Peer Recovery Associate (PR-A)

The IC&RC standards represent the minimum criteria for certification/licensure. Member boards affiliated with the IC&RC may require additional standards that reflect local mandates, regulations, and/or best practices. Please consult with your local IC&RC Member board for specific standards and requirements applicable to your jurisdiction. 

Minimum Standards 

Experience

Mental Health and Substance Use Peer Certification 

Describe lived experience related to a mental health and/or substance use condition, either standalone or co-occurring, and describe strategies utilized to address associated challenges.  

Education

Demonstrate general literacy and fluency in the language in which they will be providing services, either through required examinations or other application requirements. 

If unable to demonstrate literacy and/or fluency while applying for certification, it is recommended that formal training and subsequent examination be offered in lieu of denial from a certification. 

Supervision

Boards should not exceed 120 hours of supervised work experience. 

Training

A minimum of 40 training hours are required for mental health, substance use, and family peer certifications. 

Include principles outlined in SAMHSA’s Core Competencies for Peer Workers in Behavioral Health Services (for mental health and/or substance use peer certifications). 

Examinations

Following mandatory training, examinations should be provided to prospective certified peers to demonstrate core competencies and reveal a working knowledge of the peer support role and responsibilities. The exam content should be as follows: 

  • Relates directly to and is appropriately based on the peer role (mental health, substance use, or family). 
  • Only reflects information explicitly covered in training. Includes a general focus on the competencies of peer support. 
  • Is incorporated into a study guide or similar resource(s) that is provided between training and examination. 

Code of Ethics

Applicants must sign and adhere to a peer specific code of ethics statement or affirmation statement. 

Recertification

20 hours of continuing education earned every two years, including six hours in ethics.  

Jurisdiction

Individuals must live or work at least 51% of the time in the Member Boards jurisdiction at the time of application.