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Genetic Counselor — CGC
Genetic counselor licensing requires a master's degree from an ACGC-accredited program and ABGC certification. Approximately 35+ states now require licensure, with the field rapidly expanding. Telehealth access, test ordering authority, and scope of practice vary by state.
51
Total States
37
Require License
37
Require ABGC
41.8 hrs
Avg CE Hours
Genetic counselor licensure involves earning a master's degree in genetic counseling, completing supervised clinical training, passing the ABGC certification exam, and meeting state-specific requirements.
The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification exam covers case management, psychosocial assessment, genetic risk assessment, and professional ethics. Certification is required in most licensing states and must be maintained through continuing education or re-examination every 5 years.
Genetic counselors must complete a master's degree from an ACGC-accredited program. Programs include 2,000+ hours of supervised clinical training across specialties including prenatal, cancer, pediatric, and adult genetics, with a minimum of 50 supervised cases.
Genetic counselors provide risk assessment, test interpretation, and patient counseling for inherited conditions. Telehealth has become increasingly important for expanding access. Test ordering authority varies by state — some allow delegated ordering while others require physician authorization.
Side-by-side fees, hours, exams, and timelines across all 50 states. Sort by cost, hours, or any column.
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Genetic Counselor Exam Prep Books & Study Materials
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Click any state to see full requirements, costs, and step-by-step instructions →
| State | License Req. | ABGC Req. | Telehealth | CE Hours | Total Fees | Confidence | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama(AL) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 25 | $400 (application fee $100 + license fee $300) | medium | March 2026 |
| Alaska(AK) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Arizona(AZ) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Arkansas(AR) | Yes | Yes | Yes | No specific CE hour requirement stated; renewal requires maintaining current ABGC or ABMG certification | $10 | medium | March 2026 |
| California(CA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | $100 | medium | March 2026 |
| Colorado(CO) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Connecticut(CT) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | $315 | medium | March 2026 |
| Delaware(DE) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| District of Columbia(DC) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Florida(FL) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | $48.25 | medium | March 2026 |
| Georgia(GA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 30 | $405 | medium | March 2026 |
| Hawaii(HI) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Idaho(ID) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not specified on official board page; CE requirement tied to maintaining active ABGC or ABMGG certification | $280 | medium | March 2026 |
| Illinois(IL) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | $150 | medium | March 2026 |
| Indiana(IN) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50 | $40.00 (plus online processing fees; temporary permit is an additional $10 if applicable) | medium | March 2026 |
| Iowa(IA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Kansas(KS) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Kentucky(KY) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 30 | $150 | medium | March 2026 |
| Louisiana(LA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | $125 | medium | March 2026 |
| Maine(ME) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Maryland(MD) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | $351.25 | medium | March 2026 |
| Massachusetts(MA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50 | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Michigan(MI) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 75 | $237 | medium | March 2026 |
| Minnesota(MN) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 25 | $383.25 | medium | March 2026 |
| Mississippi(MS) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Missouri(MO) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Montana(MT) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Nebraska(NE) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Nevada(NV) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | $775 | medium | March 2026 |
| New Hampshire(NH) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50 | $121 | medium | March 2026 |
| New Jersey(NJ) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 40 | $30 | medium | March 2026 |
| New Mexico(NM) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| New York(NY) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| North Carolina(NC) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| North Dakota(ND) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | $55 | medium | March 2026 |
| Ohio(OH) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 30 | $203.50 | medium | March 2026 |
| Oklahoma(OK) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 30 | $300 | medium | March 2026 |
| Oregon(OR) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | $200 ($150 application + $50 license fee) | medium | March 2026 |
| Pennsylvania(PA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 30 | $75 | medium | March 2026 |
| Rhode Island(RI) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | $170 | medium | March 2026 |
| South Carolina(SC) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | $600 | medium | March 2026 |
| South Dakota(SD) | Yes | Yes | Yes | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Tennessee(TN) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50 | $110 | medium | March 2026 |
| Texas(TX) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Utah(UT) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 40 | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Vermont(VT) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Virginia(VA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50 | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Washington(WA) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 75 | — | medium | March 2026 |
| West Virginia(WV) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Wisconsin(WI) | Yes | Yes | Yes | 30 | — | medium | March 2026 |
| Wyoming(WY) | No | No | N/A | — | — | medium | March 2026 |
Genetic counselors often work alongside other licensed healthcare professionals. Explore related licensing requirements.