WHY BE CERTIFIED?

• The Canadian Problem Gambling Certification Board recognizes specialized skills, knowledge, and experience for those working in the field of problem gambling.
  Certification with CPGCB ensures problem gambling clients and their families will receive quality assistance from ethically sound, trained, and experienced specialists.
• To assist Gambling Information Specialists to maintain their standards of skill and knowledge, the CPGCB allows trainers and educators to have their courses, workshops and conference materials advertised and pre-approved.
• Gambling Information Specialists are often eligible to receive discounted rates on gambling specific workshops and conferences.

WHO MAY BE CERTIFIED?

• All applicants must meet the Standards Criteria set by the Canadian Problem Gambling Certification Board
• Any individual working in the field of problem gambling counselling may apply to become certified a Gambling Information Specialist (GIS).
• This designation may be applied for by those supporting both problem gamblers and/or their family members.
• Applicants may include addictions counsellors, social workers, private counsellors, credit counsellors, family, and youth counsellors.
• Canadian and International applicants are welcome to apply for GIS certification.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS?

• A complete application package can be mailed, emailed, or downloaded from our site.
• Complete your application as outlined in the Application Instruction Form.
• A review committee will review your application and you will be notified of the results within eight weeks.
• Upon written approval of acceptance, you will be required to send $200 for the certification fee which allows you to use the GIS designation for a two-year period.
• Following receipt of payment, you will receive your certified designation by mail, and will be legally entitled to use the Gambling Information Specialist designation.
• Initial approval certifies a GIS for a two-year period. To ensure a Gambling Information Specialist stay current in their profession, all GIS must meet the ReCertification Criteria every two years to maintain their certification status.

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RE-CERTIFICATION PROCESS

To ensure that Gambling Information Specialist continues to maintain current knowledge and skills within the field, specialists are required to recertify every two years to maintain their designation.

Two months prior to renewal date, specialists will be forwarded a re-certification notice and an application form for re-certification. Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing and receipt of renewed certification.

RE-CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Every two years 14 hours of approved, verified specific education is required. Seven of these hours must be gambling specific and may include educational opportunities such as conferences, workshops, webinars, online courses, seminars, and postsecondary course work. The remaining seven hours may be in related education such as customer service, crisis management or other related topics acceptable to the Board.
• Approved education credits must have been earned no longer than 24 months prior to re-certification due date.
• Proof of education attendance to be included with re-certification application. non-refundable re-certification fee of $200 must be submitted with the recertification application.
• A non-refundable re-certification fee of $200 must be submitted with the recertification application.

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