National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS)

National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS)

Created in partnership with Mental Health America® and now solely operated by the National Certification Board for Behavioral Health Professionals.

Created in partnership with Mental Health America® and now solely operated by the National Certification Board for Behavioral Health Professionals.

The National Certified Peer Specialist (NCPS) is an advanced credential focused on the knowledge and skills peer specialists need when supporting others to achieve and maintain recovery from a mental health condition or other behavioral health challenge.

Peer specialists have the lived experience that is critical to providing this support. Though no two people walk the same pathway to recovery, comparable lived experience creates a foundation of trust and compatibility between peer specialists and the individuals they assist. While the NCPS credential does not define or measure this lived experience, it does require specific competencies that enable the peer specialist to advocate for, mentor, and support recovery in an ethical and professional manner.

Most NCPS applicants have already been credentialed by their state, and the NCPS credential does not replace such state-level credentials. Instead, the NCPS credential signifies that an individual with significant work experience as a peer specialist, who currently provides peer services, seeks to demonstrate their advanced competency in the field.

people talking

Peer support is a process through which people who share common experiences or face similar challenges come together as equals to give and receive help based on the knowledge that comes through shared experience.*

NCPS Certification Requirements

Please carefully review the NCPS Certification Requirements BEFORE applying for certification.
In general, qualified applicants must:

  1. Currently hold a state-level peer support specialist credential that required a minimum of 40 hours of training or have previously completed an equivalent 40-hour training program,
  2.  Have 2,000 hours of supervised work or volunteer experience providing peer specialist services within the five (5) years prior to application, and
  3. Obtain three (3) professional letters of recommendation.

Applicants who can provide documentation of these qualifications will be approved to sit for the NCPS exam, and will be awarded the NCPS credential after earning a passing score on the NCPS exam.

The NCPS performance domains are:

  • Foundations of Peer Support
  • Foundations of Health Care Systems
  • Mentoring, Shared Learning, and Relationship Building
  • Activation and Self-Management
  • Advocacy
  • Professional and Ethical Responsibilities

Application Fees

Fee Type

Fee Amount

Notes

Application Fee

$150

One-time fee

If NCPS credential is not earned within 12 months of application, a 12-month extension can be obtained with an extension fee.

Exam Fee

$150

Fee is due with each exam attempt.

Biennial Renewal Fee

$200

Fee is due every 24 months, on or before the NCPS expiration date.

Application Extension Fee

$150

Fee is assessed for each 12-month application extension request.

Application Process and Documents

Earning the NCPS credential is a multi-step process. Applicants have a maximum of 12 months from the date that their application and certification fee is received to earn the NCPS credential. Within this time, their application must be approved and the exam must be passed. Applicants who do not pass the exam may re-take it within this same 12-month period. After that, a 12-month extension can be obtained by paying a fee equal to the original application fee.

In general, the applicant creates an electronic application, pays fees, submits documentation, and provides Board forms to former or current employers and to persons providing recommendations for certification to complete and return directly to the Board. Work experience and recommendations submitted by the applicant are not eligible for certification purposes.

The Board initiates the exam pre-registration and registration activities after the NCPS application and supporting documentation is approved. All exam activities occur online, including taking the exam. The Board administers the exam using remote proctoring. Details will be provided when the NCPS application is approved. The NCPS credential is awarded when a passing score is earned on the exam. Individuals who do not pass may retest every 30 days.

NCPS Application Forms

Download the NCPS forms, provide them to the appropriate people to complete and submit directly to the Board on your behalf.

NCPS Exam Information

The NCPS exam is a 125 item, multiple choice exam of peer specialist knowledge and skills. The exam is administered using remote proctoring protocols. Additional information will be provided to applicants who are approved to sit for the NCPS exam.

Are you ready to apply for your certification?

Are you ready to apply for your NCPS certification?

DISCLAIMER: The NCPS is not a clinical credential; the scope of practice does not entitle individuals to engage in or establish an independent peer specialist practice. Further, each state has different requirements for the delivery of peer services and, in some instances, the NCPS may not be eligible for employment purposes, however, it remains an indicator of advanced competency.

*Riessman, F. (1989). Restructuring help: A human services paradigm for the 1990’s. New York, NY: National Self-help Clearinghouse.