Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) Overview:

The CPRS credential recognizes individuals with lived experience in recovery from behavioral health disorders, offering recovery support services. Managed by the Maryland Behavioral Health Professional Certification Board (MABPCB), the certification aligns with the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) standards.

Requirements:

• General Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old.

  • Must be a Maryland resident or work in the state at least 51% of the time.

  • Must have at least two years of long-term recovery from a behavioral health disorder.

• Educational Requirements:

  • Proof of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

  • Complete 46 hours of behavioral health peer-specific training across four domains:

    • Advocacy (10 hours)

    • Ethical Responsibility (16 hours)

    • Mentoring/Education (10 hours)

    • Recovery/Wellness (10 hours)

  • 12 in-service training hours (agency-provided).

  • Maximum of 5 online/webinar hours.

  • At least one CORE training (e.g., CCAR Recovery Coach Academy, Intentional Peer Support) with a minimum of 30 hours of training.

• Service Hours:

  • 500 hours of supervised paid/volunteer peer recovery support experience within the last two years.

  • 25 hours of documented supervision by a Registered Peer Supervisor (RPS).

  • Supervision must cover the following categories: Advocacy, Ethical Responsibility, Mentoring/Education, Recovery/Wellness, and Self-Care.

• Supervision Requirements:

  • RPS must have 1 year of experience or be a CPRS for 2 years with 6 months of lead peer role experience.

  • RPS must complete 6 hours of approved Peer Supervision training.

• Residency Requirement:

  • Must live or work in Maryland at least 51% of the time.

CPRS Recertification:

To maintain certification, CPRS must:

• Hold a current CPRS certificate.

• Complete 20 hours of approved education, including 6 hours of Ethical Consideration.

• Submit documentation of the required CEUs.

• Submit the recertification application and pay the associated fees.

• CPRS must also adhere to MABPCB’s Code of Conduct & Principles.