I had mine cleaned, I was told it was nearly all the way clean as is, question though, it seems to make a very fast ticking sound(at times), is that normal operation of it opening/closing? (noticed this after cleaning)

I strongly agree with Bill in his suggesting that you can 'clean' the unit.
I've had considerable efforts on EGR valves, however, mine is ......and have found that they will collect carbon bits, which results in the pintle not seating securely. Thus, the code light coming on.
In my cleaning efforts, I'll start with some dental tools/picks, and finish with an air gun. It has worked on my 1995 car, and at 515,413 miles as we speak, there has never been an issue. [1995 SL2 Saturn in this case.]
In my case, the unit was Linear, while the cleaning effort worked very well.