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Problem Gambling Workforce Development

Competencies and Certification

f you are interested in certification or training that supports your professional growth but need some help, consider applying for assistance using the PGS subsidy request form.

OHA PGS using a modified Delphi study conducted a project to determine the core competencies for problem gambling prevention, treatment and recovery providers/professionals. These core competencies will guide workforce development and programming efforts within the Oregon PGS system.  

Prevention:

Treatment: 

Recovery:  

Oregon Administrative Rule 309-019-0125 lists the specific qualifications and competencies required for staff of problem gambling treatment programs.

Oregon has three certification levels:

  • Certified Gambling Addiction Counselor - Registered (CGAC-R)
  • Certified Gambling Addiction Counselor - I (CGAC-I)
  • Certified Gambli​ng Addiction Counselor - II (CGAG-II)

​Visit the Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon website​ to learn about these levels and how to apply for certification.

Certification Toolkit Checklist​​

Certification Supervisor Resources: 

Trainings Related Towards Certification:

Gaining Experience Hours:

  • ​​Problem Gambling Services Certification Externship and Observation Program​ (Guide)​


Trainings

Visit the Problem Gambling Program Training and PG Net pages for more events and resources.

​These monthly consultations are for all direct treatment providers to gain multiple perspectives on case studies and therapeutic scenarios involving problem gambling. These consultation groups can count towards the 24 hours of required consultation for the CGAC I and II and are offered to anyone in the system. 

Facilitated by Raul Ramirez, OHA PG Treatment Specialist 

Join via ZoomGov: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1609310529? pwd=I6cTNC4zfzxuwboIPyhK41cKXz9adx.1 

2026 dates:

  • January 7
  • February 4
  • March 4
  • April 1
  • May 6
  • June 3
  • July 1
  • August 5
  • September 2
  • October 7
  • November 4
  • December 2, 2026

Join ​OHA to ask Raul (PGS Treatment Specialist) any treatment-related questions. This can be things such as program development, discussing your programs, in reach, outreach, agency and community engagement, educating internally and externally, discussing your referral and intake process, etc. 

These are also a great way to connect with other agencies on what they are doing that is working for them, as well. 

 Join the Zoom Meeting: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1616063880?pwd=C9frU9CFwDMIMNNsPB1qbNpmbGatCw.1 

​Engage, share and discuss data from Oregon’s PG Net system, follow up surveys and research conducted in Oregon and nationally. Opportunity for providers to learn about the cutting-edge research results and questions in the field of problem gambling while having experienced evaluation professionals lead these discussions and explain data in an engaging and exciting way. 1.5 MHACBO CEU’s will be provided.

Register for 2026 dates:

Interested in Joining Oregon's Problem Gambling Workforce?

View testimonials from Oregon treatment providers about what brought them to the field, and its challenges and rewards.

​Learn how Brandi, John, Halle and Nate discovered the field, what intrigued them, the challenges they face, and their words of encouragement for those considering joining the field.​

​Learn from Den, Amber, Roy and Sergio about what keeps them in the field, what they find most rewarding, the differences they experience helping people with problem gambling, and their hopes for the future.​