Recertification

Requirements

The NCCPSS Program requires all applicants to renew their certificate by submitting a complete application to the NCCPSS Program by mail or online. The application packet must include the following:

• Application Form (submitted by mail or online)
• Additional Training (Training certificates must add up to 20 hours and must occur after the last certification or recertification date if lapsed in the past). 
  • All training must be related to human service, mental health, substance use, and/or Peer Support: such training can include (but not limited to), Wellness Recovery Action Planning (WRAP), Person-Centered Thinking, Personal Assistance in Community Existence (PACE), and Crisis Prevention. 
    • A maximum of eight (8) hours of training related to children and families will be accepted.
    • Applicants can also use college 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 a sealed envelope from the College or electronically emailed to nccpssprogram@unc.edu.
  • Required Ethics Training: Effective July 1, 2024 the NCCPSS Program requires the completion of three (3) hours of Ethics Training for recertification as follows:
    • Current CPSS recertifying must submit 3 hours (1.5 hours every year) of ethics training, which will be counted towards the 20 additional hours of training required for recertification..  The new policy mandate aims to ensure that every NC CPSS understands ethics in general and the NCCPSS Code of Ethics.  The NCCPSS Program has a list of training approved for NC CPSS to meet this requirement (Link to Ethics Training Information). All applicants must submit to the Program a certificate of completion for all approved training(s) they participate in.
• Code of Ethics Form (a signed copy of the Code of Ethics Form)
• Reference Letters (TWO) submitted by persons 18 years or older.
  • ONE letter must be completed by someone who has known you for one year or more (friend, family member, coworker, etc.)
  • The SECOND letter must be completed by someone who has known you for one year or more and who does not reside in the household or is not a relation to you (coworker, supervisor, long-time friend, sponsor, therapist, etc.) 
• Application Fee (A $20.00 non-refundable processing fee. Cashier's check or money order can be made to "PSS-BHS" OR pay online.

Designations (Optional)

The NCCPSS Program requires CPSS with designations to submit the following as part of their 20 additional hours of training or continuing education.

Military Designation (maintaining the designation): 

• Twelve (12) hours of human service, mental health, and/or substance use training at the time of recertification.
• Eight (8) hours of military-specific training 

Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) Designation (obtaining designation for the first time):

• Twenty (20) hours of human service, mental health, and/or substance use training at the time of recertification.
• COAPS specified training

Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) Designation (maintaining the designation):

• Twelve (12) hours of human service, mental health, and/or substance use training at the time of recertification.
• Eight (8) hours of adult (aging) specific training

Late Recertification

The NCCPSS Program allows CPSS to process late recertification. After the last day of the due month for renewal, the CPSS may apply for late recertification within 30 days and submit the requirements for recertification. The CPSS must submit the required documents for recertification and pay a late fee of $20 (in addition to the $20 processing fee). If a CPSS does not renew their certification within the late recertification period, their certification will lapse, and the CPSS will have to apply as a new applicant (requirements posted under the certification tab on the PSS Website) to reinstate their status as a CPSS. You will NOT be required to submit a new training certificate for an approved course unless your certification has lapsed. To process late recertification, the applicant must submit the following:

• Complete the Recertification Application packet (mail or online)
  • Application Form
  • NCCPSS Code of Ethics
  • Reference Letters 
• Pay a $20 application fee 
• Pay a $20 late fee

Please note the following:

• If a CPSS does not renew their certification within the late recertification period, their certification will lapse, and the CPSS will have to apply as a new applicant (requirements posted under the certification tab on the PSS Website) to reinstate their status as a CPSS. 
• You will NOT be required to submit a new training certificate for an approved course for late recertification.
• After the late recertification period (end of the month after the recertification date) you will need a new certificate from an approved course to reinstate your certification.

Application

The NCCPSS Program encourages applicants to submit their application using the ONLINE submission portal. Due to the volume of applications submitted through the mail, the NCCPSS Program is adjusting the processing time for mail applications from 5-7 business days to 7-10 business days. If you want your application processed within 3-5 business days, submit it using the ONLINE portal. 

The applicant MUST have all training certificates and documents ready to apply by mail or online. Applications can be submitted by mail or online. Please DO NOT bring applications to the office! Your application will NOT be accepted in person. There is NO exception to this policy.

The NCCPSS Program has two options for submitting applications:

• ONLINE: Use the link below (Please note that the non-refundable application fee is paid before accessing the application).
  • Online Recertification Application -YOU MUST HAVE AN ACCOUNT AND BE LOGGED IN BEFORE ACCESSING THE LINK TO PAY THE APPLICATION FEE.
     

Online Application:

• Create an account by clicking on the "Login". You can create an account if you don't already have one.
• Application Fee
  • Pay the application fee online to receive access to the online application.
  • Late fee ($20) if applicable, will also be paid here.
• Application Form
  • Once the application fee has been paid, the application will appear under MY account.
    • Applicant will be able to view materials submitted here.
  • Complete the application form as instructed.
  • Upload all required training certificates.
• Two Reference letters (At least ONE must be an external reference letter. An external reference is someone who does not reside in your household or with whom you are closely related and can attest to your continued recovery). 
  • Provide contact information for a reference letter.

BY MAIL: (See the form download at the bottom of this page.)

Mailed Application Packet:

An applicant must ensure that all required forms are completed and signed

• Application Form
  • Signed Code of Ethics Form
  • Copies of training certificates
• Two Reference letters (At least ONE must be an external reference letter. An external reference is someone who does not reside in your household or with whom you are closely related and can attest to your continued recovery). 
  • Signed across the seal at the back of the envelope
  • Letters may be submitted independently of the package
• Application Fee
  • Check or money order for $20 (May be paid online)
  • Late fee ($20) if applicable

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

North Carolina 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

Please note due to the high influx of applications, the processing time is between 5-7 business days upon receipt of a complete 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.

Lapsed Certification

The NCCPSS Program considers any CPSS not renewing their certification as lapsed. CPSS who failed to submit recertification application packets in the allotted time (before the expiration date listed on their current certificate or during the late recertification period) must reapply for certification using the initial application. This means you will not be allowed to submit the recertification application. 

Since July 1, 2020, the NCCPSS Program requires CPSS that do not renew their certification (lapsed certification) to reinstate their certification by:

• Providing a new training certificate for an approved course. Your approved course training certificate must be within two years of completion, i.e., two years starting from the training completion date as recorded on the approved course training certificate.
• Complete an application as a new CPSS applicant

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