To apply for initial certification, individuals must attend and complete both the Core and Supplemental Training Courses.
Core Training
After completing the orientation and self-assessment, peer supporters must attend the Texas Peer Specialist Core Training. This training is three full days (or 19.5 hours of instruction, not including lunch or breaks).
In this training, you will explore knowledge and skills that are foundational to peer support practice, regardless of whether someone wants to be a Mental Health Peer Specialist or Recovery Support Peer Specialist. After attending the Core training, participants must pass a multiple-choice knowledge assessment to receive a certificate of completion.
Supplemental Training
After successfully completing the Core training, peer supporters must attend the supplemental training of their choice. Specifically, they must attend either the 40-hour Mental Health Peer Specialist training or the 46-hour Recovery Support Peer Specialist training. These trainings expand on the knowledge and skills for peer support, refining the focus to the specific approaches for MHPS & RSPS. Just like the Core training, participants must pass a multiple-choice Knowledge Assessment to receive a certificate of completion.