Preparing for the genetic counseling board exam can feel overwhelming. Between the extensive study materials, challenging practice questions, and uncertainty about what to expect on exam day, candidates often struggle to determine where to begin and how to use their preparation time effectively.

In this episode of DNA Today, host Kira Dineen is joined by Melanie Hardy and Amy Shikany to explore the new and updated resources available to candidates preparing for the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) Certification Examination.

Melanie Hardy is the 2026 President of ABGC, and Amy Shikany is ABGC President-Elect and a past Chair of the Certification and Education Committee.

Together, they discuss ABGC’s Certify webpage, the new CGC self-study guide, the approved references list, a new student webinar, and the updated practice examination that launched on June 15, 2026. They also take listeners behind the scenes of how the certification exam is developed, reviewed, and maintained.

Discussion Topics:

What the ABGC Certification Examination is designed to assess
Where candidates should begin when navigating ABGC’s certification and exam resources
How to use the exam content outline when developing a study plan
Why ABGC created its new CGC self-study guide
How candidates can use the self-study guide alongside the approved references
What candidates can expect from ABGC’s new student webinar
How questions for the certification exam are written and reviewed
What makes a strong “one best answer” board-exam question
How ABGC evaluates questions for accuracy, relevance, fairness, and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations
What has changed in the updated ABGC practice examination
How closely the practice exam reflects the structure and reasoning required on the certification exam
How candidates should interpret their practice-exam results
How the passing standard for the certification exam is determined
Preparation steps candidates should take before exam day
Encouragement and next steps for candidates who do not pass on their first attempt
How certified genetic counselors can contribute to the development and maintenance of the examination

One clarification from the conversation: candidates are provided access to a simple calculator during the certification exam.

About the Guests

Melanie Hardy, MS, CGC is the 2026 President of the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Through her leadership with ABGC, she supports the organization’s work to establish and maintain certification standards for the genetic counseling profession and provide resources for current and future certified genetic counselors.

Amy Shikany, MS, CGC is President-Elect of the American Board of Genetic Counseling and a past Chair of ABGC’s Certification and Education Committee. Her work with ABGC has included supporting the development, review, and ongoing maintenance of the genetic counseling certification examination.

Resources Mentioned

American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) website
Introducing the New CGC® Logo & Digital Badge
ABGC Certify
ABGC CGC Exam Resources
- Candidate Guide (Start here)
- Exam Content Outline
- Self Study Guide
  - Syndromes and Disorders List on Pages 19 and 20
- Practice Exam
- Examination References
- Exam Performance Taskforce Report
- Student Webinar (Coming Soon)

Relevant DNA Today Episodes:

#397 ABGC Recertification Changes: Learning Scenarios Explained for Genetic Counselors — Monica Marvin, Dr. Claire Davis, and Heather Rich explain ABGC’s new Continuing Competence Learning Scenarios, how the requirement fits into recertification, and what certified genetic counselors need to know.
#295 Genetic Counseling Board Exam Updates with ABGC — ABGC President Angela Trepanier and Executive Director Heather Rich provide an inside look at the certification exam, including exam development, scoring, administration, costs, financial assistance, equity, and available resources.
#235 Genetic Counseling History: ABGC Formation — Seasoned genetic counselors Ann Walker and Ed Kloza share about the formation of ABGC
#138 Genetic Counseling Boards Advice — Three genetic counselors share their experiences preparing for and taking the board exam, including study schedules, review courses, subject areas, resources, and balancing studying with work.
#126 Adam Buchanan on ABGC Boards Exam — Then-ABGC President Adam Buchanan answers listener questions about the exam’s structure, content, study resources, scoring, results, testing accommodations, cost, and inclusivity.
#57 Georgia Hurst on Lynch Syndrome — Patient advocate Georgia Hurst opens up about how Lynch syndrome has affected her and her family. This episode was mentioned towards the end of the interview.

Connect:

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