FAQs

FAQs

  • How often does the certification exam happen?

    • The exam happens once every year. The registration form for the examination will be open on the website from March - April. The examination will generally be conducted in the last week of July, followed by an interview round in August.

  • What is the eligibility criteria for the Certification process?

      1. Individuals who have completed an accredited genetic counseling course from India, or equivalent, from any other country.

      2. Individuals who have completed a formal training or educational course in genetic counseling of at least one-year duration.

      3. Individuals who have completed 12+4 years of courses in life sciences like medicine, psychology, sociology, nursing, and allied fields with relevant clinical counseling experience.

      4. Individuals with a Master's or Ph.D. degree in human genetics with relevant clinical counseling experience.

      5. Individuals currently working or have worked in a genetics or genomics lab providing result-related counseling to patients for more than 3 years

      6. Special categories of Senior members, who can support BGC in guiding, planning courses, training, CMEs, workshops, etc.

      1. Grandfathers > 10 years of experience in Human Genetic/Genomic counseling.

      2. Associate members-> 10 years of experience in genetic teaching/testing associated with universities, industry, hospitals/clinics, or private research laboratories/institutes.

  • What are the prerequisites?

    • Level 1 - Masters in any stream of Life Sciences + Previous experience of 3 to 6 months under a practicing genetic counselor.

    • Level 1 to upgrade to Level 2 - After 1-3 years of certifying as Level 1 + At least 100 independent cases

    • Level 2 (directly) - 5+ years of experience in the industry and at least 500 cases observed/counselled.

  • Will the Certification exam be held online or offline?

    • For the 2022 certification cycle, the exam was conducted online in a proctored manner during June, and the interview was conducted in person during July. Candidates will be informed of the mode of examination via email after their application is submitted.

  • What is the validity of the certification? What is the recertification process?

    • Level 1 is valid for 3 years. Examination for Level 2 can be given after practicing for 1-3 as a Level 1 certified professional. Level 2 is valid for..., post which recertification of the licence has to be executed.

  • Can you apply for Level II certification directly? What is the criteria?

    • Currently candidates can directly apply for Level II certification. Practicing genetic counselors with 5+ years of experience and at least 500+ cases in their may directly apply for the Level II examination process.

  • There is a correction in my certificate, who do I contact?

    • For correction in your certificate please visit our contact page. Click below link for contact us page.
      click here

  • Are there BGCI accreditated courses for Genetic Counseling in India? What are the current available options?

    • A list of all available courses for Genetic Counseling in India is included on our website. For more information, please visit this page
      Courses & Accreditation

  • International resources for Genetic Counseling

    • Hyperlinks for the following -My Gene Counsel - Immersive educational content ranging from podcasts, movies, and books to volunteering opportunities. NSGC (National Society of Genetic Counselors, USA) Master Genetic Counselor Case Series Wellcome Connecting Science - "What is Genetic Counseling" Basic online course

  • Information regarding Support Groups and Organizations in India?

    • Under development

  • How can I approach/contact the Board of Genetic Counseling, India?

Website Maintained by : Dr. Gayatri Iyer & Mr. Sanjay Singh Rathore