Who is Eligible

Independently licensed, master’s prepared mental health professionals, including:

1. Counselor
2. Marriage and Family Therapist
3. Psychologist
4. Social Worker

Learn more about who can become certified from our detailed list of eligible CAGCS professionals.

Training Requirements

A minimum of 18 hours of continuing education in specific grief topics. Learn more about CAGCS certification training requirements.

Pre-approved, 3rd party trainings that meet the training requirements for CAGCS certification include:

1. Advanced Grief Counseling Certification Training Course by PESI - Certification Included
2. Already Hold CGCS? - Click Here to Obtain the Additional Hours Needed for your CAGCS Certification

Wondering if a course meets the requirements for CAGCS certification? Submit a copy of or link to the course title, speaker, outline and learning objectives to info@evergreencertifications.com for review.

Please note that Evergreen Certifications does not offer continuing education, all training must be purchased directly through the accredited training organization. Training is not included in the certification fee.

Additional Requirements

The applicant must attest that, over the course of their career, he/she has conducted a minimum of 200 therapy hours with grief clients. Additionally, the applicant must submit one letter of recommendation from a licensed professional peer who is familiar with and can attest to the applicant’s clinical grief counseling work.

Application Process

1. Complete a qualifying training
2. Remit your initial application payment of 249.99 USD online
3. Upload the following documents to your account:
   1. A copy of the candidate’s professional license
   2. Evidence of completion of qualifying training, in the form of a CEU or completion certificate
   3. A letter of recommendation from a peer who can attest to the candidate’s grief work
   4. A completed CAGCS application form

Renewal

To maintain CAGCS certification, a renewal is required. After your initial 2-year certification, you have the option to renew for 2 years. A 2-year renewal requires 12 clock hours of grief-focused continuing education.

Sample CAGCS renewal trainings include:

1. Mindful Grief: Mindfulness Techniques to Address Avoidance and Improve Emotional Regulation in Grief Treatment by PESI
2. Pet Loss Grief Counseling Trained Professional by PESI
3. 2-Day Intensive Thanatology Conference: Assessments & Interventions for Grief, Loss, & Mourning by PESI
4. Transforming Grief & Loss: Strategies for Your Clients to Heal the Past, Change the Present and Transform the Future by PESI

Renewal Process

1. Complete a qualifying training
2. Upload the following documents to your account:
   1. A copy of the candidate’s professional license
   2. Evidence of completion of qualifying training, in the form of a CEU or completion certificate
3. Remit your CAGCS renewal fee online

Learn more about renewing your CAGCS certification with Evergreen Certifications.