Why Get
Certified?
Getting certified can enhance your professional credibility, expand your career opportunities, increase your earning potential, and enable you to make a positive impact on individuals and communities affected by mental health and/or substance use challenges.
Here are 5 great reasons to get certified as a Peer Support Specialist in Illinois
- Professional Credibility: Obtaining a certification demonstrates commitment to the field of recovery services and signifies your expertise in providing support to individuals in recovery.
- Enhanced Skills and Knowledge: The certification process typically involves comprehensive training in recovery support, mentoring, advocacy and professional development. This equips you with valuable skills and knowledge to effectively support individuals struggling with mental health and/or substance use challenges.
- Career Advancement: Certification can open new career opportunities within the field of recovery support. Many employers in healthcare, social services, and community organizations may require certification for positions related to peer support.
- Impactful Contribution to Society: You can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals in recovery. Your support and guidance can help them navigate the challenges and achieve long-term recovery.
- Personal Growth: The certification process itself can be enriching personally, allowing you to deepen your understanding of mental health and/or substance use challenges, honing your communication and support skills.
Certifications
CRSS
CRSS professionals use their personal recovery experiences combined with specialized training to support individuals with mental illnesses or dual diagnoses (mental illness and substance use disorder). Their expertise, gained through education, training, and supervised work, enables them to promote wellness in the recovery process. CRSS professionals help clients engage in their own recovery, develop personalized action plans, and maintain wellness-focused lifestyles.
CPRS
The CPRS program focuses on training individuals to provide peer support services to those in recovery from mental illness and/or substance use disorders. They use their personal recovery experience to offer hope, encouragement, and practical assistance to others. CPRS professionals are a valuable resource in the recovery process and contribute to the well-being of others.
Which certification is right for you?
CRSS
(Certified Recovery Support Specialist)
- Better if you plan to work within Illinois.
- Requires personal recovery experience, training, and state-specific requirements.
- Meets Illinois qualification to be designated as a Mental Health Professional in both Rule 132 and Rule 140.
CPRS
(Certified Peer Recovery Specialist)
- Better if you plan to work across the United States.
- Requires personal recovery experience, training, and national requirements.
- May meet other state qualifications.
Pathways to Certification
Independent Study
Pursue your certification through self-directed learning. This path allows you to independently manage your training and requirements.
- Choose your own training materials and resources.
- Meet certification requirements at your own pace.
- Work with the Illinois Certification Board for application and testing for certification.
Please note: education provided that has not been approved by the ICB may or may not apply toward total training hours. Please verify that courses will count towards your certification
CRSS Success Programs
Enroll in structured programs designed to support your certification journey. These programs offer comprehensive support to help you succeed.
- Financial assistance for tuition, fees, and materials.
- Access to necessary technology and resources.
- Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals.
- Structured training and coursework.
The Illinois Department of Human Services Division of Mental Health Wellness and Recovery Services Team
is available for support to those who are pursuing the credential.
Connect with the team by emailing: [email protected]
Need help?
Visit our info center for guidance and get answers to any questions you might have.
