Certification Standards for Gambling & Gaming Disorder Professionals
Certifications
In 1984 the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board (IGCCB) was established to offer voluntary National/International certifications that assure a body of qualified and competent professionals working in the field of clinical treatment of individuals with at-risk, problematic and disordered gambling and their families/concerned others. Certification standards established by the IGCCB represent the current best practices in the field of disordered gambling and gaming treatment.
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ICGC-I Certification
International Certified Gambling Counselor-I
BACC Certification
Board Approved Clinical Consultant
IGRS Certification
International Gambling Recovery Specialist
BARA Certification
Board Approved Recovery Advisor
ICGC-II Certification
International Certified Gambling Counselor-II
ICOGS Certification
International Co-Occurring Gambling Specialist
Clergy Certification
Clergy / Lay Ministers Certification
IGDC Certification
International Gaming Disorder Certificate
ICGC-I & ICGC-II
ICGC counselors must demonstrate a specific number of hours in gambling-specific training, clinical experience treating gamblers, and successful completion of the Certification Examination for Gambling Counselors.
International Gaming Disorder Certificate (IGDC)
This certificate aims to increase the number of counselors able address gaming disorders in their current outreach, prevention, and clinical settings. Best-practices and evidenced based approaches are emerging for the treatment of gaming and digital misuse, as well as the intersection with problem gambling and gambling disorders. Other high risk groups for co-occurring issues include other mental health and substance use disorders.
International Co-Occurring Gambling Specialist Certificate (ICOGS)
This new certificate aims to increase the capacity of substance use and mental health treatment programs and counselors to address gambling problems in their clients. The ICOGS is designed only for counselors working with clients who have primary Substance Use and/or Mental Health disorders and who want to develop a competency in addressing gambling as a co-occurring issue in these populations. The ICOGS is not a certificate of competence in treating gambling disorder as a primary or stand alone diagnosis. As such it is not a replacement for or comparable to the ICGC-I or ICGC-II certification.
BACC
BACC certification denotes ICGC-II counselors who have acquired sufficient training, clinical experience, and supervision skills and are approved to provide supervision to ICGC and IGDC applicants.
Clergy Certification
The IGCCB Clergy / Lay Ministers Certification is designed to provide basic knowledge about gambling addiction and treatment and recovery resources, to enhance the clergy person’s skills at recognizing at-risk, problematic and disordered gambling, and to provide information for the family on dealing with their loved one’s disorder.
International Gambling Recovery Specialist (IGRS)
IGRS certification aims to increase the number of peers to help meet the need for support in disordered gambling recovery. Candidates must complete specialized training focused on gambling disorder, gain experience working directly with individuals affected by problem gambling, and adhere to ethical standards. The certification ensures that peers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to guide others through the recovery process, offering support, understanding, and
BARA
BARA certification denotes IGRS peers who have acquired sufficient training, experience, and supervision skills and are approved to provide supervision to IGRS applicants.