Redefined Core Competencies for Genetic Counselors in Canada to Reflect an Evolving Workforce.

Abstract

The Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) and the Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling (CBGC) undertook a joint review of the Practice-Based Competencies (PBCs) for Canadian genetic counselors in 2025 to ensure they reflect current practice expectations within an evolving genetic and genomic landscape. A working group of four certified genetic counselors conducted an evidence-informed revision process that incorporated national surveys of practicing genetic counselors, consultations with educational and diversity committees, and input from a competency framework expert. The updated framework defines five core competencies, namely Genetics and Genomics Expertise, Communication, Counseling, Evidence-Informed Practice, and Ethical and Values-Driven Behaviors, which are further supported by 21 sub-competencies. These competencies outline the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors required of a minimally competent genetic counselor in Canada. The revised competencies provide a unified, current standard for practice in Canada, aligning professional education and certification requirements. They promote consistency, accountability, and quality in genetic counseling services across diverse patient-facing and non-patient-facing settings. Like many health professions, training and professional standards for genetic counselors are based on competency frameworks. The framework in Canada has not been updated in many years, despite changes in the work genetic counselors are doing. Here, we present an updated framework with five core competencies and 21 sub‐competencies that describe the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors expected of genetic counselors in Canada. Competency frameworks provide a foundation for training program curricula, certification examinations, and continuing professional development for the genetic counselor workforce. Genetic counselor organizations across the globe have developed competency frameworks. Despite significant changes in the settings and roles of genetic counselors in Canada, the Canadian competency framework has not been fully updated since its inception in 2012. The core competencies presented here describe the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors essential for genetic counselors working in diverse roles and practice settings in Canada.