Welcome to EmpowerPath Academy
Proud partner of CCAR
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CPRS?
The Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) credential is the official professional title for individuals with lived experience who provide recovery support services. This certification is governed by the Maryland Addiction and Behavioral-health Professionals Certification
Board (MABPCB) and is recognized internationally through IC&RC reciprocity.
CPRS professionals support individuals living with mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorders by using their lived experience to promote recovery, self-empowerment, and connection to resources.
Who Should Become a CPRS?
- Individuals in long-term recovery (2+ years) from addiction or mental illness.
- Family members or allies of people with behavioral health challenges.
- People working or volunteering in clinical or community-based recovery environments.
- Peer Recovery Specialists seeking a nationally recognized credential.
Requirement Information
Certification Requirements
General Eligibility
- 18 years or older
- Maryland resident or employed in Maryland at least 51% of the time
- Self-identify as a person in long-term recovery (2+ years) from a behavioral health disorder
Education
- High School Diploma or GED (college transcripts may be submitted in place)
-Core Peer Recovery Training (Minimum 30 Hours Required)
-Must complete at least one CORE curriculum, such as:
- CCAR Recovery Coach Academy
- Intentional Peer Support
- WRAP Facilitator
- Jordan Peer Training
- Mosaic Peer Curriculum
-All training must be completed within the last 10 years
CPRS Recertification (Every 2 Years)
- Complete 20 CEUs, including at least 6 hours in Ethical Considerations
- Maximum 5 webinar-based CEUs allowed
- Submit recertification application + fee
- Confirm commitment to the MABPCB Code of Conduct
- RPS training hours cannot be used for CPRS renewal
Specialized Peer CEUs (46 Total Hours)
Training must cover the following four core domains:
Advocacy – 10 hours
Ethical Responsibility – 16 hours
Mentoring/Education – 10 hours
Recovery/Wellness – 10 hours
Maximum 5 hours of webinar-based (non-interactive) CEUs allowed
Service Hours Requirement
- 500 supervised hours (paid or volunteer) of direct peer recovery work
- Must be documented by a supervisor on organizational letterhead
- 25 hours of supervision by a Registered Peer Supervisor (RPS), covering:
• 5 hrs – Advocacy
• 5 hrs – Ethics
• 5 hrs – Mentoring/Education
• 5 hrs – Recovery/Wellness
• 5 hrs – General Supervision/Self-Care
Bi-weekly supervision is strongly recommended.
Why Train with EmpowerPath Academy?
- Trainings led by lived-experience professionals like Coach J Lewis
- Culturally competent, recovery-first, trauma-informed approach
- Flexible scheduling (virtual + in-person)
Upcoming CPRS Core & CEU Courses
- CCAR Recovery Coach Academy
- Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches –
- [Register Today] or [Contact US]
“The program at EmpowerPath Academy has truly changed my life. The support and guidance I received helped me build a brighter future for myself. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need.”
-John Doe-
About us
At EmpowerPath Academy, we’re committed to one mission: to Empower, Encourage, and Elevate. We provide transformative education and professional development for individuals ready to make a difference in the recovery community.