Problem Gambling Workforce Development

Competencies and Certification

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:

Problem Gambling Prevention Core Competencies Guide

Treatment:

Core Competencies for Problem Gambling Treatment Providers

Recovery:

Guide to Core Competencies for Gambling Recovery Peers

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 Gambling 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 Supervisor Resources:

Trainings Related Towards Certification:

Gambling Counselor Pre-Certification I course fulfills the 30 hours of education required for CGAC I certification.
Gambling Counselor Pre-Certification II Bundle course is recommend for all those serving individuals with a gambling disorder for continual learning.
IGCCB Exam Prep eCourse (offered by Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling)
ICGC-I & ICGC-II Exam Prep Handbook 2023

Gaining Experience Hours:

Problem Gambling Services Certification Externship and Observation Program (Guide)

Trainings

OHA offers year-round calls and webinars to provide continuing education about problem gambling in Oregon.

View the calendar for 2025

PG Peer Training Pathways

To complete the Problem Gambling Prevention New Coordinator Training Series, coordinators must provide documentation that they have completed the following trainings offered or approved by OHA.

Trainings on ACORN:

OHA PGS has many online trainings available to treatment providers.

Program Development, Screening and Clinical trainings:

Problem Gambling Training for Social Service Professionals, Module One
Problem Gambling Training for Social Service Professionals, Module Two
Problem Gambling Training for Social Service Professionals, Module Three- Not currently available

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.

Set One A (2 minutes)
Set One B (3 minutes)
Set One C (3 minutes)
Set One D (2 minutes, 30 seconds)

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.

Set Two A (3 minutes, 52 seconds)
Set Two B (2 minutes, 33 seconds)
Set Two C (2 minutes, 33 seconds)
Set Two D (3 minutes, 41 seconds)

Need Help?

If you are interested in certification or training that supports your professional growth but need some help, consider applying for assistance using the forms below.

URL
Professional Development Scholarship Application
Certification or Recertification Subsidy Form

Problem Gambling Workforce Development

Competencies and Certification

Core Competencies for Problem Gambling Providers

Becoming a Certified Gambling Counselor

Trainings

OHA's Annual Training Calendar and Training Materials

Training Requirements for Problem Gambling Prevention

Training for Treatment Providers

Program Deve​lopment, Screening and Clinical trainings:

Interested in Joining Oregon's Problem Gambling Workforce?

Getting Started

Moving Forward

Need Help?

Program Development, Screening and Clinical trainings: