A Certified Peer Counselor, also referred to as a Certified Peer Specialist, is a person trained to work with others who have Mental Health and or Substance Use challenges. They use their lived experience to connect with the people they work to support. To be eligible to attend a training, you must first complete the online certified peer counseling course and then submit an application. Space is limited, and priority is given to those who are already employed as a peer and those volunteering in the field.
Many people who become CPCs find the work both challenging and rewarding. It allows them to give back in some of the same ways they were supported on their recovery journey. Thank you to all the folks that have taken the time to submit a resource to share with our peer community. Notice anything missing? If you have a great resource that you want to share, then scroll down and submit yours today!
Follow this step-by-step certification process
Complete the online prerequisite course and send a copy of your certification of completion to peersupportapps@hca.wa.gov near the time you send the application in
step two. At this HCA link, scroll down to the online course (prerequisite) tab. Click on the arrow and set up an account to get started.
Be accepted for and complete the HCA-approved CPC training. Once your application in step two has been approved by HCA; you are invited to a training.
Take and pass the state CPC oral and written exams. This happens after completing the course. This is scheduled during the class and
happens the week following the class.
