies, outlines, dates, and fees come from ABMGG directly. Use this page for orientation and planning, and treat the ABMGG website as the sole authoritative source for exam rules.