A credential for individuals with personal, lived experience in their own substance use disorder and/or mental health disorder recovery. By offering insight into the recovery process based on their own experience, peer recovery specialists are able to provide a unique perspective while providing recovery support services. The CPRS is not a sponsor, case manage or a therapist but rather a role model, mentor, advocate, and motivator.
Effective May 1, 2023 the application fee for this credential is waived. Funding for this project has been provided by the Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health through funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
For more in depth information on the requirements please review the downloadable application above.
Formal Education: Minimum high school diploma/GED
Peer Work Experience: 500 hours of work or volunteer experience as a peer recovery specialist.
Current Volunteer Job Description: Copy of current peer recovery specialist volunteer/job description, obtained from current organization, and which must be signed by both the applicant and their immediate supervisor.
Statement of Lived Experience: 1000 word essay describing their experience with recovery and their history of sustained recovery
On-The-Job Supervision: 25 hours of on-the-job supervision of qualifying work experience in the peer recovery specialist domains.
Education/Training: 46 hours of education/training specific to the peer recovery specialist domains of which 10 hours must be in the Advocacy domain; 10 hours must be in the Mentoring/Education domain; 10 hours must be in the Recovery/Wellness Support domain; and 16 hours must be in the Ethical Responsibility domain.
Examination: Once application is approved, applicant must pass the IC&RC Examination for Peer Recovery Specialists (PR examination).