To be eligible for the Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) credential—regardless of the application pathway—all applicants must ultimately meet the minimum requirements outlined below. These requirements ensure that every CRPS professional is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and lived experience needed to provide effective, ethical peer support.
The following information provides an overview of the CRPS requirements – detailed information is provided in the CRPS Standards, Requirements, and Application Guide and the CRPS-Provisional/Upgrade Standards, Requirements, and Application Guide.
Requirements Overview
👤 Lived Experience
- Applicants must identify the lived experience category that best reflects their personal history and recovery journey.
🎓 Formal Education
- A high school diploma or GED is required.
📚 CRPS Training
- Completion of 40 hours of training in CRPS-approved topics, designed to build foundational skills in peer support.
💼 Work Experience
- A minimum of 500 hours of work experience in a peer support or related setting.
- Of those, at least 250 hours must involve providing peer specialist services to individuals who share similar lived experiences.
👥 On-the-Job Supervision
- A minimum of 16 hours of supervised work experience, focused on developing your knowledge and skills as a peer specialist.
📝 Letters of Recommendation
- Submission of three letters of recommendation that support your readiness and suitability for CRPS certification.
🖥️ Exam Requirement
- Applicants may only register for the exam after application requirements have been reviewed and approved by the Certification Board.
- Pass a 100-item, multiple-choice certification exam. The exam is designed to assess knowledge, skills, and competencies essential to peer support practice.
- The passing score is 70%, with all questions weighed equally.
Application Pathways
There are two ways to apply for the Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) credential—Standard and Provisional/Upgrade. Both lead to full certification, but the right path for you depends on your current experience as a peer professional.
💼 Standard Pathway
Choose this path if you have already met all the following:
- Required education
- Completed CRPS training
- At least 300 hours of relevant work experience
- Required supervision hours
You are ready to apply for the CRPS Credential. Scroll to the bottom of this page and select the CRPS Standard button.
🕒 Provisional/Upgrade Pathway
This path is designed for applicants who do not yet have 300 hours of work experience. Starting with the provisional certification allows you to work in the field while gaining the required experience and supervision. Once you meet the requirements, you’ll upgrade to full CRPS certification. Scroll to the bottom of this page and select the CRPS Provisional button.
Not sure which pathway is right for you? Review the following Choosing the Right Path resources:
- CRPS Standard Application Eligibility Checklist
- CRPS Provisional/Upgrade Application Eligibility Checklist
- CRPS Application Pathway Comparison Chart
If you have any additional questions, please contact us for guidance.
Click on the correct application pathway button to access detailed information on application, examination, credential award, and maintenance/renewal requirements, processes, and procedures.