Click the tabs below to explore different topic areas:
| Question | Answer |
| How do I submit my application for certification? | Applications may be submitted online for Certification or Recertification or by mail. |
| How long does it take to process my application? | It takes 5-7 business days to process an application upon receiving a complete application. Incomplete applications will result in 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. Please note that this would lead to a delay in the process. Thus incomplete applications may take longer than 5-7 business days 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 the 40-hour 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. |
| Question | Answer |
|
How do I register for the Approved Course training? |
A list of approved courses can be found on the PSS registry Additional Training. You will need to contact the trainer/course owner directly to register. |
| How long do I have to use my Approved Course certificate to apply for certification? | Applicants have two years from the date on the certificate of completion of the Approved Course to apply for certification. |
| Can I complete the training before one year of recovery? |
Applicants may complete the training before achieving one year of recovery. However, the applicant must inform the course owner during registration. However, an applicant may not apply for certification until meeting the criteria of 1 year in recovery. |
| My job requires me to be under supervision. Can my supervision log be used for the 20 additional hours? | No. Only separate, 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? |
Individuals may complete the contact us page Contact Us, and staff will send them a Complaint Form to complete. You may also contact the Program at nccpssprogram@unc.edu or 919-843-3018 to receive a complaint form. |
| 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 that hinge on 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. |
| 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 certificates of the NCCPSS Program 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. |
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Are there other ways to submit my reference letters? |
Applicants may submit their reference letters online. Applicants (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. |
| 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 ONLY has the Military designation. |
| How do I submit complaints to the NCCPSS Program? |
Individuals may complete the contact us page Contact Us, and staff will send them a Complaint Form to complete. You may contact the Program at nccpssprogram@unc.edu or 919-843-3018 to receive a complaint form. |
| 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 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 or contacting my local LME/MCO? | 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 peer support services. |