Peer Recovery Support professionals are people who have been successful in the recovery process who help others experiencing similar situations. Through shared understanding, respect, and mutual empowerment, peer support workers help people become and stay engaged in the recovery process and reduce the likelihood of relapse. Peer support services can effectively extend the reach of treatment beyond the clinical setting into the everyday environment of those seeking a successful, sustained recovery process. (SAMHSA 2017)
Learn more about each credential and what is required for each:
| Requirements | Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) | Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach I (CAPRC I) | Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach II (CAPRC II) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-requisite | Allies, friends and/or loved ones of person seeking and/or in recovery | Personal, lived experience in their own recovery from addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring substance and mental disorders. | Personal, lived experience in their own recovery from addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring substance and mental disorders. |
| Previous Education | High school diploma or HSE/equivalent | High school diploma or HSE/equivalent | High school diploma or HSE/equivalent |
| Training | 5- day CCAR Recovery Coach Academy 2-day Peer Recovery Ethics Training FIND TRAINING | 5-day CCAR Recovery Coach Academy 2-day Peer Recovery Ethics training FIND TRAINING | 5-day CCAR Recovery Coach Academy OR DMHA CHW/CRS training 2-day Peer Recovery Ethics training FIND TRAINING |
| Recovery Time Expectation | NONE | One year self-attested | One year self-attested |
| Professional Recovery Support Experience | NONE | NONE | 500 hours of peer support (volunteer or paid) and 25 hours of direct supervision |
| References | 2 Personal References | 2 Personal References | 2 Professional references |
| Exam | IC&RC Peer Recovery Exam | IC&RC Peer Recovery Exam | IC&RC Peer Recovery Exam |
| Re-Certification | 40 hours of related CEU every two years | Non-renewable after 2 years | 40 hours of related CEU every two years, including 6 in peer recovery ethics |
CAPRC Endorsements
Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach – Mental Health (CAPRC-MH)
- Currently certified as a CAPRC I or II
- 15 hours of mental health specific education
- 8 hours of Adult Mental Health First Aid
- 2 hours of Questions, Persuade, Refer (QPR Suicide Prevention Training)
- 5 additional hours of mental health specific training
- Re-certification every two years: 7 Mental Health education CEU and maintain CAPRC credential
Certified Addiction Peer Recovery Coach – Gambling Support (CAPRC-GS)
- Currently certified as a CAPRC I or II
- 15 hours of gambling specific education
- Re-certification every two-years: 7 Problem Gambling CEU and maintain CAPRC credential