Is there a state-endorsed certification process?

Yes, Connecticut's Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) will fund and contract with the Connecticut Certification Board (CCB) to implement Peer Recovery Support Certification.

Does the state differentiate between Mental Health Peer Support Specialists and Substance Use Peer Support Specialists?

There will be one Peer Recovery Support Certification. Similar to other professions, the population with whom you work may be a function of your interest and choices of continuing education and training. Training sites generally offer continuing education opportunities. One way to look at it is that the state will be certifying “Peer Recovery Support”, not substance use or mental health specialists. https://portal.ct.gov/dmhas/newsworthy/news-items/connecticut-peer-reco… RSS application does ask if individual has direct, lived experience of addiction or receiving addiction services. Acronyms: RSS: Recovery Support Specialist, CPRS: Certified Peer Recovery Specialist 

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

RSS Application asks if individual as High School Diploma or GED equivalent but doesn’t state if it is a requirement. 

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

One letter of reference is required to be submitted with your application. 

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

One letter of reference is required to be submitted with your application.

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

This is an 80-hour certification program (12 days) for persons with a psychiatric history. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, graduates will receive their state certification as a Recovery Support Specialist. Must complete training application form, one letter of reference should be attached to the application, pay training/exam/certification fees due.

What is the average cost for CPS training?

The total fee for RSS core training is $200.  Individuals are responsible for cost of training. However, you may contact Advocacy Unlimited for information about available scholarships or to have an employer or third party pay on your behalf. Lack of funds will not bar eligible students from applying or being accepted for the training.

Who is responsible for paying for training? (List all)

The total fee for RSS core training is $200.  Individuals are responsible for cost of training. However, you may contact Advocacy Unlimited for information about available scholarships or to have an employer or third party pay on your behalf. Lack of funds will not bar eligible students from applying or being accepted for the training.

Other potential funding sources.

The total fee for RSS core training is $200.  Individuals are responsible for cost of training. However, you may contact Advocacy Unlimited for information about available scholarships or to have an employer or third party pay on your behalf. Lack of funds will not bar eligible students from applying or being accepted for the training.

Is there a state-wide certification test?

Yes, Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) Course Final Examination Fee $75.00
Fees for CPRS – Certified Peer Recovery Specialist initial certification Application filing fee
$150, IC&RC PR CBT Exam   $150.00  

What are the personal/professional requirements for certification, if they differ from attending the training?

Advocacy Unlimited (RSS): Not specified. Connecticut Certification Board (CPRS): High School Diploma or GED, 25 hours of supervision specific to the domains, provided by an organization’s documented and qualified supervisor per job description, 500 hours of volunteer and/or paid work experience specific to the domains, The applicant must agree to abide by and sign the Peer Recovery Code of Ethics statement, A passing score on the IC&RC Peer Recovery Examination is required.  

Is a background check required? If so, is a criminal record a disqualification for certification?

There are no required background checks but employment agencies hiring may require and conduct background checks based on their established criteria.

What is the cost of the certification test?

Yes, Recovery Support Specialist (RSS) Course Final Examination Fee $75.00 
Fees for CPRS – Certified Peer Recovery Specialist initial certification Application filing fee
$150, IC&RC PR CBT Exam   $150.00  

Does the certification test need to be taken regularly to maintain certification?

Re-testing only required if you let your certification expire. 

Aside from any fees for the training or state-wide certification test, are there other certification fees/costs?

RSS Application Processing Fee $25  CRPS Application filing fee $150.00 

Is there a statewide certification body?

There have been two committees formed. The Advisory Committee, which guides the decision-making process and is open for attendance by any stakeholder and the Subject Matter Experts Committee which, along with the contracted agency (CCB), develops recommended questions for the certification test. Questions will be submitted to the Department for final review and approval. The Advisory Committee role is to understand how the certification process impacts peer support in Connecticut and submit recommendations to the Department for the implementation process.

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

There have been two committees formed. The Advisory Committee, which guides the decision-making process and is open for attendance by any stakeholder and the Subject Matter Experts Committee which, along with the contracted agency (CCB), develops recommended questions for the certification test. Questions will be submitted to the Department for final review and approval. The Advisory Committee role is to understand how the certification process impacts peer support in Connecticut and submit recommendations to the Department for the implementation process.

Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?
On average, how often are trainings held in your state?
Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.

Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Rocky Hill, CT 06067 [email protected] Local: (860) 505-7581 Toll free in CT: 1-800-573-6929 Fax: 860-259-5731
Connecticut's DMHAS approves vendors - Though each approved training site may offer a unique curriculum, being “approved” by the Department (which is an established practice of the Department) requires the each training site address the same set of Core Competencies, Principles and Code of Ethics.
https://portal.ct.gov/dmhas/newsworthy/news-items/connecticut-peer-reco…

What are the continuing education requirements?

The Recovery Support Specialist certification requires 60 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain certification.  Each hour equals one credit.  You should submit credit hours, along with any supporting documentation to the RSS Training Administrator.
CPRS 10 hours of continuing education specific to peer recovery, including 3 hours of ethics, is required FOR EACH YEAR the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist wishes to renew. 

Who tracks CEUs?

The Recovery Support Specialist certification requires 60 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain certification.  Each hour equals one credit.  You should submit credit hours, along with any supporting documentation to the RSS Training Administrator. 
CPRS 10 hours of continuing education specific to peer recovery, including 3 hours of ethics, is required FOR EACH YEAR the Certified Peer Recovery Specialist wishes to renew.

Is there a certification requirement for CPS Supervisors? If yes, provide details of requirements and relevant information.

Not within the scope of this current certification. The Department is open to ongoing discussion.

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:

Unknown

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

Acronyms: RSS: Recovery Support Specialist, CPRS: Certified Peer Recovery Specialist 

Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?

Only in specific circumstances. 

How are peer support services paid for by the state? What specific Medicaid waivers are used, if any?

Medicaid Waiver program. The Mental Health Waiver Program, authorized in §1915(c) of the Social Security Act, allows the State to furnish an array of home and community-based services that assist Medicaid beneficiaries to live in the community and avoid institutional care. Waiver services complement and/or supplement services available to participants through the Medicaid State plan and other federal, state and local public programs as well as natural supports that families and communities provide. Peer services are also funded through grants administered by DMHAS (Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services).https://cga.ct.gov/ According to 2024 document "DSS reports that Carelon Behavioral Health, the state’s contracted behavioral health Administrative Services Organization, provides Medicaid-covered peer support services for families, adults, people with autism spectrum disorder, and people experiencing first episode psychosis. Additionally, Connecticut’s substance use disorder and mental health Medicaid waivers include peer support services as part of the per diem reimbursement rate for residential treatment providers.

Is digital peer support available? Medicaid reimbursable?

Not found

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?

Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. (AU): AU is a statewide peer run organization which promotes people's rights and recovery. https://advocacyunlimited.org/
2075 Silas Deane Highway Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Local: (860) 505-7581 Toll free in CT: 1-800-573-6929Fax: 860-259-5731

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*

Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. (AU): AU is a statewide peer run organization which promotes people's rights and recovery. https://advocacyunlimited.org/
2075 Silas Deane Highway Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Local: (860) 505-7581 Toll free in CT: 1-800-573-6929Fax: 860-259-5731

Peer Specialists Organization Website*

Advocacy Unlimited, Inc. (AU): AU is a statewide peer run organization which promotes people's rights and recovery. https://advocacyunlimited.org/
2075 Silas Deane Highway Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Local: (860) 505-7581 Toll free in CT: 1-800-573-6929Fax: 860-259-5731

Other relevant/helpful contacts:*

None found

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

Karuna Conference, hosted by Advocacy Unlimited  
NAMI Connecticut holds an Annual Education Conference 

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

None found

Additional Info*

None

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

Unknown

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