Here are the steps that are recommended for you to take if you are interested in earning either the CRSS or CPRS credentials:
Start out by watching the CRSS/CPRS Orientation Video on the Illinois Department of Human Services website. It is an excellent overview of the full process and can answer many questions that you might have before taking any further steps.
Next, visit the Illinois Certification Board website at iaodapca.org, click on credentialing, scroll down to Recovery Support Specialist (for CRSS) or Peer Recovery Specialist (for CPRS). You’ll want to download all listed documents for the applicable credential (Model, Application, etc.), print or save them, and carefully read the Model, which explains the requirements for the credential.
Once you have read and familiarized yourself with the Model, you can begin to gather the necessary documentation for your application. To help you keep track of what you will submit, you can fill out the application as you go.
Submit the completed application, required documentation, and application fee to the Illinois Certification Board via postal mail. Applications will not be accepted by email. ICB will review your application. After their review, they will reply with either an approval to take the exam, or a list of any missing or incomplete documentation. Applicants have up to one year to supply any missing or incomplete documentation.
