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 complete your recertification by the due date to remain in compliance with state and federal guidelines; late applications cannot be backdated.

Application Processing Timeline

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.

Incomplete Applications

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.

Certificates

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.

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.

HELPFUL REMINDERS

LATE RECERTIFICATION: The NCCPSS Program allows CPSS to submit a late recertification within 30 days after the due month. Late recertification requires submitting all required documents and a $20 late fee (in addition to the $20 processing fee). If certification is not renewed within this period, it will lapse, and the CPSS must apply as a new applicant. A new training certificate is only required if certification has lapsed. Please note the following if processing as a late recertification:

  • 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.

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.