Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP) Credential

Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) deeply values the contributions of individuals with lived experience. This credential was envisioned and shaped by people with lived and living experience, and their voices remained central throughout its development. Their shared experience, dedication, and expertise guided the creation of the training standards, requirements, and examination. This foundation ensures a strong and meaningful framework for delivering high‑quality services across the behavioral health continuum.

Disclaimer: This Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional credential is not a license and does not authorize the holder to practice independently. 

The application and test to become credentialed as a CT Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP) are available as of June 1, 2026.

Grandparenting applications were accepted from October 2, 2025 to October 1, 2026.

The grandparenting application window is now closed.

Recovery Community Conversations Open Forums

These forums are designed to strengthen connection and encourage open dialogue between the Recovery Community and DMHAS. Join us as we connect, communicate, and collaborate—your voice truly matters.

Who is invited? 

• Individuals in recovery
• Professionals working with people in recovery
• Individuals seeking recovery 

2nd Wednesday of the month at 12pm & 6pm on Zoom Resuming August 12th

• 12-1 pm:https://ct-gov-mhas.zoom.us/j/82680079077?pwd=Ueg4ox3aZIoRxH8Ya3ZcS3SKbutNBB.1

• 6-7 pm: https://ct-gov-dmhas.zoom.us/j/87290611055?pwd=sfO7Y8LGRCBgaPbpUUCn1lbmLybwJf.1

CPSRP - Need to Know Information

Credential Definitions:

A Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional is defined as an individual having firsthand lived/living experience with a behavioral health condition(s) and identifies as being in recovery and/or has improved their health and wellness.

A Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional -F is defined as an individual having firsthand lived/living experience as a family member of someone with a behavioral health condition(s) and does not have firsthand lived/living experience.

**Family is not limited to relations by blood, marriage, or adoption. **

Credential Types

CPSRP and CPSRP (F) are obtained when all the requirements are met.

• The examination date and work hours are flexible.

The Provisional Credential is optional. It is available upon completion of training and a passing score on the examination. 

• This option provides a one (1) year credential as individuals work towards obtaining the required supervised work hours.

Credential Requirements:

• Live or work in Connecticut

• Attest to having first-hand lived/living experience with a behavioral health condition(s) and in recovery and/or has improved health and wellness

• OR

• Attest to having first-hand lived/living experience through a family member with a behavioral health condition(s)

• Complete 80-hour Training by a DMHAS-approved training organization
• Passing score on the examination
• Complete 300 hours of supervised employment which includes 25 hours of direct supervision
  • 150 supervised volunteer hours in a Recovery Support Specialist or Recovery Coach role are allowable

• Detailed information on the Credential application requirements and process will be available on the CCB website by June 1, 2026: https://ctcertboard.org/applications-renewals/

Training

Applicants must complete the new 80-hour CPSRP training curriculum by a DMHAS-Approved Training Organization. All training organizations utilize an approved curriculum in alignment with SAMHSA's Twelve Core Competencies and DMHAS' Peer Ethics & Values (2024). 

• SAMHSA Peer Core Competencies

• DMHAS Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional Code of Ethics & Values

• Training Format of DMHAS-Approved CPSRP Training Organizations:
  • New Life II: Training - New Life II
    • 80 hours hybrid (32.5 hours in-person, 27.5 hours virtual, and 20 hours independent study)
  • Advocacy Unlimited, Inc.
    • 80 hours in-person
    • 80 hours virtual
  • CCAR: Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR)
    • 80 hours in-person
• All training organizations are privately owned and set their own schedules and fees. 
• If a new or modified curricula is approved, this section will be updated. 

Application Process:

The Connecticut Certification Board (CCB) is the administrator of the credential. This workflow is intended to provide a brief overview of the application process and does not include all details. See the CCB website for additional information on the CPSRP Application and submission process: https://ctcertboard.org

CPSRP Certification Renewal Information

• 10 Continuing Education (CE) hours annually are required to qualify for re-certification
  • The CEs must be in the following categories:
    • 2 CEs on CPSRP Ethics & Values
      • Individuals must complete the CPSRP approved Ethics & Values Training; no other options will be accepted for re-certification
    • 4 CEs on Peer Support and Coaching topics
    • 4 CEs of Electives that enhance knowledge within the behavioral health field
  • The Connecticut Certification Board offers three (3) renewals options. Additional information is located on the CCB website at https://ctcertboard.org/applications-renewals/

Contact Elsa Ward, Director of Recovery Community Affairs @ Elsa.Ward@ct.gov with any questions.