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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 Certification or Recertification Subsidy Form.

​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

​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:

  • English
  • Spanish

Certification Supervisor Resources: 

  • Candidate Reporting Form

​​Trainings Related to Certification:

Gaining Experience Hours:

The Certification Externship and Observation Program presents a unique opportunity for those already working in the counseling field to gain paid expert experience towards certification as a Certified  Gambling Addiction Counselor (CGAC I or II). This program offers 150 direct clinical hours and a minimum of 12 hours of supervision over the course of 6-12 months. ​​To learn more, read the guide for this program.

OHA PGS using a modified Delphi stu​dy 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:

  • Prevention Core Competencies Guide

Treatment: 

  • Published Article:  Core Competencies for Disordered Gambling Counsellors:  A Modified Delphi Study

Recovery:

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​

​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 CEUs will be provided.

Register for 2026 dates:

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