Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) Requirements
- A high school diploma or GED.
- Current or former client of services.
- Meet one of the following requirements:
– Have had a serious mental illness and/or addiction disorder, which meets the federal definition and received treatment for it;
– Self-identify as a current or former client of mental health treatment and/or addiction treatment; or
– Self-identify as having a serious mental illness and a substance use disorder and be in dual recovery. - All candidates must complete two weeks (46 hours) of intensive training through one of our approved providers.
Becoming CPSS Certified through APSC
The link above leads to the CPSS 2020 application form on our online certification portal Certemy. Once you’re on the site you will need to complete the application forms and upload a copy of your training certificate from an approved CPSS training provider. You will also need to fill out the application forms on the credential. There is a list of approved providers below. The CPSS Certification Fee is $100 for NAADAC/APSC members and $150 for non-members. When enrolling in required CPSS training class with one of the APSC Approved Providers, please check with the provider if training class tuition includes the CPSS Certification Fee.
Difference between CPSS and CPRS
The CPSS is the required credential in the state of South Carolina to offer Peer Support services at treatment facilities. The CPRS credential is only required for those looking to do reciprocity to a different state through IC&RC.