The Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) training is your first step, followed by Certification as a CPRS and Registration as a RPRS.

People in recovery from mental health and/or substance use disorders are survivors and thrivers! Overcoming challenges in major life areas builds resilience and can be an inspiration to others. A PRS is trained to use their lived recovery experiences to connect with others on their road to wellness and recovery. A common question is what someone needs to become a PRS.

• Desire to support others along their recovery journey
• Willingness to share your own recovery experiences as appropriate
• Ability to empathetically listen to the stories of others, including traumatic events
• Patience, positivity, and flexibility
• Open to exploring new and emerging recovery pathways
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Sensitive to the impact of culture.
• Ability to work collaborative in a team, including with other behavioral health professionals.
• Strong desire to advocate for others and help them find community resources
• Ability to inspire and hold hope for others, especially during difficult times

 

Training and Experience:

Many organizations require certification or Registration.

Becoming a certified PRS (CPRS) is a three-step process:

1. Take the DBHDS 72-Hour PRS Training 
2. Provide at least 500 hours of direct, supervised peer support, including 25 hours of supervision.
3. After completing the 72-hour training and your 500 hours, you are ready to fill out the application for the IC&RC PRS Exam. Be sure to check out the Candidate Guide which includes sample exam questions. Be sure to read and follow all instructions carefully on the application.

Once you have successfully passed the IC&RC Exam, you are now a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)! Certifications must be renewed every two years. You will need to take at least 20 hours of peer recovery education.

Beyond Certification…RPRS

Certification gives you a definite advantage within the peer workforce. To gain an even bigger advantage, we encourage all CPRSs to become Registered Peer Recovery Specialists (RPRS). Going forward, more employers will require RPRS designation to allow for Medicaid billing. More Information is here: Online Application Handbook

Are you coming from another state?:

If you have a PRS credential from another state or a NCPRSS, your requirements could be different. For more information contact: CSBOIFA@fairfaxcounty.gov.

If you think you’d like to pursue a career as a PRS, check out the information below to start the process!

 

How to Become a Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS)

PRS Training