Colorado
Colorado Peer Certification is a State recognized Peer Credential: The Colorado Peer and Family Specialist Certification is recognized that peers in the state have meet requirements set by the CPFS Committee.
Certification credentials are based on experience and competencies as set by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium. All applicants are required to demonstrate that they have completed the training requirements, have had the appropriate amount of supervision, and have passed the IC&RC exam. The Colorado Peer and Family Specialist Certification Committee is a subcommittee of COPA that approves certification for trained Certified Peer and Family Specialists by reviewing training, continuing education, supervision, and work experience; facilitating examinations; and promoting reciprocity with other jurisdictions.
The Colorado Peer and Family Specialist credential (CPFS) is for peers for Mental Health Support, Substance Use Support, and Family members that have a loved one experiencing substance use and mental health.
https://coprovidersassociation.org/certifications/peer-family-specialis…
HSD/GED/or Higher Education degree or transcript
Must have history of a substance use disorder and currently engaged in recovery and/or
Must have history of a mental health diagnosis and/or
Must have history of caregiving to a person with a substance use or mental health disorder.
Must have a desire to assist others in their recovery journey.
Must be established in one's own recovery for a minimum of 1 year.
Must have internet access and basic computer skills.
Must commitment to attend and participate in all days of training.
60 training hours specific to the IC&RC Domains, including peer/family specialist specific trainings:
• Hours applied to each IC&RC domain:
- 10 hours: Advocacy
- 10 hours: Recovery/Wellness Support
- 10 hours: Mentoring & Education
- 16 hours: Ethical Responsibility
Note: At least 30 training hours required for certification must be Peer or Family Specialist related. And additional topic areas MUST include: trauma informed care, cultural sensitivity, whole health, substance use, mental health, and family support if not already covered.
Training organizations have varying costs for training. Trainings organizations may have scholarships, and it is the responsibility of the individual to inquire on costs, resources, and registration with each organization.
Training organizations have varying costs for training. Trainings organizations may have scholarships, and it is the responsibility of the individual to inquire on costs, resources, and registration with each organization.
Training organizations have varying costs for training. Trainings organizations may have scholarships, and it is the responsibility of the individual to inquire on costs, resources, and registration with each organization.
CPFS take the IC&RC Peer Exam. Total cost $295. $50 to start an application and $245 for testing and application fees. Colorado does offer scholarships for the application fees currently. Scholarships depend on funding.
https://coprovidersassociation.org/certifications/peer-family-specialis…
Applicant must be a Colorado resident 51% of the time to qualify for certification.
Applicant must have:
• 500 hours of work experience (volunteer or paid) specific to the IC&RC domains over a minimum of 6 months.
• 25 hours of supervision specific to the IC&RC Domains must be verified and submitted with the application.
Statement of Lived Experience: A paragraph (250 words or less) briefly describing your lived experience.
No background check is preformed, and we ask candidates to disclose all relevant information. Disclosure of information does not disqualify candidates.
CPFS take the IC&RC Peer Exam. Total cost $295. $50 to start an application and $245 for testing and application fees. Colorado does offer scholarships for the application fees currently. Scholarships depend on funding.
https://coprovidersassociation.org/certifications/peer-family-specialis…
The IC&RC test is required only for the initial application. Candidates recertfy every two years with the Continuing education requirements listed in the next section.
Recertification is $200
Colorado Providers Association is the state-wide certifying body. COPA is responsible for Administrative duties. The CPFS Committee develops standards, approves applicants, and handle ethical considerations.
https://coprovidersassociation.org/certifications/ic-rc/
Colorado Providers Association is the state-wide certifying body. COPA is responsible for Administrative duties. The CPFS Committee develops standards, approves applicants, and handle ethical considerations.
https://coprovidersassociation.org/certifications/ic-rc/
Training vendors are approved by the CPFS committee. Training vendors are approved through a review and crosswalk application. Trainings outside approved list can be accepted but at the discretion of the CPFS Committee.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ARgVyqp0eN5bdPxdmcqR0f1RTWz5b_8G/ed…
I&RC Recertification Hours Requirement:
• 30 hours of continuing education trainings/workshops within the last two years
• Hours should correspond to the IC&RC Domains
• Of the required 30 hours of continuing education, 6 hours of ethics training is required.
Peers must track and submit certificates of attendance.
Unknown
The Colorado Peer and Family Specialist credential (CPFS) is for peers for Mental Health Support, Substance Use Support, and Family members that have a loved one experiencing substance use and mental health.
https://coprovidersassociation.org/certifications/peer-family-specialis…
The Colorado Peer and Family Specialist credential (CPFS) is for peers for Mental Health Support, Substance Use Support, and Family members that have a loved one experiencing substance use and mental health.
https://coprovidersassociation.org/certifications/peer-family-specialis…
Yes, please see the state information from Colorado Department of Health Care and Policy. https://hcpf.colorado.gov/peerservices
Yes, please see the state information from Colorado Department of Health Care and Policy. https://hcpf.colorado.gov/peerservices
Recovery services are not restricted to face-to-face interventions.
COPA contacts Certification Team
Jacob Merrion jacob@coprovidersassociation Precious Collins [email protected] General [email protected]
Colorado Provider Association recognizes a peer in excellence of the year at our annual luncheon.
None
Colorado Peer Certification is a State recognized Peer Credential: The Colorado Peer and Family Specialist Certification is recognized that peers in the state have meet requirements set by the CPFS Committee.
Certification credentials are based on experience and competencies as set by the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium. All applicants are required to demonstrate that they have completed the training requirements, have had the appropriate amount of supervision, and have passed the IC&RC exam. The Colorado Peer and Family Specialist Certification Committee is a subcommittee of COPA that approves certification for trained Certified Peer and Family Specialists by reviewing training, continuing education, supervision, and work experience; facilitating examinations; and promoting reciprocity with other jurisdictions.
COPA is recognized by IC&RC as the governing body for certification of Peer and Family Specialists and Prevention Specialists working in behavioral health in Colorado. The Certification Committees (Committees) are subcommittees of COPA that approve certification for trained CPFS. The Committee reviews training, continuing education, supervision, and work experience; facilitates examinations and promotes reciprocity with other jurisdictions.
The CPFS Committee is made up of both certified peers and non-certified peers and are subject matter experts in the peer workforce.
310 (2024)
Training vendors are approved by the CPFS committee. Training vendors are approved through a review and crosswalk application. Trainings outside approved list can be accepted but at the discretion of the CPFS Committee.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ARgVyqp0eN5bdPxdmcqR0f1RTWz5b_8G/ed…
We Want to Hear From You
If you have any additional information or updates you would like seen on our site, click on "Share Helpful Information." We’re always trying to improve our content. Click on "Give Us Your Feedback” to let us know how we’re doing.