A key requirement for becoming a Certified Peer Support Specialist is having personal experience with mental health challenges or substance use recovery. This lived experience is central to their ability to support others.
After completing the required training, many certification programs require passing a peer support certification exam, which tests knowledge of peer support principles, ethics, and the recovery model
Applicants for certification typically need to provide documentation that verifies their completed training and lived experience with recovery, which qualifies them to offer peer support.
Certified Peer Support Specialists are often required to complete continuing education credits or attend periodic training to stay up-to-date with best practices in peer support.
The first step in becoming certified usually involves attending a formal training program that covers essential topics like recovery principles, peer support ethics, and communication skills.
