Illinois

Is there a state-endorsed certification process?

Yes, Illinois has a state-endorsed certification process for Peer Support Specialists. This is called the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) credential. Individuals who hold this certification are considered Mental Health Professionals (MHP) and are recognized by Rule 132 and 140 and therefore able to bill Medicaid for services. The Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential is also available through the state of Illinois as a nationally recognized credential. The CPRS credential is not recognized by these state Rules.

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

The CRSS and CPRS certifications are not specific to Mental Health or Substance Use. Someone seeking these credentials would be an individual with personal, lived experience with mental health or co-occurring mental health and substance use recovery.
There are two Professional Endorsements to the CRSS certification: CRSS-E (Employment) and CRSS-YA (Young Adult).

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

High school diploma or GED

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

Personal requirements: having personal, lived experience with mental health or co-occurring mental health and substance use recovery. CRSS applicants are required to disclose personal experience as a consumer of mental health or dual
diagnosis services, demonstrated by signature of the CRSS Statement of Disclosure.

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

Professional requirements: the ability to successfully complete required trainings and certification requirements and uphold CRSS/CPRS Code of Ethics.

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

CRSS and CPRS certifications require the following:
-100 hours of training
-100 hours Supervision
-2,000 hours Work Experience (paid or volunteer)
-Passing score on 100-question exam
-Payment of applicable fees

What is the average cost for CPS training?

The 814-CRSS Success Program is free to accepted participants.
Individuals obtaining certification otherwise will have varied costs associated with training. 100 hours of training in specific domains are required to meet the minimum guidelines. These are evaluated and approved by the Illinois Credentialing Board (ICB).

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

The 814-CRSS Success Program is free to accepted participants.
Individuals obtaining certification otherwise will have varied costs associated with training. 100 hours of training in specific domains are required to meet the minimum guidelines. These are evaluated and approved by the Illinois Credentialing Board (ICB).

Other potential funding sources.

The 814-CRSS Success Program is free to accepted participants.
Individuals obtaining certification otherwise will have varied costs associated with training. 100 hours of training in specific domains are required to meet the minimum guidelines. These are evaluated and approved by the Illinois Credentialing Board (ICB).

Is there a state-wide certification test?

The CRSS and CPRS certifications both require an $85 application fee, $125 testing fee, and $70 annual certification fee to become certified. All certified individuals pay a $70 fee annually. Recertification is required every two (2) years by submitting CEUs documenting training attended within the two-year period.
Fees are paid by the individual seeking certification, unless their place of employment or training program offers to cover. The Illinois Department of Human Services Department of Mental Health (IDHS-DMH) has created Scholarship funds through the CRSS Success Program that provides scholarship opportunities for those who have financial need.

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

To see comprehensive Model for CRSS certification:
https://iaodapca.org/Portals/0/PDF/CRSS%20Model%20April%202023.pdfver=u… 7630
CPRS Model: https://iaodapca.org/Portals/0/PDF/CPRS%20Model%20April%202023.pdfver=I… 6608

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

No, a background check is not required for training and/or certification. A criminal record does not disqualify an individual from either.

What is the cost of the certification test?

The CRSS and CPRS certifications both require an $85 application fee, $125 testing fee, and $70 annual certification fee to become certified. All certified individuals pay a $70 fee annually. Recertification is required every two (2) years by submitting CEUs documenting training attended within the two-year period.
Fees are paid by the individual seeking certification, unless their place of employment or training program offers to cover. The Illinois Department of Human Services Department of Mental Health (IDHS-DMH) has created Scholarship funds through the CRSS Success Program that provides scholarship opportunities for those who have financial need.

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

Recertification is required every two years but does not include taking the test again. Re-testing is only required if the certification is in inactive status.

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

Annual certification fee: current fee is $70. Late fees applied.

Is there a statewide certification body?

Yes, Illinois Certification Board. 401 E Sangamon Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702 https://iaodapca.org/
Phone: 217-698-8110
General Mailbox [email protected]

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

Illinois Certification Board. 401 E Sangamon Avenue ,Springfield, IL 62702 https://iaodapca.org/
Phone: 217-698-8110
General Mailbox [email protected]

Where can information be found for upcoming peer support trainings?

The Illinois Credentialing Board (ICB): https://iaodapca.org/Credentialing
NAMI Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals (NIAPP): https://www.illinoispeerprofessionals.org/become-a-peer-professional https://www.illinoispeerprofessionals.org/events-2-1

On average, how often are trainings held in your state?

The Illinois Credentialing Board (ICB): https://iaodapca.org/Credentialing
NAMI Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals (NIAPP): https://www.illinoispeerprofessionals.org/become-a-peer-professional https://www.illinoispeerprofessionals.org/events-2-1

Training providers (vendors) and their contact information.

Currently, Illinois does not have a state-owned certification training program. IDHS-DMH awarded a number of higher education institutions grant money to create and facilitate training programs through the 814-CRSS Success Program. A list of these institutions and more information can be found here: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=143289.

What are the continuing education requirements?

Forty (40) continuing education units (CEUs) are required to maintain board certification and must be earned within the two-year certification period. CEUs must fall within two categories:
Category I - Minimum 15 CEUs of education specific to knowledge and skills related to mental health recovery and the role of peer support in the recovery process.
Category II - Minimum 25 CEUs of education specific to knowledge and skills related to the Core Functions of CRSS professionals.

Who tracks CEUs?

Forty (40) continuing education units (CEUs) are required to maintain board certification and must be earned within the two-year certification period. CEUs must fall within two categories:
Category I - Minimum 15 CEUs of education specific to knowledge and skills related to mental health recovery and the role of peer support in the recovery process.
Category II - Minimum 25 CEUs of education specific to knowledge and skills related to the Core Functions of CRSS professionals.

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

No.

Additional specializations available for certified peer specialists:

The CRSS and CPRS certifications are not specific to Mental Health or Substance Use. Someone seeking these credentials would be an individual with personal, lived experience with mental health or co-occurring mental health and substance use recovery.
There are two Professional Endorsements to the CRSS certification: CRSS-E (Employment) and CRSS-YA (Young Adult).

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

The CRSS and CPRS certifications are not specific to Mental Health or Substance Use. Someone seeking these credentials would be an individual with personal, lived experience with mental health or co-occurring mental health and substance use recovery.
There are two Professional Endorsements to the CRSS certification: CRSS-E (Employment) and CRSS-YA (Young Adult).

Are Certified Peer Specialists services Medicaid reimbursable?

CRSS professionals are recognized by Rules 132 and 140 and are able to bill Medicaid for services.

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

CRSS professionals are recognized by Rules 132 and 140 and are able to bill Medicaid for services.

Is there a statewide Peer Specialist organization?

NAMI Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals (NIAPP) www.illinoispeerprofessionals.org
Christa Cornelius, Program Manager: [email protected]

Name of Statewide Peer Specialists Organization*

NAMI Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals (NIAPP) www.illinoispeerprofessionals.org
Christa Cornelius, Program Manager: [email protected]

Peer Specialists Organization Website*

NAMI Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals (NIAPP) www.illinoispeerprofessionals.org
Christa Cornelius, Program Manager: [email protected]

Peer Specialists Organization Primary Contact*

NAMI Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals (NIAPP) www.illinoispeerprofessionals.org
Christa Cornelius, Program Manager: [email protected]

Other relevant/helpful contacts:*

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

Not at this time

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

Not at this time

Helpful Websites/ References*

Illinois Credentialing Board: www.iaodapca.org
NAMI Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals: www.illinoispeerprofessionals.org
Illinois Department of Human Services Recovery Support Services: www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=36696 CRSS Success Program: dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=143289

Additional Info*

Not at this time

Is the Certification curriculum peer-led and/or peer developed?

Currently, the state of Illinois does not have a standard training curriculum.

Are there any potential Barriers to certification and post certification employment?

No, a background check is not required for training and/or certification. A criminal record does not disqualify an individual from either.

Are certification trainings offered in-person, online, or hybrid?

The Illinois Credentialing Board (ICB): https://iaodapca.org/Credentialing
NAMI Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals (NIAPP): https://www.illinoispeerprofessionals.org/become-a-peer-professional https://www.illinoispeerprofessionals.org/events-2-1

Is there a recent count of the # of Peer Specialists in this state? What is the count, and the day this count was captured?

470 (2024)

How does the state/certification body approve Peer support training vendors?

Currently, Illinois does not have a state-owned certification training program. IDHS-DMH awarded a number of higher education institutions grant money to create and facilitate training programs through the 814-CRSS Success Program. A list of these institutions and more information can be found here: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=143289.

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