Healthcare License
How to Verify a Genetic Counselor License
Genetic counselors work at the intersection of medicine, genetics, and patient counseling. Most states now require licensure, and the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) administers the national board certification. Verification requires checking both the state license and the ABGC board certification separately.
Quick answer
Verify the state license with the state genetic counselor licensing board or health professions agency in the state where the genetic counselor practices. Verify board certification with the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) at abgc.net. The ABGC credential is CGC (Certified Genetic Counselor). Board certification is separate from state licensure — both must be verified.
State licensure landscape
Genetic counselor licensing has expanded rapidly. As of 2026, the majority of U.S. states require or have enacted genetic counselor licensure. States regulate genetic counselors through different agencies:
- Dedicated genetic counselor licensing boards: Some states have created specific genetic counselor boards
- Medical board oversight: Several states regulate genetic counselors through the state medical board
- Health professions licensing agencies: A number of states regulate genetic counselors through broader health licensing departments
A minority of states still do not require licensure for genetic counselors. In those states, ABGC board certification serves as the de facto professional credential.
State genetic counselor license lookups
State genetic counselor licensing portals (selected)
- California: California Department of Consumer Affairs — search through BreEZe portal; Genetic Counselor license
- New York: NYS Office of the Professions — op.nysed.gov/verification; search Genetic Counselor
- Florida: Florida DBPR — myfloridalicense.com; search Genetic Counselor
- Texas: Texas Medical Board (oversees genetic counselor licensing) — lookup.tmb.state.tx.us; Genetic Counselor
- Illinois: Illinois IDFPR — idfpr.illinois.gov/LicenseLookup; Genetic Counselor
- Massachusetts: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Allied Health Professions — mass.gov; Genetic Counselor license lookup
- Pennsylvania: PA State Licensure system — pals.pa.gov; Genetic Counselor
For states not listed, search “[State] genetic counselor license verification” or contact the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) at nsgc.org for current state licensure information.
ABGC board certification: CGC
The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) administers the Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) examination. The CGC credential is the recognized national standard for genetic counselors in the U.S.
ABGC certification requires:
- Graduation from an ACGC-accredited genetic counseling program
- Passing the ABGC certification examination
- Active maintenance through the ABGC Genetic Counseling Maintenance of Certification (GCMC) program
Verify ABGC CGC credentials at: abgc.net → Verify a CGC (search by name or certification number). Verification confirms the certification is Active and the current maintenance cycle is in good standing.
ABMGG: genetics specialists vs. genetic counselors
The American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG) certifies physician genetics specialists (e.g., clinical geneticists, clinical molecular geneticists) — distinct from ABGC-certified genetic counselors. Genetic counselors are non-physician mid-level providers; physician geneticists are physicians with medical specialty board certification.
When credentialing for a clinical genetics role, confirm whether the position requires a genetic counselor (non-physician, ABGC CGC) or a physician specialist (MD/DO, ABMGG board-certified). These are distinct credential tracks with different verification pathways.
GCMC maintenance of certification
The ABGC Genetic Counseling Maintenance of Certification (GCMC) program requires CGC holders to demonstrate ongoing continuing education and professional development to maintain their certification.
The ABGC verification portal reflects current GCMC status. An active CGC who is not in compliance with GCMC requirements may show a lapsed or inactive certification status. Confirm that the GCMC cycle is current, not just that the CGC credential was earned.
Verification checklist
- 1. Collect the genetic counselor's name, license number, and state(s) of licensure
- 2. Search the state licensing portal for the state where the counselor will practice — confirm Active status and expiration date
- 3. Verify ABGC CGC certification at abgc.net — confirm Active status and current GCMC cycle
- 4. Confirm the candidate's degree is from an ACGC-accredited genetic counseling program
- 5. Review any disciplinary history on the state license record
- 6. For states without licensure requirements, ABGC CGC certification is the primary credential to verify
Verify genetic counseling program accreditation
Genetic counseling programs must be accredited by ACGC (Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling). ABGC board certification eligibility requires graduation from an ACGC-accredited program. Use VerifyED to confirm a candidate's program was properly accredited.
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