Question


How do I get certified as a Peer Support Specialist, Family Peer Support Specialist, or Recovery Coach?


Answer

Certification

The Iowa Board of Certification (IBC) is the entity that grants certification for people who meet the standards. The Iowa Board of Certification offers 2 certifications for new Peer Support:

  • Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS) and
  • Certified Family Peer Support Specialist (FPSS)

Certified Peer Recovery Specialist is the certification for both Peer Support Specialists and Recovery Coaches. There are trainings for both Peer Support and Recovery Coaching that meet the requirements for this certification, as well as how many additional hours of ethics trainings are required.

Peer Support Specialist Training

46 hours of training approved by IBC:

  • 40 hours in-person training
  • 6 hours ethics training

Peer Recovery Coach Training

46 hours of training approved by IBC:

  • 30-hour CCAR training (Recovery Coach Academy)
  • 16-hour CCAR training (Ethical Considerations for Recovery Coaches)

Iowa Board of Certification (IBC) Requirements

After completing the training offered through the Iowa Peer Workforce Collaborative, those who meet the criteria set by the IBC, may apply and test for their certification. This certification is renewed every two years. Study guides, fees, and more information may be found at Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, Certified Family Peer Support Specialist & Certified Mental Health Peer Support Specialist (PRS, FPSS, MHPSS) – Iowa Board of Certification (iowabc.org).

  • Application
  • Hours
  • Supervision Hours
  • Exam

IBC Continuing Education

IBC also has a calendar which approved continuing education opportunities and can be found at IBC-Approved Continuing Education Courses – Iowa Board of Certification (iowabc.org).