Message From the President of ABGC

Dear Diplomates,

I want to acknowledge the concern and distress many of you are feeling in light of the February 2025 ABGC Certification Exam results, which had a pass rate of 53.6%. I’ve heard many conversations and questions around this and feel it is important to address them directly.

ABGC has always been committed to maintaining a rigorous, fair and evidence-based certification process reflective of the skills and knowledge needed to practice genetic counseling safely, effectively and ethically. While the emotions surrounding this recent pass rate are powerful — and warranted — I caution against rushing to conclusions about its cause based on perception, anecdote or singular data points.

I recommend that we as a community lean into a deliberate, data-driven process to better understand what is happening and which action steps will be most meaningful. With that in mind, below are some of the ways that ABGC is working to understand the issue and make meaningful change:

Exam Review: We conducted a comprehensive psychometric and individual item review of the February 2025 and August 2024 exam forms to ensure fairness and consistency. No differences were identified between the exam forms. The pass rate of the August 2024 exam cycle was 76%.
Exam Pass Rate Task Force: Last year, we convened a panel of 12 genetic counselor leaders from different organizations including Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC), Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC), Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling (CBGC), Genetic Counselor Educators Association (GCEA) and National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) along with genetic counselors that obtained their credential within the last five years to evaluate our exam outcomes and investigate potential factors contributing to recent results in the hope of identifying evidence-based suggestions for improvements. This group will be releasing their full report and findings this Summer.
Study Guide: We are in the process of developing a board exam study guide, which is based on responses from candidates who previously took the exam to determine best strategies when studying for the board exam. This guide will be designed to provide greater insight into the structure and content domains of the exam and is intended to help candidates better prepare for the certification exam.
Strategic Plan: In collaboration with leadership of our sister GC organizations, the ABGC Board announced a new strategic plan and initiatives for 2025-2027. The initiatives are focused on innovation and equity in certification, including exploration of alternative and complementary exam formats, updates to the practice exam and a comprehensive practice analysis to ensure the exam remains aligned with current clinical realities and evolving roles in the field.
Collaboration With Other Genetic Counseling Organizations: We recognize that the factors influencing the exam pass rate are varied and have been in active communication with ACGC and GCEA leadership on how best to approach next steps collaboratively. Improved communication with Diplomates, candidates and other genetic counseling organizations is also a key part of our strategic initiatives and we will continue reviewing candidate feedback and stakeholder input to identify opportunities for greater clarity, support and communication throughout the exam process.

I know how deeply personal and impactful this exam is for each candidate. The pass rate is more than just a number; it represents careers, identities and futures. The ABGC Board takes the responsibility to develop and administer the board exam with great care. We also recognize that we are all living through a time of profound uncertainty and upheaval. There is a lot happening in the scientific world that is deeply distressing, and it’s understandable that this news may feel especially heavy when layered on top of broader stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. ABGC’s responsibility is to ensure that the certification process remains fair and evidence-based, which means grounding our actions not only in compassion, but in data, psychometric best practices and a long-term view of what’s right for our Diplomates and the patients we serve. The certification exam is a high-stakes tool, and any changes must be based on solid evidence to protect the integrity of our profession.

We know that trust is earned through both action and communication. This moment calls for both. Please know that we are listening carefully — and also acting carefully. We remain committed to transparency, thoughtful innovation and meaningful engagement with the genetic counseling community as we move forward — together.