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 attest to their lived experience and select the endorsement category that best reflects their personal recovery journey.
🎓 Formal Education
- A high school diploma or GED is required.
📚 CRPS Content-Specific 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 under appropriate supervision.
- 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 documented on-the-job supervision focused on developing knowledge and skills as a peer specialist.
📝 Letters of Recommendation
- Submission of three completed CRPS Recommendation for Certification Forms that support your readiness and suitability for CRPS certification.
🖥️ Exam Requirement
- Applicants become eligible to register for the certification exam after the Board reviews and approves all required application materials.
- Applicants must pass a 100-item, multiple-choice certification exam designed to assess the 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 CRPS certification requirements, including:
- Required education
- CRPS content-specific training
- A minimum of 500 hours of work experience
- Required supervision hours
- Three completed recommendation forms
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 500 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.
If you have any additional questions, please contact us for guidance.