Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma are tumors of the autonomic nervous system. Various syndromes have been found to be associated with the development of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas: multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2, susceptibility gene: RET), von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL, susceptibility gene: VHL), neurofibromatosis 1 (NF 1), and paraganglioma syndromes type 1, 3, and 4 (susceptibility genes: succinate dehydrogenase gene, SDH, subunits D, C and B, respectively). Prevalence and clinical features of pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas are different for each of these syndromes. Mutational analysis of the susceptibility genes of these syndromes in patients presenting with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma may help to judge the risks of multifocality of the tumor as well as development of malignant pheochromocytoma or of other malignant tumors. Here we review the recent progress in clinical characterization and genetic testing for these syndromes. Based on tumor characteristics and prevalence data we give recommendations for an efficient genetic testing procedure in patients presenting with pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas.