Peer Recovery Specialist

What Maryland asks for

Becoming a Peer Recovery Specialist takes four things. Training is just one of them. Here is the whole list.

hours of training

500

hours of work or volunteering

hours with a supervisor

test to pass

Before You Start

Who can apply

You need to meet all four of these.

Be 18 years old or older

Have a high school diploma or a GED

Live in Maryland, or do at least half your work in Maryland

Have been in recovery for at least two years. This can be mental health, drugs, or alcohol. You need to be willing to say so.

Part One

50 hours of approved training

Your training has to come from a provider MABPCB approves. Your hours are split across five subjects.

16Ethics

10Speaking up for people

10Mentoring and teaching

10Recovery and wellness

4Harm reduction

One thing people get wrong

At least 30 of your 50 hours have to come from an approved CORE program. Those 30 hours count toward the 50. They are not extra hours on top.

Our class covers this part. It gives you 52 hours. That is more than the 50 you need. It also includes the 30-hour CORE program.

See our class

Part Two

500 hours of real experience

You need 500 hours of peer support work. It can be a paid job. It can be volunteer work. It has to be from the last two years.

This part takes the longest for most people. Already working in a peer job? Those hours count. Not yet? You can volunteer.

Part Three

30 hours with a supervisor

A Registered Peer Supervisor works with you for 30 hours. Those hours split evenly across six areas. Five hours each.

5Speaking up for people

5Ethics

5Mentoring and teaching

5Recovery and wellness

5Harm reduction

5General and self-care

Part Four

Pass the test

The last piece is a test called the IC&RC Peer Recovery exam. You take it after you finish the other three parts.

We Can Help

Getting your 500 hours

Not working in a peer job yet? The 500 hours can feel out of reach. You can volunteer with us to earn them.

Start as a volunteer

Reach out and we will walk you through getting signed up.

We find you a spot

The Possibility Shop, Hope Station, or out at community events.

Get your supervision at the same time

We have Registered Peer Supervisors on staff. They can give you the 30 hours while you work on the 500.

Live outside Western Maryland?

You will need to find a place near you for your 500 hours. We may still be able to do your supervision. Email and ask.

Last Step

Send in your application

When you have all four pieces, you send your application to MABPCB. That is the board that gives out the certificate. Their full name is the Maryland Addiction and Behavioral Health Professionals Certification Board.

Ready to start your 50 training hours?

Our class covers your training hours. It includes the 30-hour CORE program.

See the CPRS class

Still have questions? Ask us and a real person will answer.