FAQs about membership, certification, dues, CEUs and liability insurance

1. What are the NSGC membership requirements?

Full membership is extended to individuals who:

• (i) hold a Master's or Ph.D. degree in human genetics from a genetic counseling training program, or
• (ii) hold a Master's or Ph.D. degree in a related field and has had a broad range of clinical genetics training and whose primary responsibility for at least three years prior to the date of such person's application has been genetic counseling, or
• (iii) hold certification in genetic counseling by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

Associate membership is extended to all applicants whose interests focus on genetic counseling and who are not eligible for or who do not desire Full or Student membership.

Student membership is extended to students enrolled in a master's degree genetic counseling program or Full members who return to school full-time.

2. How can I join the NSGC?

Read our guidelines and apply online or contact the NSGC Executive Office at 312-321-6834 to obtain a membership application form. Complete the form and mail with the $15 Application fee (one-time only, non-refundable).

3. How do genetic counselors become certified?

Certification in genetic counseling is offered by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) through an examination administered every 2 years. To be eligible for the examination, applicants must be graduates of a Master's-level program that has been accredited by the ABGC at the time the applicant was accepted to the program. For more information about certification or accreditation, please contact:

ABGC,
9650 Rockville Pike,
Bethesda, MD 20894-3998
http://www.abgc.net
Ph: 301-571-1825;
Fax: 301-571-1895

4. Do you have a policy for prorating dues?

Because our Fiscal Year is the same as the Calendar Year, we invited you to consider these following options, which outline our Fiscal Year/Calendar Year Membership Policy:

• Joining before our Annual Education Conference will entitle you to derive full membership benefits for the current Fiscal Year. Your membership will be activated immediately upon receipt of your dues. You will receive this year's back issues of Perspectives in Genetic Counseling, the Journal of Genetic Counseling, other relevant mailings, discounted members-only registration rates for our Conference and immediate access to our listservs.



• Joining after our Annual Education Conference will activate your membership for the next Fiscal Year. You will be entered into the computer on or about November 1, after our Annual Education Conference, and will receive approximately 2 months of membership free! However, you will not receive this year's back issues of Perspectives in Genetic Counseling, the Journal of Genetic Counseling, other relevant mailings. Access to our general or Student listservs will begin immediately; however, access to our Special Interest Group (SIG) listservs will not begin until January 1. Additionally, should you attend our Annual Education Conference, you will be required to pay the non-member rate.

5. How can I apply for CEUs for a course that I am planning?

ABGC administers and approves CEUs. Contact American Board of Genetic Counseling for requirements, instructions and deadlines..

6. How many CEU's are required for recertification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling?

ABGC currently requires 25 CEUs over a 10-year period from the time of certification. Contact American Board of Genetic Counseling for specific requirements for Category 1 and Category 2 credits.

7. How can I accrue CEUs for a course I am attending/planning?

Contact American Board of Genetic Counseling for requirements, instructions and deadlines.

8. Where can I find out about professional liability insurance for genetic counselors?

Members of National Society of Genetic Counselors may apply for professional liability insurance for genetic counseling services by contacting Hays Companies:
In June 2005, liability insurance for NSGC members in good standing became available through Hays Companies. To learn more, visit Perspectives in Genetic Counseling, V27:2. or click here for additional information. It is no longer necessary to become a member of American Counseling Association to purchase this insurance, if you are a member of NSGC.

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