The CGC has 200 questions, takes about 4 hours and costs $675[1] (American Board of Genetic Counseling, verified Oct 30, 2026).
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Source · Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | 200 multiple-choice questions (170 scored, 30 pre-test)[1] | American Board of Genetic Counseling · Oct 30, 2026 |
| Time limit | 4 hours[1] | American Board of Genetic Counseling · Oct 30, 2026 |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 600 (scale 200–800)[2] | American Board of Genetic Counseling · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Exam fee | $675 (first-time applicants)[1] | American Board of Genetic Counseling · Oct 30, 2026 |
| Retake fee | $500 (repeat applicants)[1] | American Board of Genetic Counseling · Oct 30, 2026 |
| Retake policy | Unlimited attempts, one per test window[1] | American Board of Genetic Counseling · Oct 30, 2026 |
| Validity | 5 years[3] | American Board of Genetic Counseling · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Renewal | Every 5 years: 12.5 CEUs or re-examination[4] | American Board of Genetic Counseling · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Delivery | Prometric test center (US & Canada) or remote proctoring[1] | American Board of Genetic Counseling · Oct 30, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Master's degree in genetic counseling from an ACGC-accredited program[2] | American Board of Genetic Counseling · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Score release | On screen after the exam; PDF score report by email[5] | American Board of Genetic Counseling · Oct 25, 2026 |
| Registration deadline | January 15, 2027[1] | American Board of Genetic Counseling · Oct 30, 2026 |
| Testing window | February 1–28, 2027[1] | American Board of Genetic Counseling · Oct 30, 2026 |
The CGC (Certified Genetic Counselor) credential is a highly regarded certification for professionals dedicated to helping patients understand and adapt to the implications of genetic conditions. With the increasing demand for precision medicine, genetic counselors play a critical role in healthcare, guiding individuals through genetic testing, interpreting results, and providing support.
This guide will cover the key aspects of becoming a CGC, including eligibility, certification steps, career prospects, job locations, and salary expectations. Whether you're just beginning your journey or seeking information about advancing in this field, this article provides the roadmap to becoming a Certified Genetic Counselor.
According to American Board of Genetic Counseling, “The ABGC Certification Examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (170 scored items; 30 pre-test items).”[1]
The content areas below are copied from the official CGC content outline published by American Board of Genetic Counseling. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.
| Official content area | Practice on this site |
|---|---|
| Domain 1. Clinical Information, Human Development, and Genetic Conditions[6] | CGC Medical Genetics & Genomic Knowledge Practise recognising conditions from their features, inheritance and natural history, and linking each to the right clinical follow-up. |
| Domain 2. Risk Assessment and Principles of Human Genetics and Genomics[6] | CGC Genetic Risk Assessment & Counseling Work through pedigrees and inheritance patterns, and practise explaining how you reached a risk estimate step by step. |
| Domain 3. Testing Interpretation, Testing Options, and Reproductive Risk Management[6] | CGC Genomic Testing & Interpretation Practise choosing a suitable test, reading variant classifications, and deciding what a result does and does not tell a family. |
| Domain 4. Counseling Skills, Communication, and Education[6] | CGC Genetic Counseling Communication & Edu... Practise the best next response in a counseling scenario, including cultural context, informed choice and non-directive communication. |
Prepare for the CGC - Certified Genetic Counselor exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Question: The ACMG/AMP criterion PVS1 applies to which type of variant?
Answer: A. A null variant in a gene where loss of function is a known disease mechanism
Explanation:
Option A is correct. In the ACMG/AMP framework, PVS1 is very strong evidence meant for null variants, such as nonsense, frameshift and canonical splice-site changes, but only in a gene where loss of function is an established disease mechanism.
Option B is wrong because a missense variant does not clearly abolish the protein, and conservation is different, weaker evidence. Option C is wrong because a variant seen in many unaffected controls points toward benign evidence, not pathogenic. Option D is wrong because a synonymous change is not a null variant, and any splicing effect would need its own supporting evidence.
Rule to remember: ask two questions. Is the variant truly null, and is loss of function how this gene causes disease? Both answers must be yes before PVS1 applies.
Question: When counseling a patient from a different cultural background regarding a hereditary condition, the genetic counselor should FIRST:
Answer: B. Ask the patient about their cultural values and beliefs related to genetics
Explanation:
Option B is correct. Asking about the patient's cultural values and beliefs before you counsel lets you shape the information so it is relevant and respectful, and it treats the patient as the authority on their own views.
Option A is wrong because assuming culture will not matter is itself an assumption, and it can hide beliefs that shape decisions. Option C is wrong because waiting for resistance means the session has already gone off course, and a patient may simply stay quiet instead of objecting. Option D is wrong because a formal consult is not the first step; the counselor can start the conversation directly and consult later if needed.
Rule to remember: elicit before you educate. Explore the person's context first, then adapt your counseling to it.
Question: A laboratory reclassifies a previously reported VUS as likely pathogenic. What is the most appropriate next step?
Answer: A. Issue an amended report to the ordering provider so the patient can be recontacted
Explanation:
Option A is correct. When a laboratory reclassifies a variant in a way that could change care, it should issue an amended report to the ordering provider, who can then recontact the patient and act on the new classification.
Option B is wrong because it puts the burden on the patient, who has no reason to know a result changed. Option C is wrong because deleting the original report erases the record of what was reported and when, which laboratories and clinicians need for accountability. Option D is wrong because a reclassification rests on accumulated evidence about the variant, not on whether a relative happens to test positive.
Rule to remember: when a classification changes, communicate it through a documented, amended report to the provider.
Start by reading the ABGC exam information and the content outline so you know what is tested and how the exam is delivered. Then take one practice set from each area, using the sets listed above, without notes. Your aim at this stage is a map of weak spots, not a score.
Next, work in blocks by topic. For every question you miss, write one sentence on why the correct option is right and one on why your choice was wrong. Pay particular attention to the reasoning rules behind variant classification, risk calculation and counseling responses, because the same rule shows up in many different questions.
Mix in cancer genetics, prenatal genetics and laboratory genetics once your core areas feel steady, and keep returning to psychosocial and ethical issues, since scenario questions often blend them with technical content.
In the final stretch, sit a long mixed session in a quiet room and time it against the full exam length, so the pace and stamina feel familiar. Our questions are written by us and are not real exam questions, so use them to build reasoning, not to predict content.
A CGC (Certified Genetic Counselor) is a healthcare professional specialized in assessing individuals or families for genetic risks. This certification, provided by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC), confirms that the counselor has the knowledge and skills to provide informed guidance on genetic conditions, testing options, and preventative care.
Key Responsibilities:
Educational Requirements
To qualify for the CGC, candidates typically need:
Accredited programs in genetic counseling are available through various universities and offer a blend of classroom learning, clinical internships, and counseling practice.
Certification Steps
Salaries for genetic counselors vary based on factors such as location, experience, and specialization. Generally, genetic counseling is a well-compensated field due to its specialized nature and growing demand.
CGC (Certified Genetic Counselor) have diverse career options. The field’s interdisciplinary nature allows CGCs to work in hospitals, clinics, research institutions, and educational settings.
Common Job Settings
With advancements in personalized medicine, CGCs also find opportunities in emerging fields, such as telemedicine and biotechnology. Their expertise is valuable in creating patient-centered care models that involve genetic insights.
Locating a genetic counselor nearby is essential for individuals who need guidance on genetic testing and related health decisions. Several resources make it easier to find certified professionals within one’s area:
Connecting with a certified genetic counselor near you or through telehealth services ensures that you receive personalized support tailored to your medical and family history.
Becoming a CGC (Certified Genetic Counselor) is a rewarding path for individuals passionate about genetics and healthcare. The CGC credential not only validates one’s expertise in genetic science and counseling but also opens doors to a variety of impactful careers. As personalized medicine advances, genetic counseling will remain a vital service, empowering patients to understand and manage their genetic health.
With a foundation in accredited education, supervised clinical experience, and CGC certification, professionals in this field are well-prepared to contribute to the evolving landscape of genetics and patient-centered care.
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