You may apply for a Genetic Counselor license or a Supervised Genetic Counselor license. The documentation that you are required to submit depends on how you are applying.
- Apply for an Genetic Counselor (GC) license if you have certification from the American Board of Genetic Counselors (ABGC), or
Qualify for the Alternative National Certification Pathway (ANCP) having:
- Graduated from an accredited genetic counselor program; and
- Worked as a genetic counselor for:
- At least 10 years before January 1, 2024, and
- At least 5 consecutive years immediately preceding the date the application is submitted for a license.
- Apply for a Supervised Genetic Counselor (SGC) license * if the ABGC has granted you
Active Candidate Status.
*A supervised genetic counselor license will expire 1 year after date of issuance or if you fail the ABGC exam two times.
Q. I have an active Maryland license as an SGC and I passed the ABGC certification exam. How do I become a fully licensed Genetic Counselor?
A. In order to "convert" to a Genetic Counselor license, the SGC must pass the ABGC exam before their SGC license expires.
Q. Can I extend my SGC expiration date?
A. The SGC cannot renew or reinstate. In order to practice genetic counseling in Maryland, the SGC would need to pass the ABGC exam and apply as a full Genetic Counselor.
SGCs who fail the ABGC exam two or more times are not eligible for an SGC license.