Information on how to Renew a Genetic Counselor License:

1.    What is the time period of a Genetic Counselor License?

The Genetic Counselor License is for three years and is renewable.

The Temporary Genetic Counselor License is good for two years, but it is not renewable. The Temporary Genetic Counselor licensee will need to take and pass the American Board of Genetic Counseling exam during their Temporary License period.  Once they pass and become ABGC certified, they can apply for a Full Genetic Counselor License which will be valid for three years.

2.    What are the requirements for the renewal of my California Genetic Counselor License? How early should I apply?

You can renew your California Genetic Counselors license by completing 45 contact hours of continuing education with at least 30 contact hours of continuing education being from National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) approved Category 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) programs. The remaining contact hours of continuing education may be from either NSGC approved Category 1 or Category 2 CEU programs.

First logon to your existing Genetic Disease Screening Program Portal account; you will need the following information to apply: $100.00 renewal fee, a 2x2 passport photo, your latest ABGC Certificate, copies of your continuing education units CEUs and if you hold licenses in other states, you will need to provide us with verification of "good standing" and no history of disciplinary action of that license.

You will receive an email from us 90 days before your license expires. You are encouraged to submit your application 60 days prior to the expiration of your license.

3.      Example: If my license was issued May 31, 2017 – May 31, 2020 and I obtain CEUs May 29, 2017 can I use those CEUs to renew my license in 2020?

No, you can only use CEUs obtained between May 31, 2017 – May 31, 2020.  No exceptions,  per State regulations.

4.    What are the continuing education requirements for renewing a Genetic Counselor License and when do they begin?

During each three year period of licensure, you must complete 45 contact hours of continuing education, with at least 30 contact hours of continuing education being from National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) approved Category 1 Continuing Education Unit (CEU) programs. The remaining contact hours of continuing education may be from either NSGC approved Category 1 or Category 2 CEU programs.

It is important to note that ten contact hours of continuing education is equivalent to one NSGC CEU. ABGC Professional Activity Credits do not count towards the contact hours of continuing education required for license renewal.

5.      If I am licensed in more than one state, must I provide verification from the other state prior to renewal?

Yes you do.  If you hold licenses in any other state, aside from California, you must obtain verification of "good standing" from each of those states. 

6.    What if my license expired in the other states, do I still need verification?

No, the Genetic Disease Screening Program does not accept verification of expired licenses.

7.    If I don't have the out of state verifications when I submit my renewal application, will this hold up the process of my renewal?

 Yes, we cannot process your license until we have all out of states licenses verified. 

8.    I have gotten married and changed my name; can I use my new last name on my renewal license?