What Is a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (CPRSS)?
What Is a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (CPRSS)?
Turning lived experience into professional service.
Key takeaway: A Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist (CPRSS) is a person in recovery who has completed state-approved training and passed an exam to provide peer support services professionally.
What CPRSS Certification Requires
Requirements vary by state, but typically include:
- Personal lived experience with substance use disorder or mental health recovery
- Minimum 2 years of sustained recovery
- 75-100 hours of approved training (ethics, boundaries, crisis intervention, motivational interviewing)
- Supervised practicum hours (250-500 hours in most states)
- Passing a certification exam
- Ongoing continuing education
What a CPRSS Does
CPRSS professionals work in treatment centers, hospitals, emergency departments, jails, recovery housing, and community organizations. They provide non-clinical support including advocacy, system navigation, crisis support, and recovery coaching.
Getting Certified
In Ohio, certification is administered through the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Visit our Get Certified page for Ohio-specific requirements and resources.
Interested in peer support?
Need help now? Call 911 for emergencies. For 24/7 crisis support, call or text 988.
More Recovery Resources from Red Door
- Community Meetings Directory — Find AA, NA, SMART Recovery, Al-Anon, and Celebrate Recovery meetings
- Meetings Blog — Articles about recovery meetings and what to expect
- Peer Support Specialists — Connect with certified recovery coaches
- Harm Reduction Agencies — Naloxone, needle exchange, and overdose prevention
- Food Pantries — Free food assistance for those in need