Rhode Island
Rhode Island
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.
What are the educational requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
A minimum high school diploma/GED from an accredited school. Veterans may provide discharge
documentation in lieu of a High School Diploma/GED.
What are the personal requirements to apply for a peer specialist training program?
Must identify as someone with personal, lived experience in their own recovery or experience as a family member or loved one.
What are the professional requirements needed to apply for a peer specialist training program?
Must complete online application and follow-up interview for training registry.
What are the training requirements to become a Certified Peer Specialist?
Education: 46 hours of education specific to Peer Recovery Specialist domains:
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
16 hours must be in the Ethical Responsibility domain.
What is the average cost for CPS training?
Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all)
Other potential funding sources.
Is there a state-wide certification test?
Yes, RI Certification Board requires individuals to take and pass the IC&RC Peer Recovery Examination, a computer based, 75 multiple-choice questions exam. Offered on an on-demand basis at an approved testing site. There are several sites in the state. C
What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?
Must have 500 hours of volunteer or paid experience specific to peer recovery services and 25 supervised hours specific to the domains (these 25 hours may be included in the total experience requirement).
Read and understand RICB Code of Ethical Conduct.
Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?
While felonies and disciplinary actions from other certification/licensing entities may not prohibit
certification, documentation is required to be submitted at the time of application. Certification through
the Board does not mean a professional should not disclose this information to potential employers and
does not in any way exonerate charges.
What is the cost of the certification test?
Yes, included in the $175 application fee. Retest and/or Exam Cancellation Fees: $100
Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?
No
Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?
$175 application fee that includes cost of exam. Recertification fee: $75
Is there a statewide certification body?
Yes
Please provide as much information about the certification board/body as possible.
Rhode Island Certification Board (RICB)
298 S. Progress Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17109
Phone: 401.349.3822
Email: [email protected]
Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?
Parent Support Network of Rhode Island website: https://www.psnri.org/trainings-events
On average, how often are trainings held in your state?
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.
Parent Support Network of Rhode Island
535 Centerville Road, Suite 202
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 214-7347 or email Jessica Berbert at [email protected].
Anchor Recovery Community Center
[email protected]
1280 North Main Street
Providence, RI 02906
(401) 889-5770
890 Centerville Road
Warwick, RI
(401) 615-9945
What are the continuing education requirements?
Must complete 20 hours relevant to peer recovery including 6 hours in ethics, every two years
Who tracks CEUs?
Individuals are in charge of tracking their CEUs and submitting required documentation to RI Certification Board every two years.
Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.
To become a CPRS Supervisor, an individual must have a minimum of two years work experience as a CPRS. They must complete an 8 hour Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Supervisor Training.
Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:
What are the different acronyms used to distinguish peer supporters and specific peer support specialties?
CPRS: Certified Peer Recovery Specialists
Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?
Yes, Peer Recovery Specialists must meet the
qualifications in the CMS State Medicaid Director Letter, #07-011,
https://www.medicaid.gov/Federal-Policy-Guidance/downloads/SMD081507A.p…
How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?
Medicaid - Waiver 1115
Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?
Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?
Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*
Peer Specialists Organization Website*
Other relevant/helpful contacts:*
Are there conferences held in the state specifically for Peer Supporters?
Are there recognition or award opportunities for peer support specialists or Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?
Additional Info*
Peers4Recovery CPRS Coordinator
Parent Support Network Workforce Development Manager, Jessica Berbert at [email protected].
If there are recent changes to the certification process due to COVID-19, are the changes permanent, temporary or other?
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