Free CGC Exam Prep
Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC)
Prepare for the CGC exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.
Quick Facts
CGC ABGC CGC Certified Genetic Counselor License: Complete Roadmap
Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation
Phase 1You are here
Master core genetics science: inheritance patterns, pedigree analysis, Hardy-Weinberg, genomic imprinting, and cytogenetics.
Phase 2
Deep-dive into testing domain: NIPT, CVS, amniocentesis, CMA, NGS, WES/WGS, ACMG variant classification, PGT, and newborn screening.
Phase 3
Review clinical genetics: cancer syndromes (BRCA1/2, Lynch, FAP, Li-Fraumeni), metabolic diseases, connective tissue disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Phase 4
Sharpen counseling skills and professional/legal topics: REM, non-directiveness, GINA, HIPAA, informed consent, duty to warn, secondary findings.
Phase 5
Complete timed 200-question simulations and targeted domain remediation using official content outline.
Can You Take the CGC Exam?
Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements
- •Submit official transcripts confirming degree and conferral date directly from institution
- •International applicants require current registration/certification from an ABGC-recognized international body and English-translated transcripts
- •Applications open twice yearly (spring and fall windows); exam administered via Prometric centers or remote proctoring
CGC Quick Facts
Time to Get Licensed
12–20 weeks recommended for master's program graduates
From start to license in hand
Retake Policy
Candidates may retake in a future exam window by submitting a new application and paying the repeat applicant fee. Only one attempt per exam window.
Total Cost Breakdown
Free CGC Prep Tools
Reported exam pass rate: 78.9% first-time pass rate in 2025; 77.2% in 2024 (ABGC public data). As of April 2025, there are 7,514 certified genetic counselors.. Check the exam sponsor for the latest official figure.
100 Practice Questions
Genetics scenarios spanning all 5 ABGC exam domains — inheritance, variant interpretation, prenatal testing, counseling ethics, and professional practice.
AI-Powered Learning
Adaptive support for complex genetics topics including ACMG variant classification, Bayesian risk calculations, and genetic counseling models.
2026 Updated
Aligned to the 2023 CGC Exam Content Outline, NCCN 2026 guidelines, and current ABGC eligibility and recertification policies.
Free Access
Start CGC board prep free — ideal while completing your ACGC-accredited master's program or before submitting your ABGC application.
What You'll Study
20 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide
Introduction & Exam Overview
3 sections
Domain 1A: Clinical Information
4 sections
Domain 1B: Human Development
3 sections
Domain 1C: Chromosomal & Contiguous Gene Syndromes
3 sections
Domain 1C: Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
3 sections
Domain 1C: Metabolic, Neuromuscular & Multisystem Conditions
4 sections
Domain 2A: Pedigree & Risk Assessment
5 sections
Domain 2B: Inheritance Principles
4 sections
Domain 2B: Population Genetics & Variation
2 sections
Domain 3A: Test Methodologies
3 sections
Domain 3A: Variant Interpretation
2 sections
Domain 3B: Testing Options
4 sections
Domain 3C: Reproductive Risk Management
4 sections
Domain 4A: Counseling Foundations
3 sections
Domain 4A: Theories, Coping & Dynamics
4 sections
Domain 4B: Communication & Education
4 sections
Domain 5A–B: Finance & Client Resources
3 sections
Domain 5C: Legal & Regulatory Requirements
5 sections
Domain 5D: Professional Frameworks
4 sections
Integration & Exam Strategy
1 sections
CGC Exam Details
Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC)
Administered by American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC)
Exam Content Breakdown
Based on the official American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) content outline
Clinical characteristics of genetic conditions, diagnostic criteria, natural history, human embryology and development, and differential diagnosis across hereditary disease categories.
Mendelian inheritance patterns, pedigree analysis, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, Bayesian risk calculations, genomic imprinting, mitochondrial genetics, and population genetics.
Prenatal diagnostic and screening modalities (NIPT, CVS, amniocentesis, quad screen), cytogenetics (karyotype, FISH, CMA), molecular diagnostics (NGS, WES, WGS), ACMG variant classification (Pathogenic/LP/VUS/LB/Benign), reproductive technologies (PGT-M, PGT-A, ART), and newborn screening.
Genetic counseling models (Reciprocal Engagement Model, Counseling Trajectory Model), psychosocial support, result disclosure, client-centered and non-directive counseling, facilitated family communication, predictive testing protocols, and reflective practice.
GINA, HIPAA, informed consent, ACMG secondary findings (SF v3), duty to warn, right not to know, ACGC accreditation, NSGC Code of Ethics, scope of practice, documentation standards, and financial/reimbursement considerations.
What's Included
20 Chapters
Complete exam coverage
Practice Quizzes
With detailed explanations
Free to Start
No credit card required
Quality Exam Prep Shouldn't Cost Hundreds
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What's Next After the CGC?
After passing the CGC, you can pursue these career paths
ABGC Diplomate Recertification
Maintain CGC credential every 5 years via 12.5 CEUs or re-examination.
ABMGG Clinical Genetics (MD pathway)
Medical geneticists who collaborate with CGCs in clinical settings pursue board certification through ABMGG.
Advanced Practice Genetic Counselor Roles
Specialized roles in oncology, prenatal, cardiovascular, or pediatric genetics build on CGC certification.
CGC Exam FAQ
Official American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) Resources
Verify information with these official sources
More Free Resources
Ready to Start Your Free CGC Prep?
Review the study guide, practice key concepts, and use the free tools at your own pace.