Peer Credentials
Explore CCAPP’s peer career ladder and discover pathways to becoming a certified peer professional in California.
Interested in Becoming a Certified Peer Professional?
Peer Recovery Specialist (PRS)
The entry point into CCAPP’s peer career ladder. PRS certification recognizes individuals with lived experience who provide recovery support, mentorship, and guidance.
Certified SUD Peer Recovery Mentor II (CPRM‑II)
The highest peer credential in CCAPP’s ladder. CPRM‑II professionals demonstrate advanced skills, leadership, and deep experience in peer recovery support.
Lived Experience as Expertise
Peer credentials honor the value of lived experience. Certified peers use their personal recovery journeys to support, inspire, and guide others.
Certified SUD Peer Recovery Mentor (CPRM)
A more advanced credential for peers who have gained additional training and experience. CPRMs support individuals through structured mentoring and recovery planning.
Career Ladder Advancement
CCAPP’s peer career ladder is designed to move upward. Each level builds on the previous one, offering clear steps for professional growth and increased responsibility.
Clear Requirements & Applications
Each credential includes specific training, experience, and supervision requirements. The CCAPP Credentialing website provides detailed information and application links.
What Are Peer Credentials?
Peer credentials recognize individuals with lived experience who support others in their recovery journey. Certified peers provide mentorship, advocacy, resource navigation, and emotional support.
CCAPP’s peer credentials ensure that peer professionals meet established standards of training, ethics, and competency, helping them serve effectively within treatment programs, recovery residences, community organizations, and behavioral health settings.
Understanding the Peer Career Ladder
CCAPP’s peer career ladder provides a structured pathway for professional growth. Individuals begin as Peer Recovery Specialists and may advance to CPRM and CPRM‑II as they gain experience and training.
The ladder is designed to move upward. Individuals cannot step down once they have advanced. This structure supports long‑term career development and recognizes increasing levels of skill, leadership, and responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful information for individuals exploring peer certification.
What is a Peer Recovery Specialist?
A PRS is an entry‑level certified peer who uses lived experience to support individuals in recovery through mentorship and guidance.
How do CPRM and CPRM‑II differ?
CPRM requires additional training and experience beyond PRS, while CPRM‑II represents the highest level of peer credentialing with advanced competencies.
Where can I find requirements and applications?
The CCAPP Credentialing website provides detailed requirements and application links for each peer credential.
Can someone move backward on the career ladder?
No. The CCAPP peer career ladder is designed to advance upward only. Individuals cannot step down once they have progressed.
