Colorado Peer and Family Specialist Certification (CPFS) - Colorado

Colorado Peer and Family Specialist (CPFS) Certification Program Certifying Body: Colorado Providers Association (COPA) / CPFS Committee Website: coprovidersassociation.org Statewide Recovery Resources: bha.colorado.gov/behavioral-health/recovery Credential: The CPFS credential covers Mental Health Peer Support, Substance Use Peer Support, and Family Peer Support (for family members of individuals with substance use or mental health issues). Based on IC&RC (International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium) competencies. Eligibility Requirements: - HSD/GED or higher education - History of substance use disorder (in recovery) and/or mental health diagnosis and/or caregiving experience - Minimum 1 year established in personal recovery - Must be a Colorado resident at least 51% of the time - Commitment to attend all training days; basic computer skills and internet access Training Requirements: - 60 training hours aligned to IC&RC domains: 10 hours: Advocacy 10 hours: Recovery/Wellness Support 10 hours: Mentoring & Education 16 hours: Ethical Responsibility At least 30 hours must be peer/family specialist-specific - Additional required topics: trauma-informed care, cultural sensitivity, whole health, substance use, mental health, family support Certification Requirements (beyond training): - 500 hours of work experience (paid or volunteer) over minimum 6 months, specific to IC&RC domains - 25 hours of supervision specific to IC&RC domains - Statement of Lived Experience (250 words max) - Pass the IC&RC Peer Exam Certification Exam: IC&RC Peer Exam. Total cost: $295 ($50 application + $245 exam). Scholarships available (funding dependent). Background Check: Not required. Disclosure requested but does not disqualify candidates. Recertification: Every 2 years. Requires 30 CE hours (including 6 hours ethics). Cost: $200. Exam only required for initial certification. Contacts: - Jacob Merrion: jacob@coprovidersassociation.org - Precious Collins: precious@coprovidersassociation.org - General: cert@coprovidersassociation.org Training calendar: coprovidersassociation.org/training-and-event-calendar/ Rural Peer Conference: thehealthpartnership.org/rural-peer-conference/ Medicaid reimbursable: Yes - hcpf.colorado.gov/peerservices Certified Peer Specialists in Colorado (2024): 310 Source: Copeland Center Peer Specialist Database