All states require verification of your ABGC certification during the application process and should be sent after the application has been submitted to the state. Though it is technically "free" to request verifications and request as many as you would like, you do in fact must pay the ABGC yearly maintenance fee ($85) to use their verification feature. More importantly, paying the fee also keeps the genetic counselor certified. Don't fret if you have missed paying a yearly fee, it will just roll-over to the next year.
Steps:
As of Dec 2022, ABGC has a new, upgraded portal (access here). If you haven't already, you can create a new login by going to the portal and clicking "forgot password." Note, you'll have to use the email address that ABGC already has on file for you to complete the process.
Once created, login into the portal. Before going any further, make sure your yearly fee has been paid. If upon logging in, it opens to the page, “My Applications”, you have to select the orange "Pay Fees" button next to Certification Maintenance Fee.
If you login in and it opens to the page "CGC Recertification Application", you will need to click on the small link titled "Learning Plans" which will take you to the "My Applications" pay where you can pay for the fee.
Once the fee has been paid for, return to the "CGC Recertification Application" page by selecting the "Open" button next to "Completing Application". Scroll to the bottom of the page and under "License Verification" select "Add Letter".
A search box will appear and you will select the jurisdiction you need an ABGC verification sent by searching for the state you need. Once you select the jurisdiction you need, click "Send Letter".
NOTE: Not all jurisdictions (or states) will be listed by their board name but you are guaranteed to find the correct state by searching the state name. They've even already added Wisconsin!
Once it has been sent it will keep a running list of the verification requests made on the same page (see image above).
That's it! You are done!
Tips:
ABGC will send an email to the jurisdiction you requested and it will also send an email to you with a link to the verification. So if you need, you can download a copy of the verification too. This comes in handy when you haven't received an updated ABGC certificate yet (after renewal) and need to confirm to a state during the renewal process that your ABGC certification is current. They typically accept a verification letter.
If you would like assistance with your applications or renewals, check out our services here and our team at Elsie would love to take care of them for you!
Note that these requirements are subject to change at the discretion of the Board. Please defer to the Board if questions or discrepancies arise.
