You may submit your application online or by mail

North Carolina does not accept other State's Peer Support Certification. For a mail submission, please study and follow the certification application process below:

Individuals meeting the eligibility, training, and application criteria must complete and submit the following documentation for certification: 

  1. Application Process checklist form
  2. North Carolina Peer Support Specialist Application form
  3. Two (2) Personal Reference Forms (the submission requirements for Personal Reference Forms are included in the Instructions on the forms)
  4. A valid certificate showing successful completion of a Division approved 40 hour Peer Support Specialist training (all approved 40-hour course training certificates submitted for certification must be within two years of completing the training i.e., two years starting from the date of training completion as recorded on the approved 40-hour course training certificate).
  5. Training Log Form and certificate(s) of successful completion of 20 hours of training that will help the peer specialist understand the job and be successful with peers (Training such as, but not limited to, Wellness Recovery Action Planning, Person-Centered Thinking, Personal Assistance in Community Existence (PACE), Crisis Prevention). If lapsed in the past, training must occur after the last certification or recertification date. A maximum of eight (8) hours of training related to children and families will be accepted. Applicants can also use coursework if related to the work of NCCPSS and will enhance the ability to provide services to people with mental health and/or substance use disorder. The applicant must submit an official transcript for review with the application either in sealed envelope from College or electronically emailed to pssregistry@unc.edu.
  6. Veteran Service Member or Military Service Member designation requirements. Provide a copy of the DD 214 form OR Military ID.

  7. A signed copy of the NC CPSS Code of Ethics document.

  8. Evidence of the level of education (eg. Copy of High School Diploma, copy of GED Certificate, or Degree, or Official Transcript (sealed and signed by the college or emailed to pssregistry@unc.edu).
  9. A $20.00 non-refundable processing fee. Cashier's check or money order can be made out to “PSS-BHS”  OR pay online.

The complete application packet and check or money order are mailed to:

NC Certified Peer Support Specialist Program
School of Social Work
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
325 Pittsboro Street Campus Box #3550
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3550

Applicants that are unable to complete their certification within one (1) year of beginning the certification process will have to resubmit their application (provide all documents needed for certification) as a new applicant. 

Do NOT bring applications to the office! Applications are only accepted by mail or online processes. Your application will NOT be accepted in-person. No exception.

×Time to Process in the COVID-19 period:
Please note, due to the high influx of applications and limited access to the office; processing time will be between 7-10 business days upon receipt and completion of the application. Incomplete applications will delay the process. To check the status of your certification/recertification, please visit the Credential Verification page and search your name to verify.

Download the Application Form:

Online Certification Application

07/12/2021 - When you have all training and documents ready, you can now complete the Certification Application online (an alternative option for mailing application), at this site:

Application Entry Form

Pay Application Fee Online

 

Download Application Form

Please, Do NOT bring applications to the office! Applications are only accepted by mail or online processes. Your application will NOT be accepted in-person. No exception.

Who is Eligible?

You will need to meet the following requirements to be eligible for the program: 

  • 18 years or older
  • have lived experiences in significant mental health or substance use disorder
  • have been in recovery for at least one year
  • have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Certification Infographic

Our easy to understand infographic shows the NC PSS certification process in single page. Click the image below.

nc peers infographic

Notice of Change in Practice

Recertification packets are mailed to North Carolina Peer Support Specialists 60 days prior to their certificate expiration date. Upon receipt of the completed recertification packet, the previous policy was to issue recertification certificates based on the date the packet was received and approved.

Effective October 01, 2014 recertification dates will be based on the month and day of initial certification. Certificates will no longer be issued based on the date of approval of recertification packets.

Request Application by Mail

You can also request these documents from the Peer Support Registry by mail from:

Peer Support Specialist Registry
BHS / School of Social Work
UNC Chapel Hill
325 Pittsboro Street Campus Box #3550
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3550