ABGC's mission is focused on promoting high standards within the field of genetic counseling. In an effort to support our mission, ABGC must continuously evaluate how genetic counselors are certified and re-certified.
As part of this process, in 2019 the ABGC Board of Directors convened the Continuing Competence Taskforce to evaluate the current recertification process for diplomates and to evaluate new strategies for maintaining and enhancing competency that would increase learner engagement.
This taskforce recommended a change to the recertification process that will include the integration of reflective learning scenarios. The taskforce, which has now transitioned into the Continuing Competence Committee, has been developing the reflective learning scenarios over the last two years.
Overview of Learning Scenarios
All of the learning scenarios were written and assessed through the Continuing Competence Committee and with other genetic counselor experts. The taskforce and experts are representative of genetic counselors from a variety of career stages (early, mid, and late career), as well as a variety of workplaces including clinical, lab, industry, research and education.
Each scenario describes a novel or complex genetic counseling situation, followed by a series of questions. Additional details are included as Diplomates work through the questions. Once a Diplomate has answered the questions, they can compare their responses to those of experts in the field. The objective is to reflect on and self-assess current competency related to the topics covered by each scenario. Educational summaries with references are included at the end to support additional learning. Diplomates will earn continuing education credits for completing each learning scenario.
We are excited to share that ABGC will offer the opportunity to complete two of the new learning scenarios in 2025, with the official launch and requirement for recertification effective as of Jan. 1, 2026.
Details of the New Requirement
In addition to the existing process for recertifying through CEUs or re-examination, effective Jan. 1, 2026, all genetic counselors will be required to complete five (5) reflective learning scenarios each year, earning 0.5 CEUs (0.1 CEU per scenario).
Each year, a total of six (6) learning scenarios will be released, and each genetic counselor must complete five (5). Once completed, you will have the opportunity to write reflective feedback for each learning scenario. Not only does this provide an opportunity to reflect on whether the learning scenario challenged your initial thought processes about how to manage the case presented, but it will also provide the Continuing Competence Committee with feedback that may help in developing future scenarios.
The learning scenarios will be housed within the current recertification platform. The scenarios are not graded or scored, and only marked as Complete (all questions answered) or Incomplete. Upon completion, diplomates will have access to the educational summary and a list of relevant resources.
CEUs and Recertification
Diplomates will still be responsible for earning 12.5 CEUs within their 5-year certification cycle, and these CEUs can be earned from educational programs or Professional Activity Credits (PACs).
ABGC will cover the cost for the 0.5 CEU (0.1 CEU per scenario) that will be granted annually for completion of the required learning scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do other healthcare certification bodies have a requirement like this?
Yes, per the Institute for Credential Excellence (ICE), many organizations have moved or are moving towards developing new, more effective recertification processes that are less costly, less invasive, more relevant to practice, more educational, more convenient, and inclusive of ongoing continuing competence assessments.
How long will it take to complete each learning scenario?
We currently estimate that each learning scenario will take approximately 60 minutes to complete, however all scenarios are self-paced and allow for each Diplomate to read and reflect prior to answering the questions. At the end of each question, Diplomates will receive rationale statements for each answer choice.
Following the completion of all questions for each scenario, Diplomates will also have access to an educational summary as an additional resource, The software will also allow time to provide reflective feedback at the end of each scenario.
Is the number of CEUs going to increase with the addition of the learning scenarios?
No, the total number of CEUs required to recertify is not increasing. Diplomates will still only be required to earn 12.5 CEUs over 5 years. Starting in 2026, Diplomates will earn 0.1 CEU for each scenario they complete.
Can I count the completion of the learning scenarios towards state licensure requirements?
Yes, because Diplomates will earn CEUs for completion of the learning scenarios, they will count towards licensure.
Do I have to complete all of the learning scenarios at once?
No, Diplomates have the opportunity to complete all scenarios on-demand during the year. All scenarios will be released on Jan. 1 and must be completed by Dec. 31 of the same year.
Resources
Download Informational Infographic (PDF)