ABGC's committees have been hard at work advancing our specialty over the last few months. Hear from committee leadership about their recent accomplishments and what to look forward to soon.
Continuing Competence Committee
Sharon Aufox, MS, CGC, Co-Chair, and Claire Davis, MS, CGC, Co-Chair
Building off the last update, our work continues to be rooted in evaluating the current recertification process for certified genetic counselors and ensuring that we stay committed to promoting high standards within the field of genetic counseling. The CCC has worked over the last year to develop reflective learning scenarios that will be integrated into the recertification process. In the beginning of 2024, the committee worked with additional volunteers to review the proposed scenarios. Since then, the committee has worked on developing educational summaries that will be provided after each scenario is completed.
We are excited to share that we are officially offering 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. Anyone who completes both scenarios that are released in 2025 will be granted those CEUs in 2026. For more information, you can visit this page on the ABGC website about the new learning scenarios that will house additional resources provided by ABGC including an informational webinar, short video previews of the software and answers to frequently asked questions.
Certification Exam Committee
Amy Shikany, MS, CGC, Chair, and Katherine Dunn, MS, CGC, Vice-Chair
The CEC is glad to announce another successful exam cycle for 2024, with the overall pass rate for the August 2024 exam being 76.3% — for first-time test takers, the rate is 79.6%. ABGC publishes test taker pass rates on the Certify webpage.
In September, we reviewed 76 items written by this year's item writing committee. These items were written to fill in areas of need within the exam content outline. Approved items will be considered for pre-testing on the 2025 exam forms before becoming eligible as a scored item.
Additionally, the CEC leadership has been working to condense the reference list for the certification exam. This includes re-referencing items that might have previously been referenced to an obscure source. The overall goal is to minimize the number of references for test takers to consider when studying for the exam.
Looking ahead to 2025, current committee Vice-Chair Katie Dunn will become chair and Elizabeth Seiwart, LGC, will become vice-chair.
DEIJ Committee
Enrique Lopez, MS, CGC, Chair, and Josie Baker, MS, CGC, Vice Chair
Since the DEIJ Committee’s last update, we are excited to share that we have created the ABGC Needs Based Certification Scholarship. We recognize the financial burden the certification exam may have on individuals, and we hope to support many with this opportunity. This scholarship provides financial support for the certification exam for graduates or students in the final semester of an approved Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) program. This is a new initiative dedicated to promoting diversity and equity in our profession, aiming to support individuals who bring diverse perspectives and have the potential to make a positive impact on the genetic counseling field.
One focus while developing the scholarship was to create a more equitable application process for individuals to share their qualifications. The application allows individuals to share their diverse perspectives in the form of multiple mediums, including essay, video or audio submissions.
Nominating Committee
Samantha Greenburg, PhD, MS, MPH, CGC, Chair
This summer, the ABGC Nominating Committee facilitated the process to establish a ballot for the 2025 ABGC Board of Directors. Working alongside the Board, we identified the core needs of the Board, developed a call for nominations and solicited nominations from the broader Diplomate community. We reviewed and adapted the application and interview questions to reflect the evolving state of the organization and the needs of diplomates. After conducting application review, we offered interviews and met with qualified applicants to determine the ultimate ballot. We are grateful to the Diplomates who applied, and the broader community for making their voice heard through voting on the ballet. We are excited to welcome Amy Shikany, MS, CGC, and Sharon Chan, MS, CGC, MPH as new Board directors.
Over the next few months, we plan to revise and update Nominating Committee policies and procedures to continue streamlining the process and ensuring equity across all aspects of the nomination process.