The CPS certification will be valid for two years. To avoid a lapse in certification, recertification should occur before the end of the two-year certification period. Recertification requires obtaining 36 hours of CEUs every two years and a $50 two-year recertification fee.
This formal certification through the PCB is designed to help strengthen the profession and give CPSs a stronger voice, while maintaining the essence of peer support in delivering recovery-oriented services.
REMEMBER: This formal certification will be necessary to provide Medicaid billable peer support services.
A credential for individuals with personal, lived experience in their own mental health recovery. By offering insight into the recovery process based on their own experience, peer specialists are able to provide a unique perspective while providing peer support services. This credential is for persons with serious mental health or co-occurring (mental health & substance use disorder) lived experience.
Formal certification through PCB is necessary to provide Medicaid billable peer support services.
For more in depth information on the requirements please review the downloadable application above.
Peer Training: 75-hours of mandatory peer specialist training. Three training vendors are authorized to provide the 75-hour mandatory peer specialist training. No other peer trainings are acceptable other than trainings from one of the authorized training vendors. All education/training must be documented. Authorized training vendors:
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Copeland Center: https://copelandcenter.com/our-services/certified-peer-specialist-training-cps
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The Institute for Recovery: https://courses.training.mhphope.org/
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RI Consulting: https://riinternational.com/consulting/training/
Work/Volunteer Experience OR Post-Secondary Education: One of these two is required:
- Within the last three years, maintained at least 12 months of successful work or volunteer experience; work or volunteer experience does not need to be specific to peer support OR
- Within the last three years, document 24 credit hours from a college/university.
Personal, Lived Experience: The CPS credential is for persons with serious mental health or co-occurring (mental health and substance use disorder) personal, lived experience.
Examination: Once application is approved, applicant must pass the PCB Examination for Certified Peer Specialist (CPS examination).
Other
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Signed, dated and notarized Acknowledgements.
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You must either live or work in Pennsylvania at time of application.
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You must be 18 years of age or older.