Adult Service Certifications
Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)
This certification is available to qualified individuals through the New York Peer Specialist Certification Board (NYPSCB). Initial (provisional) certification requires completion of 13 core online courses through the Academy of Peer Services and other conditions as defined on the certification application. The NYCPS certification is funded through the New York State Office of Mental Health (NYSOMH).
To learn more about the NY-CPS, visit: http://nypeerspecialist.org/
Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)
This certification is available to qualified individuals through the (separate) New York Certification Board (NYCB) at the Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Providers of New York State (ASAP). To learn more about the CRPA, visit: http://www.asapnys.org/ny-certification-board/
Youth & Family Credentials
Certified Recovery Peer Advocate- Family (CRPA-F)
This is a new specialization under the existing CRPA certification (above). It affords existing Certified Recovery Peer Advocates (CRPA) an additional opportunity to offer specialized family peer support.
To learn more, visit: http://www.asapnys.org/ny-certification-board/
Youth Peer Advocate Credential (YPA)
YOUTH POWER! of Families Together in NYS has established a credential for youth peer advocates and is administering this program.
To learn more, visit: https://youthpower.ftnys.org/6-steps-to-becoming-a-credentialed-ypa/
Family (Parent) Peer Advocate Credential (FPA)
Families Together in NYS has established a credential for parents and caregivers and is now administering this program.
To learn more, visit: https://www.ftnys.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/6-Steps-to-a-FPA-Professional-Credential-2020-new-logo-v2.pdf
Other Credentials
HIV/AIDS Peer Certification
The New York State Dept. of Health and AIDS Institute established a certification several years ago for peer support workers to help improve health outcomes.
To learn more, visit: https://www.hivtrainingny.org/Home/PeerCertification.