Denied Certification Application Policy

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear, consistent criteria for denying NCCPSS certification applications when eligibility or suitability requirements are not met. This policy ensures the integrity of the certification process by confirming that certified individuals meet established standards of lived experience, recovery, and readiness to provide peer support services. This policy applies to all individuals applying for Peer Support Specialist certification or recertification.

POLICY

The NCCPSS Program reserves the right to review all application materials and make determinations regarding approval or denial based on established certification standards and program requirements. An application for Peer Support Specialist certification may be denied for any of the following reasons, including but not limited to:

• Failure to Meet Lived Experience Eligibility Criteria: The applicant does not meet the required criteria for lived experience, including:
  • A self-identified history of significant mental illness and/or substance use disorder, as defined by program standards; or
  • Insufficient documentation or disclosure demonstrating that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements for lived experience necessary to fulfill the peer role.
• Recovery Status Not Adequately Supported: The applicants cannot demonstrate a level of recovery experience sufficient to provide support to others. An application
  may be denied if:
  • One or more required references do not attest to the applicant’s recovery, stability, or readiness to serve in a peer support role; or
  • A reference explicitly indicates that the applicant is not currently suitable to function as a Peer Support Specialist; or
  • Reference responses raise concerns regarding the applicant’s ability to model recovery, maintain appropriate boundaries, or fulfill the responsibilities of the
    role.
• Overall Application Review: The applicant may be denied when, after a holistic review of the application, including documentation, references, and other required
  materials, the NCCPSS Program determines that the applicant does not currently meet certification standards. The NCCPSS Program does not share reference letters with applicants. North Carolina's Certified Peer Support Specialist Program Policies.
• Lack of Authenticity of Recovery Statement: Recovery statements submitted as part of the Peer Support Specialist certification process must be authored solely by the applicant and must accurately reflect the applicant’s own lived experience and personal recovery journey. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, automated writing software, or third-party assistance to draft or generate recovery statements is strictly prohibited. Recovery statements determined to be AI-generated, substantially assisted by others, or not authentically authored by the applicant may result in denial of the application.

RESPONSIBLITY

Applicant:

• The applicant is responsible for selecting referees who can speak to their recovery.
• The applicant is responsible for providing accurate information, including recovery time, resources utilized, and a description of their recovery experience, to reflect the mental health or substance use challenge experienced accurately.
• The applicant may appeal the decision by the Director at nccpssprogram@unc.edu with the subject line "Appeal for Certification Denial."

 NCCPSS Program

• The NCCPSS Program Staff is responsible for reviewing applications against the criteria outlined by the DMH/DD/SUS. This is done using a standardized evaluation process to ensure consistency, fairness, and objectivity to the best of their ability. Denial decisions are based on objective criteria and documentation submitted by the applicant, including required references. No single factor is determinative unless it directly disqualifies the applicant under the established certification requirements. The following process determines denial:
  • Application is flagged.
  • Application is evaluated by three (3) staff members, including the Program Manager.
  • A minimum of two (2) out of three (3) reviewers need to agree that the application does not meet the criteria for certification.
• The NCCPSS Program staff will notify applicants who are denied certification in writing, to include:
  • The application review process in its entirety.
  • Indicate which certification requirements were not met at this time; and
  • Clarify that denial does not necessarily prevent future reapplication. Please note that specific reference content or confidential details will not be disclosed.

Please note that specific reference content or confidential details will not be disclosed.