FAQ – Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling

What are the types of Applications and Fees?

Temporary License application fee $100
Temporary License fee $300
Genetic Counselor License application fee $100
Genetic Counselor fee $300
Renewal fee $300
Restoration fee $250
Inactive License fee $150
Verification of License fee $25

What are the Licensure Requirements?

Documentation of one of the following certifications:
- Genetic Counselor by the American Board of Genetic Counseling
- Genetic Counselor by the American Board of Medical Genetics
- Medical Geneticist by the American Board of Medical Genetics
State Board License Verification
Official transcript documenting a Master or Doctoral degree in genetic counseling from an approved program
Proof of U.S. Citizenship (copy of your U.S. passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate)
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must submit documentation that will determine if you have a qualified alien status.

When do Genetic Counseling Licenses expire?

A license shall normally be valid for two years, expiring on October 1.

How do I Renew a License?

To read the entire statute, click here: 405-X-1-.03 Renewal of License

Licensure Periods

A license shall normally be valid for two years, expiring on October 1.
The initial licensure period may be abbreviated in order to have the expiration at the established renewal date.

The renewal of a license shall be accomplished prior to expiration of the license.

Failure to renew prior to the expiration date of the current license will result in an additional late fee.
The board shall not renew a license if that license has been expired for more than 60 days.
A genetic counselor shall not engage in activities that require a genetic counseling license if his or her license has expired.

To be eligible for renewal, the applicant shall:

Hold a valid, active Alabama license;
Submit required fee(s); and
Meet continuing education requirements.

What are the Continuing Education Requirements?

To read the entire statute, click here: 405-X-1-.03 Renewal of License

405-X-3-.01 Continuing Education Requirements. (1) Licensed genetic counselors must comply with the following continuing education rules as a prerequisite to licensure renewal. (2) For each renewal period an individual holds a genetic counselor license, the genetic counselor must complete 2.5 continuing education units (category 1 or 2) or 25 contact hours approved for recertification purposes by the ABGC prior to renewing the license. (3) The Board may waive or otherwise modify the requirements of this rule in cases where there is retirement, or an illness, disability or other undue hardship that prevents a licensee from obtaining the requisite number of continuing education hours. Requests for waivers or modification must be sent in writing to the Board's administrative office prior to the expiration of the renewal period in which the continuing education is due.

How do I acquire a written license verification for another licensure state?

Fee is $25.00 per state request.

You may either request this by going to the Online Services section of the homepage or by submitting your written request, including your name, license number and which state you are needing the verification for and method of delivery to that state as well. Make your check, money order or cashier's check payable to Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling and mail to the following address:

Alabama Board of Genetic Counseling
2777 Zelda Rd
Montgomery, AL 36106