The passing of California Proposition 1A led to an unprecedented expansion of legalized gambling in California. Recognizing that an ever-increasing need for gambling counselors was developing, the California Council on Problem Gambling (CCPG) developed and taught the first problem gambling treatment class for counselors in the year 2000.

CCGC stands for California Certified Gambling Counselor. Since 2000, CCPG has continued to teach and certify gambling counselors in California; however, with the demand for treatment of gamblers and their families increasing daily, there remains an ever-growing need for competent gambling counselors.
 

Can I Earn an Advanced Credential (CCGC-II)?

California Certified Gambling Counselor Level II (CCGC-II) is an advanced credential which can be earned by qualified CCGCs with extensive experience working with problem gamblers and their family members. The basic requirements are:

• 2,000  hours of problem-gambling related counseling;
• 30 hours of problem-gambling specific education within the past 5 years;
  • In addition to the 30-hour training required to become a CCGC-I

If you are a CCGC-I and meet the above requirements, please download the CCGC-II Overview and Cost Schedule and/or contact us for more information about becoming a CCGC-II. Or to apply immediately, you can download the forms to become a CCGC-II here. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: I attended the 30-hour CCGC-I training less than five years ago / I have attended the 30-hour CCGC-I training course more than one time. Does that count for the educational requirement to become a CCGC-II?

A: No – you must receive 30 hours of problem-gambling related education in addition to the 30 hour training for CCGC-I, for a total of 60 hours of problem gambling-specific education (30 hours of which must have been within 5 years of your application for CCGC-II).

A: Yes they do. In effect, you need to accrue an additional 1,900 hours after earning your CCGC-I, for a total of 2,000 hours.

A: No, your supervised hours may be with any of your clinical supervisor(s), and may be signed off on by more than 1 supervisor. However, your BACC hours must all be with a single BACC (although it does not have to be the same BACC who approved your CCGC-I certification).

A: No – you must have an active CCGC-I to become a CCGC-II. Additionally, “supervised hours” do not begin to accrue until you have attended the 30 hour CCGC-I training, so it is unlikely that you will meet the 2,000 supervised hours requirement.

A: You must have an active CCGC-I certification to become a CCGC-II; however, you may apply for recertification (CCGC-I) and the advanced credential (CCGC-II) simultaneously if you meet the requirements for each program, respectively.

Please note that to recertify as a CCGC-I, you must first take the 8-hour Seminar on Counseling Problem Gamblers, which is taught by the California Council on Problem Gambling, or a different but equivalent educational unit which was been PRE-APPROVED by the California Council on Problem Gambling.  

 

Renewal for All Certifications

California Certified Gambling Counselor certifications are good for two years. To renew your CCGC, submit your $150 renewal fee ($125 for CCPG members!) and complete and submit the forms below via email or fax.

• Code of Ethical Conduct (A.2)
• CCPG Website Authorization (F.1)
• Good Standing Agreement
• Copy of your current, valid clinical certification/license
• Proof of at least 20+ CE’s, with at least:
  • 8+ problem gambling specific CEs; and
  • The remainder related to primary certification/license

Certifications and renewals will include credits for enrollment in eight (8) continuing education classes. This $80 value is included with each renewal or certification, and the CEs you earn can be applied towards your next renewal.

Please Note: For renewals more than three (3) days late, a $25 late fee will be assessed. This fee may be waived if an extension is requested prior to your due date, in writing and with reasonable cause. Counselors more than thirty (30) days late on their renewal may have their renewals declined, and need to complete the application process again.