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About this exam

The CGC credential is a certification mark awarded by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) to individuals who pass the ABGC Examination. ABGC describes its work as promoting high standards in genetic counseling certification, and the CGC mark may only be used by someone holding a valid, current credential conferred after passing that exam. The credential is aimed at genetic counselors who have completed the ABGC application process, paid examination fees, and scheduled an appointment to test. ABGC publishes its exam resources separately from the credential pages: a Candidate Guide covering application, fees, and scheduling; a Content Outline describing what the exam covers; a Study Guide; a Practice Exam designed to mimic the real test; Exam Advice From CGCs; an Exam References list; and a Student Webinar. Because ABGC hosts the authoritative Content Outline and Candidate Guide as downloadable documents, candidates should build their study plan from those documents rather than from third-party summaries, and should check the site for current details. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or approved by ABGC; ABGC states that it does not endorse, sponsor, affiliate with, or approve any outside exam preparation products or courses. Specific exam format details, fees, timing, and retake rules are not reproduced here because they were not confirmed from the retrieved source material.

What you'll study

Common questions

About CGC preparation

What is the CGC credential, exactly?

It is a certification mark owned by ABGC. ABGC states the mark may only be used by an individual who holds a valid, current CGC credential, conferred after passing the ABGC certification exam. Holding the credential is therefore tied to passing that exam and maintaining currency through ABGC's recertification process.

Who should sit for the ABGC Examination?

Candidates who have worked through ABGC's application process. ABGC's site separates eligibility requirements, the certification process with exam and fees, and the application portal. Review the Eligibility Requirements page and the Candidate Guide before applying, since eligibility is determined by ABGC, not by any prep provider.

What does the exam cover?

ABGC publishes a Content Outline as a standalone PDF under Exam Resources, and that document is the authoritative description of coverage. This page does not restate domain names or weights because they were not confirmed from the retrieved source. Download the outline directly and map your study plan to it.

How should I prepare, and in what order?

Start with the Content Outline to see what is testable, then read the Candidate Guide for logistics. Use the Study Guide and Exam References list to choose reading, work through the Practice Exam to find gaps, and review Exam Advice From CGCs for perspective. Finish by revisiting weak outline areas rather than rereading what you already know.

Is there an official practice exam?

Yes. ABGC lists a Practice Exam under Exam Resources and describes it as designed to mimic the real test. Treat it as a diagnostic and pacing tool rather than a score predictor, and note that ABGC states it does not endorse or approve any outside exam preparation products or courses.

How long is the exam and what is the format?

Not confirmed from the retrieved source material, so no figure is given here. Item counts, time limits, and delivery format are stated in ABGC's Candidate Guide and on the Certification Process, Exam and Fees page. Check those directly, since details can change between examination periods.

What does it cost, and are scholarships available?

Fees are not reproduced here because the retrieved source did not confirm amounts. ABGC's Certification Process, Exam and Fees page covers fees, and ABGC also lists a Need-Based Certification Scholarship under Certify. Review both before applying so you know the full cost and any deadline attached to a scholarship request.

What if I do not pass - can I retake it?

Retake rules were not confirmed from the retrieved source, so they are not stated here. ABGC's Frequently Asked Questions page and Candidate Guide are the places to check for retake eligibility, waiting periods, and any fee implications. Confirm before you test so you understand your options in advance.

Why do candidates fall short on this exam?

The most common pattern is studying from secondary summaries instead of ABGC's Content Outline, which leaves whole areas unseen. A second is skipping the Practice Exam and discovering pacing problems on test day. A third is neglecting logistics in the Candidate Guide. Build your plan from ABGC's own documents and check the site for current details.

Is this page affiliated with ABGC?

No. This is independent study material and makes no claim of affiliation, endorsement, or approval. ABGC states that it does not endorse, sponsor, affiliate with, or approve any outside exam preparation products or courses. For authoritative information, use abgc.net, the Candidate Guide, and the Content Outline.