CGC Candidate Demographic Data Report - Aug. 2025 and Feb. 2026 Exam Windows - Methodology and Candidate Demographics

Oct 20, 2026

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CGC Candidate Demographic Data Report summarizes ABGC’s approach to collecting and evaluating demographic information for Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) exam candidates. It describes the DEIJ-driven development process for the questionnaire, including stakeholder collaboration, legal review, and configuration decisions for required and optional items. The report also explains administration timing, handling of repeat candidates’ retained responses, and privacy protections via separated systems and controlled access.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Forward

Methodology of Report

Development Process

Questionnaire Administration

Data Security and Privacy

Candidate Demographics

August 2025 and February 2026 Exam Cycle

When Candidates Take the Exam

Appendix A: Demographic Questions

[www.abgc.net](www.abgc.net | info@abgc.net)[ |](www.abgc.net | info@abgc.net)[ info@abgc.net](www.abgc.net | info@abgc.net) CGC Candidate Demographic Data Report Aug. 2025 and Feb.2026 Exam Windows Table of Contents FORWARD 3 METHODOLOGY OF REPORT 4 CANDIDATE DEMOGRAPHICS 6 AUGUST 2025 AND FEBRUARY 2026 EXAM CYCLE 9 WHEN CANDIDATES TAKE THE EXAM 9 APPENDIX A: DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONS 10 CGC Candidate Demographic Data Report 2 Forward The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) is committed to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) within the genetic counseling profession. As part of our commitment, we initiated a review of our processes and procedures around certification examination development and administration in 2021. To ensure an unbiased process of assessment, ABGC identified Nonprofit HR, a firm with DEIJ expertise, to conduct an independent assessment of policies, practices, and stakeholder perspectives. Complete findings ofthe DEIJ Certification Assessment Report can be found on the ABGC website. While no major biases were identified in the exam, they recommended ABGC begin collecting demographic data to support ongoing, equitable evaluation of the certification process. Historically, the lack of demographic data made it difficult to identify potential barriers for all candidate populations. In 2022, following these recommendations and the launch ofthe DEIJ committee, the ABGC Board approved the collection of demographic data and collaborated with the DEIJ Committee to guide question development. We thank the DEIJ Committee members for their thoughtful contributions and continued dedication to equity in the genetic counseling profession. As of May 2024, Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC)® exam candidates are invited to share demographic information during the application process. This report includes data from two exam cycles, August 2025 and February 2026, and reflects responses from the 678 first-time and repeat candidates THE VALUE OF THIS DATA Since nearly all genetic counselors take the ABGC certification examination when entering the profession, this demographic data offers a comprehensive picture of who are becoming certified genetic counselors. It complements existing workforce data and provides unique insights into the diversity of new professionals. While some DEIJ efforts may extend beyond ABGC‘s direct scope, we recognize our key role in collecting and sharing this information to support broader, profession-wide initiatives. Though it will take several exam cycles to identify trends, ABGC remains committed to using this data thoughtfully to advance equity both within our certification process and across the genetic counseling field. Sincerely, ABGC BOARD OF DIRECTORS CGC Candidate Demographic Data Report 3 Methodology of Report DEVELOPMENT PROCESS The demographic questionnaire for ABGC exam candidates was developed through a comprehensive and collaborative process led by the DEIJ committee. The development began in 2023 with a thorough landscape analysis examining demographic questions utilized by similar organizations in the genetic counseling field, including the Minority Genetics Professionals Network (MGPN) and the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC), among others. This analysis provided foundational insight into established practices and emerging best practices in demographic data collection within our professional community. The development process was inherently collaborative, involving consultation with the ABGC Board of Directors and ABGC’s DEIJ Committee. This iterative approach included multiple rounds of feedback collection and refinement, with each iteration bringing reflections back to stakeholders in an effort to create the most inclusive instrument possible. Throughout this process, the committee carefully balanced the need for detailed demographic information that could inclusively represent candidate

FAQs

Why did ABGC begin collecting CGC candidate demographic data?

An independent DEIJ-focused assessment recommended ABGC collect demographic data to support ongoing, equitable evaluation of the certification process and to help identify potential barriers across candidate populations.

How was the demographic questionnaire developed and reviewed?

The questionnaire was developed collaboratively led by the DEIJ committee starting in 2023, using landscape analysis of similar organizations’ practices. Before implementation, it underwent thorough review by ABGC legal counsel to ensure compliance and best practices.

When and how is demographic data collected for exam registration?

Demographic data is collected during registration to take the ABGC examination, since collecting it after exam completion was not operationally feasible. For repeat test takers, prior submitted demographic information is retained, and optional questions include a “Prefer not to answer” option.

Oct 20, 2026

Upload by Patrick