Peer Support Eligibility Requirements

Below are the minimum requirements you must meet to be eligible for certification in the state of North Dakota.

• A minimum of one year of healthy living and/or recovery
• Currently reside or employed within the state of North Dakota;
• Self-identify as an individual who has personal lived experience and is willing to publicly identify as an individual in recovery from a mental health disorder, brain injury, substance use disorder, or combination; or is a family member of an individual living with a mental health disorder, substance use disorder, brain injury or combination;
• At least eighteen years of age;
• Have a high school diploma or general equivalency or can demonstrate the ability to read and write at a level proficient enough for training, documentation, and the type of work peer support will require;
• Successfully complete a division approved peer support training program.

Below are the minimum requirements you must meet to be eligible for certification in the state of North Dakota.

• A minimum of one year of healthy living and/or recovery
• Currently resides or employed within the state of North Dakota;
• Self-identify as an individual who has personal lived experience and is willing to publicly identify as an individual in recovery from a mental health disorder, brain injury, substance use disorder, or combination; or is a family member of an individual living with a mental health disorder, substance use disorder, brain injury or combination;
• At least eighteen years of age;
• Have a high school diploma or general equivalency or can demonstrate the ability to read and write at a level proficient enough for training, documentation, and the type of work peer support will require;
• Successful completion of a division approved peer support supervision training;
• Successfully complete a division approved peer support training program; and
• Applicant has at least one thousand five hundred direct service hours as a peer support specialist.

Certified Peer Support Specialist I

• Proof of successful completion of a division approved peer support training.
• Three letters of recommendation, including: 
  • one personal recommendation;
  • one professional recommendation; and
  • one recommendation that demonstrates the applicant’s commitment to the applicant’s or family member’s recovery process.
• A personal statement that must detail how you will use your lived experience to benefit others through a peer relationship.
• Application Fee for Certified Peer Support Specialist
  Application fee of $50.

Certified Peer Support Specialist II

• Proof of successful completion of a division approved peer support training
• Proof of successful completion of a division approved peer support supervision training.
• Two letters of recommendation, including: 
  • one personal recommendation
  • one professional recommendation
• A personal statement that must detail how you will provide direction, develop competence, skills and ethical expertise in a collaborative manner with certified peer support specialists.
• Application Fee for Certified Peer Support Specialist
  Application fee of $50.
• Hours Verification

The North Dakota Behavioral Health Division hosts a 40-hour, Peer Support Specialist Training that meets criteria for certification, information regarding that training can be found here: Peer Support Trainings | Health and Human Services North Dakota.

If you have attended a different peer support training program and would like to determine if it qualifies for certification, please email peersupport@nd.gov