11/19/19
International Arrangements
European registration of candidates living outside Europe
The aim of EBMG registration of genetic counsellors is to recognise the professional competency of practitioners in Europe. Candidates for registration must:
- Have trained in Europe at a Genetic Counselling program evaluated by the EBMG, or fulfil practice criteria for the Grandfather Clauses through practice in Europe
- Fulfil the registration criteria for length of time practicing as a genetic counsellor in Europe within the timeframe for registration - the logbook cases must be accrued in Europe in the 3 years prior to portfolio submission
- Provide the required references from European colleagues, with an additional reference from the current employer
Registration should then be via the route appropriate to their training - see 'Routes of Access'
Genetic counsellors arriving into Europe with registration from outside of Europe
Where a rigorous national system of registration exists, practitioners may apply for entry onto the European register system without the need for additional assessment using the National route if they:
- hold a current registration in the country of origin/training (see approved list below)
- have been working for at least 2 years, with at least 1 of these years in Europe
- submit two European references and the evidence of their national registration.
- continue to accrue regular relevant CPD, although evidence does not need to be submitted with the application
This route to registration in Europe is only available to registered or certified genetic counsellors. There is no route to registration available to genetic counsellors who have trained outside of Europe who do not hold valid and current registration in the country in which they trained.
In some cases, additional evidence of competence may be required by the European Board. Conversely, national boards may require additional evidence when registering an applicant who already has European registration. Registration at European level will not supersede local registration systems where those exist.
There are a number of national registration systems that have been assessed and approved by the EBMG. Those that are currently approved by the EBMG are:
UK - Genetic Counsellor Registration Board,
USA – American Board of Genetic Counselors,
Australia – Board of Censors for Genetic Counselling,
South Africa – Genetic Counselling South Africa,
Canada – Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors
Reciprocity with each national system will be reviewed every 5 years.