OVERVIEW

NC Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) must renew their certification every 2 years. As a courtesy, all NC Certified Peer Support Specialists will receive an email with a Recertification Notice 60-90 days before their certificate expiration date. Failure to submit a complete recertification application by the end date of the current certification, or to process it as a late recertification, will result in the loss of Certification as a Peer Support Specialist in North Carolina.

Please note that, due to the high volume of applications, processing time depends on when an application is complete. Check the application tab. Incomplete applications will delay the process. To check the status of your recertification, please visit the Credential Verification page and search for your name.

Applications missing required documents are considered incomplete. If recertification is not completed on time, the certification will lapse. To reinstate certification, the CPSS must apply as a new applicant.

The NCCPSS Program mails approved certificates to the address the applicant submitted on the application form. If an applicant changes address while their certification is being processed, they MUST contact the Program to update their information to ensure timely receipt of their certificate. The Program staff will make ONE attempt to contact an applicant regarding a returned certificate.

Please note that the date displayed in the credential verification system includes the additional time allowed for processing late recertification. The actual certification expiration date is listed on your certificate. Please refer to your certificate to confirm your true expiration date, as it may be earlier than the date shown in the credential verification system.

 

RECERTIFICATION STEPS

To remain in compliance with state and federal guidelines, please complete your recertification by the expiration date listed on your certificate. Information about the recertification process and required steps is outlined below. Please note that applications submitted after the expiration date cannot be backdated.

Applicants preparing to renew their certificate must gather the following documents:

  • Ethics Training: Certificate for at least 3 hours of required Ethics Training.
  • Additional Training: Certificates for 17 hours (training related to mental health, substance use, or other related areas). A college transcript can be used if the course is related.
  • Identify individuals who are familiar with your recovery journey and can provide reference letters.
    • At least one reference letter must be provided by an individual who is not a current member of your household.
  • Non-refundable Processing Fee: $20

Applicants must apply ONLINE

  • Create an account on the PSS Website.
  • Pay the non-refundable application fee.
  • Complete the application form.
    • Upload all required documents (20 hours of additional training, including 3 hours of required ethics training, proof of education (official college transcript for courses in mental health, substance use, human services, etc.).
    • Request two reference letters while completing the application form, and add their email addresses (reference letters are confidential and cannot be changed after the program receives them).
  • Submit your application. Please note that it will not be considered complete until all required documents, including reference letters, have been received.

Application review completed by the NCCPSS Program staff.

  • If approved, the applicant's certificate is issued.
  • If not approved, the staff will send the applicant a letter to that effect. View the Denied Application Policy.
  • If the application is incomplete, the Program staff will contact you for any missing information or to update your application.

The NCCPSS Program staff will send the applicant a new certificate by mail.

 

LATE RECERTIFICATION:

CPSS may submit a late recertification within 30 days after their due month by completing all required documents and paying a $20 late fee in addition to the $20 processing fee. A new training certificate is not required during this late period. If recertification is not completed within this timeframe, certification will lapse, and individuals must apply as new applicants. A new training certificate is required only after certification has lapsed.

LAPSED CERTIFICATION:

Any CPSS who does not renew certification is considered lapsed. Those who miss the recertification deadline or the late period must reapply as a new applicant and cannot use the recertification process. Reinstatement of your certificate requires submitting a new approved training certificate (completed within the past two years) and completing a new CPSS application.

CPSS must check the Certification page for the requirements to reinstate the certificate.