#403 Genetic Counseling Boards Prep: ABGC’s New Resources

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