North Carolina
North Carolina
Is there a state-endorsed certification process?
Yes
Does the state differentiate between Mental Health Peer Support Specialists and Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?
No, they have the same application process.
What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
High School Diploma or equivalent (GED, HiSET, etc.)
What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
18 years of age or older
Lived experiences in significant mental health or substance use disorder
Been in recovery for at least one year
What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?
Two reference Letters:
-One must know for a year
-One must have knowledge of recovery
Sign NCCPSS (North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist) Code of Ethics form
What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?
40 hours of North Carolina approved Peer Support Specialist training
20 hours of additional training related to mental health or substance use and typically from a college.
What is the average cost for CPS training?
40-hr: $340 20-hr additional training: varied between providers
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all)
Other potential funding sources.
Is there a state-wide certification test?
No test
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?
Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?
What is the cost of the certification test?
N/A
Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?
N/A
Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?
None found
Is there a statewide certification body?
The University of North Carolina through North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services initiative
Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.
Based on feedback from peer support stakeholders across North Carolina, an expert panel was convened to examine available data, lessons learned, empirical evidence, and global examples regarding peer support best practices. The group will use the information gathered to inform the implementation, training, certification, and oversight of peer support practice, thus ensuring integrity to the values, ethics, and practices of the peer profession and workforce in North Carolina. This panel, known as the NC Peer Support Expert Commission (NCCPSS Expert Commission), is comprised of representatives from the following stakeholder groups:
Peer Voice NC as North Carolina’s Statewide Peer/Consumer Movement
North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist Workgroup
The NC Certified Peer Support Specialist Program, administered by Behavioral Health Springboard
North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services
Various stakeholders with knowledge, exposure, and experience with peer support
Group Composition:
The NCCPSS Expert Commission is composed of a diverse group of experts with representation from various geographical areas, age groups, racial, ethnic, and cross-disability groups, as well as the LGBTQIA community. Members have experience working within organizations that provide Medicaid services, state-funded Peer Support services, peer-run organizations, and individuals who have lived experience in mental health and substance use.
Purpose:
The mandate of the NCCPSS Expert Commission is to compile empirical evidence, examine best practices, and make recommendations to various governmental entities for the alignment of best practices of peer support across NC.
Areas of Focus
Priority 1: Establish recommendations for the composition, scope, and authority of an oversight and certification body for NC Certified Peer Support Specialist’s ethical practice and fidelity to best practices.
Priority 2: Establish short and long-term policies, procedures, and standards for NC Peer Support training, curricula, trainers, accountability for curricula owners, and related issues.
Priority 3: Plan for the sustainable implementation of this Commission’s work, including designing recommendations for authority that balances the firmness of statute and the flexibility of rules.
Priority 4: Design processes and standards related to Certification and Recertification of Peer Support Specialists, including a competency-based evaluation.
Priority 5: Establish processes and requirements for the training of and credentials for “specialty” Peer Support roles, including but not limited to forensic, integrated care, LGBTQIA, and transgender specialties.
Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?
On average, how often are trainings held in your state?
40-hr: Every couple weeks 20-hr additional training: varied between providers ""40-hr: Every couple weeks 20-hr additional training: varied between providers
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.
See list at https://pss.unc.edu/training for 40-hr training
See list at https://pss.unc.edu/20-hours-additional-training-resources for 20-hr additional training
What are the continuing education requirements?
Every two years must have 20-hrs of continuing education
Who tracks CEUs?
Individual must provide certificate documents with their recertification application
Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.
Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:
There is Veteran Service Member or Military Service Member designation.
What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?
Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?
Yes
How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?
Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?
Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?
Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*
Peer Specialists Organization Website*
Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*
Other relevant/helpful contacts:*
Are there conferences held in the state specifically for Peer Supporters?
Yes. NC Peer Support Conference - Promoting Advocacy: Support, Lead, and Inspire
Are there recognition or award opportunities for peer support specialists or Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?
Additional Info*
If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?
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