Approved applicants will receive notification of Active Candidate Status (or Conditional Active Candidate Status) through email and the portal. Scheduling of the examination will be available by Pearson VUE. The examination will be administered at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the United States and at select international sites.
The ABMGG primary certification examination is comprised of two parts: (1) a general genetics examination for examinees who are not already diplomates, and (2) a specialty examination in at least on specialty or in a subspecialty for those who are already ABMGG diplomates. A candidate may only take the specialty examination(s) for which they have been credentialed.
ABMGG diplomates who are seeking certification in an additional specialty or subspecialty do not need to re-take the general examination. These individuals are only required to take the specialty examination(s) for which they have been credentialed.
To be certified by the ABMGG, active candidates must pass both the general examination and at least one specialty examination. Failure to pass the certifying examination is not grounds for appeal.
Examination Length
The general examination is 100 items. The examination is split into two testing blocks with 60 minutes to complete 50 items. Between the blocks there is a 10-minute break.
Each specialty or subspecialty examination is 150 items. The examination is split into three testing blocks with 60 minutes to complete 50 items. Between each block there is a 10-minute break.
Once a block is completed, examinees will not be able to return to any items within that block.
Primary Certification and Subspecialty Certification Attempts
- Candidates must achieve board certification in the specialty or subspecialty for which they are board eligible within six (6) years of the completion of their training in a particular specialty or subspecialty. If a candidate fails to achieve certification for that specialty within this timeframe, they must regain eligibility before re-applying for certification. Details regarding board eligibility and active candidate status can be found here.
- If an applicant passes only the general examination or only a specialty examination, but not both, only the failed examination will need to be re-taken in a future exam administration.
- If problems arise while at the test center, it is the candidate’s responsibility to inform the onsite test administrator of any difficulties encountered at the examination site. In addition, candidates must inform the ABMGG Administrative Office in writing within one week of the examination of any such difficulties encountered at the examination site. If a problem arises, do NOT leave the testing site. Contact the ABMGG Administrative Office immediately at 301-634-7415.
- The content of the certification examinations is proprietary and includes strictly confidential information. Applicants must sign an application statement agreeing that they will not disclose or share, either directly or indirectly, any question or any part of any question from the examination to any person or entity. The unauthorized receipt, retention, possession, copying or disclosure of any certification examination materials, including by not limited to the content of examination question, before, during, or after the examination may subject the applicant to legal action. Such legal action may result in monetary damages and/or disciplinary action, including denial revocation of ABMGG certification.