Certification

Maryland Certification Requirements for Peer Recovery Specialists

Many states require certification for work as a peer recovery specialist. This page outlines major requirements in the State of Maryland. Official certification is a formal process that requires a minimum number of participation hours across multiple categories. The Maryland Addiction & Behavioral-Health Professionals Certification Board (MABPCB) is the credentialing body for this certification.

Here is a brief overview of the requirements:

1. Applicants

  • Age: Be at least 18 years old
  • Residency: Live or work in Maryland 51% of the time
  • Lived experience: Individuals must self-identify as being in long term recovery from behavioral health disorders such as mental health and/or substance use disorders(2-year minimum). An ALLY who has lived experience with their own recovery from supporting an individual who has a behavioral health disorder can be eligible for CPRS certification.

2. Education and Training

  • Educational qualifications: A high school diploma, or equivalent, or college transcripts.
  • Specialized training: Requirements include 50 hours of peer-specific training across four topic domains: 10 hours each for Advocacy, Mentoring/Education and Wellness/Recovery, and 16 hours for Ethics. A fifth domain, Harm Reduction (4 hours), was added July 3, 2025.

MABPCB also requires: Taking and finishing one of the following CORE training courses:

  • CCAR Recovery Coach Academy (RCA) – CORE: The Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) offers a 30-hour intensive training designed to develop skills in mentoring, advocacy, and ethical responsibility. Participants learn to actively listen, ask insightful questions, and support individuals in sustaining long-term recovery. The training is available both in-person and virtually.
  • Intentional Peer Support (IPS) – CORE: IPS is a peer-developed training that focuses on building mutual relationships and learning through shared experiences. The program emphasizes connection, worldview, mutuality, and moving towards a new way of thinking. It’s designed for individuals working in peer support roles across various settings.
  • Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) Facilitator Training  – CORE: WRAP is an evidence-based system that helps individuals understand and manage their own wellness and recovery. The facilitator training prepares participants to lead WRAP groups, teaching skills in wellness planning, self-advocacy, and recovery maintenance.
  • DSBA Peer Specialist Training – CORE: Offered by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), this training prepares individuals to work as peer specialists, supporting others living with mood disorders and other mental health challenges. It emphasizes empathy, recovery principles, and communication skills.
  • Recovery Coaching and Mentoring – CORE: Offered through the Washington, DC, Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), this coaching program prepares individuals to serve as recovery coaches, helping others build recovery capital and develop wellness goals.

3. Service Hours Needed

Peer Support Experience: Applicants must document 500 hours of supervised peer recovery support services (paid or volunteer) within the previous two years. These services can be provided in various settings, including clinical and more informal environments.

Supervision: Each applicant must document 30 hours of supervision by a Registered Peer Supervisor (RPS) at least twice per month for a total of 5 hours each across these topics: Advocacy, Ethical Responsibility, Mentoring and Education, Recovery and Wellness, General Supervision, and Harm Reduction.

4. Application Documents

  • CPRS Application can be found on the MABPCB website. Ensure all information is uploaded directly in the application on the website. Make sure to add your electronic signature in the application for the Ethical Code of Conduct. NOTE: Harm Reduction requirements apply to all applications submitted after September 1, 2025.
  • Proof of Education (copy of high school diploma, GED, or college transcript)
  • Training Certificates for the 50-hour training requirement
  • Documentation of 500 Peer Support Hours (signed by supervisor)
  • Supervision Log of 30 Hours (documenting position and date of hire signed by both the applicant and the supervisor)
  • Signed Code of Ethical Conduct Agreement

5. Examination

After fulfilling the above requirements, applicants must pass the IC&RC Peer Recovery examination to obtain certification.

For detailed information and guidance about how to apply for peer certification visit the MABPCB website: Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)

6. Re-certification

Peers must be re-certified every two years. To maintain certification, individuals must complete 20 hours of MABPCB-approved continuing education during each two-year period, including an ETHICS ONLY course of 6 or more hours.

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