Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) / CPRS - Illinois

Illinois Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) / Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) Program Certifying Body: Illinois Credentialing Board (ICB) Address: 401 E Sangamon Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702 Phone: 217-698-8110 | Email: info@iaodapca.org Website: iaodapca.org Credentials: - CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) - state-endorsed; recognized under Rules 132 & 140; can bill Medicaid Endorsements: CRSS-E (Employment), CRSS-YA (Young Adult) - CPRS (Certified Peer Recovery Specialist) - nationally recognized via IC&RC; not recognized for Medicaid billing under IL Rules Both cover mental health and co-occurring mental health/substance use (not separate credentials) Eligibility: - High school diploma or GED - Personal lived experience with mental health or co-occurring MH/SUD recovery - Must sign CRSS Statement of Disclosure (self-identification as consumer of MH/dual diagnosis services) - No background check required; criminal record does not disqualify Certification Requirements: - 100 hours of training (ICB-approved training in specific domains) - 100 hours of supervision - 2,000 hours of work experience (paid or volunteer) - Pass 100-question certification exam - Pay applicable fees: $85 application + $125 exam + $70 annual certification fee Funding: 814-CRSS Success Program offers free training and scholarships for qualifying individuals (funded by IDHS-DMH via higher education institutions) Info: dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=143289 Continuing Education: 40 CEUs per 2-year certification period - Category I: min. 15 CEUs (mental health recovery & peer support role) - Category II: min. 25 CEUs (Core Functions of CRSS professionals) Recertification: every 2 years; exam only required if certification becomes inactive Medicaid Reimbursable: Yes (CRSS only, under IL Rules 132 and 140) Statewide Organization: NAMI Illinois Alliance of Peer Professionals (NIAPP) Website: illinoispeerprofessionals.org Contact: Christa Cornelius, Program Manager - ChristaNIAPP@namiillinois.org Training info: iaodapca.org/Credentialing | illinoispeerprofessionals.org/become-a-peer-professional Certified Peer Specialists in Illinois (2024): 470 Source: Copeland Center Peer Specialist Database