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Certification Questions
| Question | Answer |
| How do I submit my application for certification? | Applications may be submitted ONLINE or BY MAIL for Certification or Recertification. Please DO NOT bring applications to the office! Your application will NOT be accepted in person. There is NO exception to this policy. |
| How long does it take to process my application? | Once a complete application is received, processing takes 3-5 business days for online submissions and 7-10 business days for mail submissions. Incomplete applications will cause delays. |
| What happens if my application is not complete? | Program staff will contact the applicant to inform them about the missing pieces of the application. Incomplete applications will lead to a delay in the processing. Thus, incomplete applications take a longer time to finish processing. |
| How do I check the status of my application? | Applicants may check the Credential Verification page on the PSS website Credential Verification. If the applicant does not find their name, they may email the Program at nccpssprogram@unc.edu. |
| What happens if my certification lapses? | CPSS is responsible for renewing their certification and must recertify in the month certified. If your certification lapses more than a month after your date for renewal, the CPSS would have to complete an approved training again to apply for certification as a first-time applicant. However, a CPSS may process late recertification in the month after the due date and pay a late fee of $20. |
Course / Training Questions
| Question | Answer |
| How do I register for the Approved Course training? | The NCCPSS Program website, "Find Training" lists approved courses. To register, you must contact the trainer or course owner directly. |
| How long do I have to use my Approved Course certificate to apply for certification? | Applicants must apply for certification two years from the date on the certificate of completion of the Approved Course. After the certificate has expired, the applicant must retake an approved course to process certification. |
| Can I complete the training before one year of recovery? | The NCCPSS Program requires applicants to be in recovery for at least a year to complete an approved course training. |
| My job requires me to be under supervision. Can my supervision log be used for the 20 additional hours? | No. Supervision can not be used toward the required 20 additional training hours. Only specific training completed and approved through a signed log or certificate can be used towards the 20 additional training hours. |
| How do I submit complaints to the NCCPSS Program? | Complaints may be submitted through the following:
Note: The NCCPSS Program does not conduct investigations. Complaints are submitted to the appropriate state team for investigation. |
| Can I send information to CPSS through the NCCPSS Program? | Program staff may send information from the State or other organizations to CPSS. However, the team cannot send announcements about politics or advocacy. |
| How can I recruit a Certified Peer Support Specialist? | You may post your vacancy on the PSS Website under CPSS Jobs. |
Administration Questions
| Question | Answer |
| Who oversees the North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) Program? | The North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) Program is an initiative of the North Carolina Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services. The NCCPSS Program certificates have the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina. The NCCPSS Workgroup is a group of CPSS that makes recommendations to the “Division” on issues that affect peer support services in the State. Behavioral Health Springboard (BHS) at the School of Social Work, the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, implements the NCCPSS Program on behalf of the State. |
| Are there other ways to submit my reference letters? | Applicants may submit their reference letters online. Program staff may send a link to their referee to complete and send the letter directly to the Program. |
| Can a family member be a reference for me? | A family member can be a referee for an applicant if they are over 18 and know of your recovery. However, CPSS recertifying must have ONE reference letter from an individual who is not or does not reside in their household (e.g., supervisor, coworker, etc. ) |
| Can I transfer my PSS certification from other states to North Carolina? | The NCCPSS Program does not accept certification from other states. Applicants have to complete the process for new certification. |
| What designations does the NCCPSS Program have? | Currently, the NCCPSS Program has TWO designations: Military and COAPS. |
| How do I submit complaints to the NCCPSS Program? | Complaints may be submitted through the following:
Note: The NCCPSS Program does not conduct investigations. Complaints are submitted to the appropriate state team for investigation. |
| Can I send information to CPSS through the Program? | Program staff may send information from the State or other organizations to CPSS. However, the team cannot send announcements about politics or advocacy. |
| How can I recruit a Certified Peer Support Specialist for a job vacancy? | You may post your vacancy on the PSS Website under CPSS Jobs. |
| How do I find answers about billing peer support services? | If you have questions regarding PSS services, billing (etc.) provided in your county, please contact your local LME/MCO. See the list and contact information below from this link: NC LME/MCO List. The NCCPSS Program does not provide or contract with providers to deliver peer support services. |
Provider Questions
| Question | Answer |
| Are all persons in recovery from a mental health or substance use disorder CPSS? | No. Not all individuals in recovery from mental health or substance use disorders are CPSS. Thus, they must meet the requirements set by the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disability, and Substance Use Services and be approved by the NCCPSS Program. However, for organizations to bill Medicaid or State funds, the peer must be certified in North Carolina. |
| How does my organization begin to provide peer support services? | Organizations interested in providing peer support services must contact their local LME/MCO. Local LME/MCOs oversee the delivery of peer support services as outlined in the peer support state and Medicaid service definitions. The NCCPSS Program does not contract with organizations to provide peer support services. |
| Are there specific billing codes or reimbursement processes for peer support services? | Peer support services have specific billing codes detailed in the service definition. Upon contracting with an organization, the local LME/MCO will provide additional information about peer support services, including billing details. |
| Who can supervise Certified Peer Support Specialists? | The minimum qualification for a supervisor for Certified Peer Support Specialists is a Qualified Professional (QP) as outlined in the service definition. Information about a QP can be assessed here. |
| How should CPSS be supervised to ensure both professional development and well-being? | Supervisors for CPSS must understand the basic tenets of peer support. It is essential to complete the "Supervising NC Certified Peer Support Specialists" training through the Behavioral Health Springboard (BHS) website here. |
| What actions should an organization take if a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) experiences a setback in their recovery? | Organizations should establish clear policies to address recovery setbacks for Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) before they occur. These policies must be communicated during orientation to ensure that CPSS are fully aware of the process if needed. Organizations must support CPSS in maintaining or regaining their recovery, as minor setbacks can be a natural part of the recovery journey. The North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) Program also encourages organizations to notify the Program if a CPSS cannot sustain their recovery, even after receiving the necessary support. |
| How can organizations ensure the CPSS maintains appropriate boundaries? | Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS) are required to follow the NCCPSS Program Code of Ethics and the policies of the organization employing them. Any violations of the NCCPSS Program must be reported to the Program, along with details on how the organization addressed the issue. Check the "Complaint" page on the NCCPSS program website on how to report these violations. |