Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) Requirements
Membership in APSC/NAADAC is not required to become certified; however, you do receive a significant amount of savings discount if you are an APSC/NAADAC member. To join, visit https://www.naadac.org/join-or-renew.
- Education and Prerequisite Training
- High school diploma or jurisdictionally certified high school equivalency (e.g. GED).
- Continuous, sustained one year of Lived Recovery and Practical Experience that must be verified by current and / or previous employers or an administrator of volunteer organizations.
- Successful completion of 46-hour training from a South Carolina PSSCC Certified Training Center
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.