North Dakota

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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, Certified Peer Support Specialists can be people who identify as someone in recovery from a mental health, disorder, brain injury, substance use disorder, or combination. A family member of an individual with the above may also become a certified peer support specialist.

What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?: 

High School Diploma or GED or can demonstrate the ability to read and write at a level proficient enough for training, documentation, and the type of work peer support will require.

What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?: 

18 years of age or older
Currently reside or employed within the state of North Dakota
Self-identify as an individual who has personal lived experience and is willing to publicly identify as an individual in recovery from a mental health disorder, brain injury, substance use disorder, or combination; or is a family member of an individual living with a mental health disorder, substance use disorder, brain injury or combination.

What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?: 

None for training

What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?: 

Successful completion of a division approved peer support training program.
Training program is a 5 day (8:30am - 5pm daily) training offered in 4 locations across the state (Fargo, Minot, Grand Forks, Jamestown). Attendees must be present for the entire training week.

What is the average cost for CPS training?: 
There is no registration cost for the training but travel and lodging are not reimbursable as the trainings are offered across the state and it is recommended to attend a training close to applicant.
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all): 

Individual must cover travel and lodging if needed for training

Other potential funding sources.: 



Is there a state-wide certification test?: 
No
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?: 

Documentation of completed training
3 letters of recommendation (1 personal recommendation, 1 professional recommendation, 1 recommendation that demonstrates the applicant's commitment to the applicant's or family member's recovery process)
A personal statement
Agree and sign North Dakota certified peer support specialist code of ethics

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?: 
Non-refundable application fee of $50
Is there a statewide certification body?: 

Yes

Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.: 

North Dakota Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Division
1237 W Divide Ave, Suite 1C | Bismarck, ND 58505-1208 | 701.328.8920

Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?: 

North Dakota's Behavioral Health Website
https://www.behavioralhealth.nd.gov/upcoming-trainings

On average, how often are trainings held in your state?: 
For questions about training email peersupport@nd.gov
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.: 

North Dakota Department of Human Services' Behavioral Health Division has brought in Appalachian Consulting Group's (ACG) curriculum for peer specialist training.

What are the continuing education requirements?: 

20 hours of continuing education must be complete every two-year certification period with at least 2 hours on the topic of peer support specialist ethics. No more than 3 hours can be completed by self-study or distance learning methods unless an exception is granted by the division.

Continuing education for Certified Peer Support Specialist II (Supervisors) are the same as above with an additional 4 hours of training specific to supervision of peer support specialists.

Who tracks CEUs?: 
Individual keeps track and may need to provide evidence of completion to the Behavioral Health Division for recertification.
Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.: 

Yes, Peer Supervisors are referred to as Certified Peer Support Specialist II.

Same basic requirements as Certified Peer Specialist I:
-Currently resides or employed within the state of North Dakota
-Self identify as person with lived experience or family member of an individuals with lived experience.
-At least 18 years of age
-Have high school diploma, GED, or demonstrate ability to read and write at needed level
-Successful completion of a division approved peer support training program
Additional requirements:
-Successful completion of a division approved peer support supervision training
-Applicant has at least 1500 direct service hours as a peer support specialist

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:: 



What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?: 

Acronyms not used in state documentation, however may be CPSS I or CPSS II.

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?: 

1915i Medicaid State Plan amendment

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:: 

If you have input regarding location of future trainings or if you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to peersupport@nd.gov

Want to network with other peer support specialists? Contact Kristy Johnson at kristyjohnson@nd.gov.

Are there conferences held in the state specifically for Peer Supporters?: 

North Dakota Behavioral Health Conference - annual conference usually attended by behavioral health clinicians, peer support specialists, health care professionals, community agencies, consumers and family members.

Recovery Reinvented Event (an ongoing series of innovative practices and initiatives to eliminate the shame and stigma of addiction in North Dakota) - not specific to peer support but certified peer specialist often attend.

Are there recognition or award opportunities for peer support specialists or Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?: 

Recovery Champion Award (through Recovery Reinvented) - not specific to certified peer support specialists but for people who are reinventing recovery every day in their communities.

Helpful Websites/ References: 

https://www.behavioralhealth.nd.gov/addiction/peer-support

https://www.behavioralhealth.nd.gov/addiction/peer-support/certification...

https://www.legis.nd.gov/information/acdata/pdf/75-03-43.pdf

Additional Info: 



If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?: