The Peer Recovery Specialist’s role falls between the position of recovery support individuals or sponsors and substance abuse or mental health counselors on a continuum of services. It has arisen from a need to connect substance abuse and mental health treatment to the wider continuum of recovery management. The Peer Recovery Specialist acts as a mentor, role model, advocate, and motivator, rather than a sponsor or therapist.
Generally, individuals seeking to become a Peer Recovery Specialist may need to complete a minimum number of training hours from an approved Recovery Community Organization (RCO), university, or college. Additionally, the applicant must reside in the state for at least 51% of the time, fill out an application form, adhere to a Peer ethical code of conduct agreement, pay an examination fee, and pass the Peer recovery examination to obtain certification in their state.
Candidates applying for the Peer Recovery Specialist certification may choose to complete the Minnesota state-based Peer recovery exam which takes about two hours to complete and has approximately seventy-five questions. The Minnesota state-based Peer recovery exam has more state focused content.
The IC&RC Peer recovery exam is an international exam and may transfer out of state or country. The standardized test is used nationwide and is valid in all member countries, states, and other certifying bodies of the IC&RC.
If you move and hold a credential that you would like to transfer, the first step is to contact the state member board you wish to transfer to, and check if they accept the certification. An application to transfer to another state is then started in the state you currently reside through an application process.
There are several options for certification, depending on what is right for you. Several organizations provide certification including the MCB, NAADAC, and UMICAD. To learn more about certification options in Minnesota additional information can be viewed at the websites provided below.
There are multiple pathways to becoming a Peer Recovery Specialist, and it is recommended to visit certification or credentialing websites for detailed information and application requirements.
There are many types of training, education and conferences to help you grow in your role. We will define some key terms to help you navigate your learning needs. Some of the key terms and definitions are listed below to learn more.
Evidence Based Practices (EBP) are occupational practices that are based on scientific evidence and aid in making decisions or acting in a standard way.
Professional development is the practice of gaining new skills through continuing education or training after entering the workforce. It can be by attending a training or educational classes, seminars, conferences, workshops, or earning a certificate to expand your knowledge and skills and grow in your area of work.
Continuing education is required for some licenses, registrations, and certification to show ongoing learning in a field of work before they can be renewed. Educational offerings are often called continuing education units or credits (CE or CEU’s). All education eligible for use as continuing education (CE) credit must be in the approved peer domains and meet educational requirements. Individuals who complete a course or training for CE can use the certificate towards renewal of their credential or certification.
The following organizations have been approved as providers of the 46 hours if initial training required. Their curriculum has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the IC&RC Peer recovery domain and relevant policies, providing a high-quality training experience. The approved providers are listed alphabetically by their organization name.
Check out the community calendar to find upcoming training, conferences and continuing education events.