Application fee
$150
Education
HS diploma / GED
Training
78 hours
Lived experience
18+ months continuous
Exam
PCB CRS exam
Renewal
Every 2 years, 30 hours

A certification for people with personal, lived experience of recovery from a substance use disorder. As a CRS, you use your own recovery experience and standardized training to mentor, motivate and advocate for others. A CRS is not a sponsor, case manager or therapist; it is a role model and guide.

Is this certification right for me?

It's a fit if you have at least 18 months of continuous, personal recovery from a substance use disorder and want to work in recovery support roles at treatment providers, county programs or community organizations. Please keep in mind that the following apply:

  1. The 18 months of recovery must be prior to the date in which you apply to take the mandated training, and 

  2. Recovery is defined as abstinence from all mood and mind altering substances, to include alcohol. 

     

Consider a different certification if you want to provide counseling or therapy (see the counseling certifications), you are a family member rather than a person in recovery (see Certified Family Recovery Specialist), or your lived experience is with mental health (see Certified Peer Specialist).

Requirements

All requirements must be met and documented before you apply.

  • High school diploma or GED (a copy of the document is acceptable)
    Veterans may provide discharge documentation instead. A college degree from an accredited school also counts (official transcript required).

  • 18+ months of continuous, personal lived recovery (abstinence) experience
    Required before you can enroll in the CRS training. Do not apply with less than 18 months.

  • 78 hours of mandatory, standardized recovery specialist training
    From an approved statewide trainer. Document it with your training certificate. About the training.

  • Statement of lived experience
    An essay of at least 1,000 words describing your experience with recovery and your history of sustained recovery.

  • Live or work in Pennsylvania
    At the time you apply. The CRS is a non-reciprocal credential recognized only in Pennsylvania.

  • Pass the CRS examination
    Taken after your application is approved. See the exam section below.

Your journey

  1. Complete the 78-hour CRS training

    With an approved statewide trainer, once you have 18 months of continuous recovery.

    Varies by class schedule

  2. Gather your documents

    Training certificate, proof of education and your statement of lived experience.

  3. Apply online or by PDF

    Apply through your online account and pay by credit card, or send the PDF application by mail or email. Online is fastest.

    Review: up to 10 business days

  4. Take the CRS exam

    Once approved, PCB emails you to register. Choose an on-demand online exam or an in-person exam at a regional location.

  5. You're certified

    Once you have taken your exam, it must be graded and reviewed by the Testing Manager. Once that step is completed, and if you pass, then you are provided a credential in the system and your paper certificate will be mailed to you within 10 business days, and your certification lasts two years from the exam date.

Fees

Item Fee
Application (includes first exam attempt) $150
Exam retake $75
Renewal $100
Renewal, each additional credential $50
Paper certificate (optional) $20

Training costs are set by the training providers, not PCB. Recertification requirements and fees

The exam

The CRS exam has 50 multiple-choice questions and you have 1.5 hours. You can take it on demand online (desktop or laptop only) or on paper at an in-person regional location. It covers seven domains: recovery planning and collaboration; substance use knowledge; advocacy; ethical responsibility and professionalism; safety and self-care; communication, interpersonal and professional skills; and cultural competency.

If you don't pass, you can retest after 7 days, up to three retakes. After a fourth failed attempt you must submit a study plan to PCB and wait three months. Online exam information · Retest form

Need an accommodation for a disability or religious obligation? Request it in writing, with documentation, at least 60 days before your exam.

Keeping your certification current

The CRS renews every two years. You need 30 hours of education relevant to recovery support services, including 6 hours in ethics and 3 hours in confidentiality, plus the renewal fee.

Since January 1, 2026 there is no "lapsed" status: a credential is active or expired. You can recertify within the first six months after it expires; after that you must re-apply. Recertification requirements and fees

Common questions about the CRS

Does my recovery time have to be continuous?

Yes. You need at least 18 months of continuous, personal lived recovery experience before you enroll in the CRS training, and before you apply. Recovery is defined as abstinence from all mood and mind altering substances, to include alcohol. 

Can I start the CRS training before I have 18 months of recovery?

No. The 18 months must be complete before you enroll in the 78-hour recovery specialist training.

How long does the CRS application review take?

Allow up to 10 business days. We email you if anything is missing. Your application is approved when you receive an email from PCB to register for the exam.

Do I have to live or work in Pennsylvania to be eligible for most of the credentials offered by PCB?

YES

Should I submit all documentation with full application and fee at the same time?

YES, if a test is required you will be notified of future dates, locations and times after approval of application.