Creating a CGC Exam Study Schedule Right for You in 3 Steps

So, you’ve just graduated from your genetic counseling program, and now you’re navigating the whirlwind of next steps: interviewing for jobs, landing a position, starting your new role and, on top of all that, studying for the board exam — all while managing your personal life. It’s a lot to juggle! Trust me — I’ve been there, done that. Thinking back on it all stresses me out, too, so I know exactly how you feel and where you're at. Now that I’m (finally) board certified, I want to share some advice on how to incorporate study time into your schedule to feel prepared for the boards. 

3 Steps Toward Creating a CGC Certification Examination Study Schedule

1. Decide when you want to take the boards.

This sets the stage for your study timeline. Whether you aim for August or March, identify and mark the days already committed to other obligations — work, vacations, events (religious, traditional, family), or anything else where studying just isn’t feasible.

Once you’ve marked those important days, create a test study schedule that adds a two-week buffer to your schedule. Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, and it’s always best to be prepared for the unexpected. At the end of your study timeline, set aside an additional one to two weeks strictly for review and practice. This final phase is crucial for consolidating your knowledge and honing your test-taking skills. If you’re planning to take the boards in August, you’ll be working with what I would say is a three-month plan, assuming you begin studying after you graduate in May.

In contrast, preparing for the March boards allows for an eight-month plan, depending when you begin studying. In this circumstance, your preparation time may be cut in half for the August boards, so your study schedule will need to be more intense and focused. 

2. Plan your study schedule.

Now that you’ve squared away all the essential dates and buffer periods, it’s time to determine your ideal study patterns. Do you prefer one long study session each day, splitting your time into a morning and evening session, or spreading multiple shorter sessions throughout the day?

Studying is a blend of various elements: understanding the material, applying concepts through practice and reinforcing knowledge through repetition. It involves active recall, spaced repetition and engaging with diverse resources to boost comprehension and retention.

When I started studying for the boards, I had just begun a full-time job. I found that having a morning study session before work for understanding and learning new material, followed by an evening session for applying and reviewing that material, worked best for me. Finding what works best for you will be key to maximizing your productivity and retention.

3. Identify study resources.

Once you’ve got your study schedule figured out, it’s time to choose the resources you’ll use for board preparation. Whether it’s lectures, notes, review books, textbooks or practice questions, break them down according to your time frame and study patterns. This ensures that your study materials are evenly distributed throughout your preparation period, making your study sessions more structured and effective all the while maximizing, once again, your productivity and retention. See here for a link to a draft of my study schedule and the resources I utilized.*

In terms of studying tips and strategies, the Certification Examination Content Outline is the place to start. Additionally, my fellow recent CGCs have provided great insight which you can find on the ABGC Updates webpage.

Studying is like growing a plant. At first, progress is slow and barely noticeable, just like a seed taking root. With consistent care — watering, sunlight and nurturing (a.k.a. studying, learning, applying and reviewing) — your plant starts to sprout and grow. As you continue to study, you build understanding and make connections. Eventually, your efforts bloom into a full, thriving plant, representing your readiness and confidence for the board exam. Just like a well-tended plant, your diligent study will lead to a flourishing outcome.

Navigating the transition from genetic counseling program to certification is a significant journey, but with careful planning and strategy, it’s entirely manageable. By setting clear timelines, identifying potential obstacles and creating a structured study schedule, you set yourself up for success. Choose study patterns that align with your personal routine, utilize a variety of resources effectively and remember that the final phase of review is crucial.

Think of studying as nurturing a plant: your consistent effort and patience will eventually lead to a thriving outcome. Embrace the process, stay organized and trust in your preparation. You've got this!

*Please note this is one individual’s study schedule and is not endorsed or promoted by ABGC.