The National Guardianship Association (NGA) offers a Review Course to help you prepare for the examination to become a National Certified Guardian. The course is now being presented in a virtual seminar format offering guardians, conservators and fiduciaries the opportunity to participate in a study program for the national certification exam right at their own desk using a computer and a toll free phone number. The Course is also occasionally offered in a classroom format by state associations affiliated with NGA. See the course schedule for information about availability of those classes and how to register.

Each of the four hour-long modules is focused on a defined topic so participants can register for all four sessions or just those where brush-up training is desired. The overall course is an in-depth review of the NGA National Study Guide and is taught by “Approved Educators” from NGA. The course is not intended to cover state-specific portions of examinations.

If you want to prepare for the exam without taking a Review Course or if you plan to register for a Review Course at a later time, you can also purchase a study guide without registering for the course. State-specific study guides are also available. NGA does not offer any state-specific study guides.

Because the exams and review course are run by different organizations, registration involves a two-step process and payment must be made separately to each organization (NGA for a course or study materials and CGC to take the exam.) Registering for NGA’s Review Course or ordering study materials does not automatically register you for the exam and vice versa.

For more information about NGA, the Review Course or for an up-to-date schedule of Review Course, please visit the NGA website.

CGC has moved to an electronic format for the administration of most exams to make the examination process more convenient and efficient. Exams are offered through PSI testing centers. Individuals approved to sit for an exam may contact a PSI testing center near them to schedule their exam. Please refer to the CGC Exam Handbook found on this page for more information.

The NCG exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions. The questions test for knowledge in certain core competency areas identified by professionals as being essential for carrying out the duties of a guardian. A link to the core competencies can be found on this page. Candidates are allowed 2 hours to take the exam.

The NMG exam consists of two sections – 120 multiple choice questions and an essay exam. The questions test for knowledge in certain core competency areas identified by professionals as being essential for carrying out the duties of a guardian. Candidates must answer 5 of 7 essay questions offered. Three hours are allowed for each section of the exam.

Click here for sample exam questions.
Click here for a glossary of terms that may be referenced in the NMG exam.

You may re-take an examination (subject to any state restrictions on the number of times an exam can be taken) by submitting an additional examination fee and a new examination registration form for each examination date. If you do not pass the examination within the one year from the date on which the original certification application was accepted, the application for certification will be denied. An applicant whose application is so denied may subsequently seek to become certified by starting the application process again.

If CGC determines you are ineligible to sit for the examination, you may send a letter to CGC’s Executive Director to request reconsideration. The Executive Director will share the request with the appropriate Committee for a determination and will reply to the request within 20 business days.