Strengthening the CGC Credential — Message From Priyanka Ahimaz, MS, CGC
As I take on the role of president of the American Board of Genetic Counseling this year, I am filled with a profound sense of honor and responsibility but also excitement for the opportunities ahead to strengthen the CGC credential. I am thrilled to be working alongside a dynamic Board of Directors who are passionate about finding the best ways to advance ABGC’s mission and serve its Diplomates.
Having been a genetic counselor for over 15 years, I’ve worked in a variety of educator, clinician and researcher roles, which has given me insight into the ways our profession is changing and evolving in different spaces. In the past few years, we’ve seen genetic counselors grow and adapt their skills into a variety of roles that would have previously been considered “non-traditional” — the term hardly makes sense to use anymore. As our profession continues to evolve and expand, so must the ways we assess and maintain competency.
The Board recently announced the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan, which was developed at the end of last year along with representatives from several other genetic counseling organizations. As highlighted in the plan, a priority for ABGC is ensuring that our certification and recertification processes not only reflect the highest standards of excellence but also adapt to the diverse needs of our community and the dynamic nature of our work. I am eager to explore innovative assessment models — whether that means considering alternative exam formats, expanding performance-based evaluations or identifying novel approaches to gauge ongoing professional competence. My goal is to foster a system that is rigorous, equitable and reflective of the breadth of skills and knowledge that define our field.
The newly launched Continuing Competence Learning Scenarios are one piece to this goal, as they will hone the value of recertification for CGCs. This change, soft launched this year with two scenarios now available, is the result of years of planning. I encourage you to read the Continuing Competence Committee update from Angie Trepanier for background on its development. Although the learning scenarios are not yet required, please take the time to explore them and give your feedback so they can improve prior to the official launch in 2026. With the goal of pursuing innovative forms of assessment, we are hopeful that the new Learning Scenarios will be a meaningful way for Diplomates to actively learn and engage with evolving best practices. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing valuable, practical tools for ongoing professional development and ensuring the continued relevance of the CGC credential. Plus, you get free CEUs!
One of the initiatives I am particularly passionate about is the expansion of opportunities for those pursuing certification. The success of the Need-Based Certification Scholarship underscores the importance of reducing barriers to entry in our field, and I am committed to continuing this effort. For the February exam, we provided 12 scholarships, and we have 28 openings for the August exam. The number awarded for each exam window aligns with the volume of candidates expected within that window. I encourage you to please spread the word about this opportunity. I strongly believe that ABGC must remain steadfast in our focus on equity and accessibility, ensuring that the certification process is fair and inclusive for all candidates.
Additionally, I want to highlight our strategic goal of collaborating on efforts to elevate the value of CCGs as essential partners in the development and delivery of precision health. ABGC is a key collaborator with the North American Genetic Counseling Organization, having participated last fall in a DEIJ webinar. We hope to increase connections with our sister genetic counseling organizations, fostering collaboration and strengthening partnerships that will benefit our entire community. At the heart of this mission is a commitment to collaboration and transparency. I am deeply invested in engaging with our Diplomates, candidates and more to ensure that every voice is heard and every perspective considered. Our collective input will be essential as we work to strengthen the value of the CGC credential and maintain its relevance in the era of precision health.
I encourage you to share your insights, ideas and feedback with me. Innovation thrives when we challenge the status quo, and I am eager to think outside the box and explore new possibilities that will enhance the experience and impact of ABGC’s work.
Thank you for your dedication to the field of genetic counseling and for your ongoing support of ABGC’s mission. I look forward to collaborating with you as we shape a future defined by excellence, inclusivity and forward-thinking leadership.
I look forward to what we will accomplish together this year.