Becoming a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS)

By Aaron Eleazer, CPRS, Resilient Frederick County (RFC), Program Specialist

Have you ever wanted to be part of the solution? According to NCDAS: Substance Abuse and Addiction Statistics [2025] in 2023, 47.7 million Americans aged 12+ were current illegal drug users, affecting 56% of U.S. families. That’s over half the country. Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) use their lived experience to bring hope, empathy, and strength to others battling addiction.

CPRS Requirements (Maryland – Updated Sept 1, 2025)

Eligibility

  • 18+ years old

  • Maryland resident or employed in Maryland (51%+ of the time)

  • At least 2 years in long-term recovery

Education

  • High school diploma, GED, or college transcript

Training – 50 Hours (by Domain)

  • Advocacy: 10 hrs

  • Mentoring/Education: 10 hrs

  • Recovery/Wellness: 10 hrs

  • Ethical Responsibility: 16 hrs

  • Harm Reduction: 4 hrs (new requirement as of Sept 1, 2025)

  • Must include a CORE training (e.g., CCAR, WRAP, IPS)

Service & Supervision – 30 Hours

  • 500 hours of peer support in the past 2 years

  • 30 hours of supervision by a Registered Peer Supervisor (up from 25)

    • Must cover Advocacy, Ethics, Mentoring, Recovery/Wellness, Harm Reduction, and Self-Care

Exam & Ethics

  • Pass the IC&RC CPRS exam (includes Harm Reduction content starting July 2025)

  • Uphold the MABPCB Code of Conduct

Application & Fees

  • $100 application fee plus exam/processing costs

Recertification

  • Every 2 years: 20 CEU hours, including six in ethics

  • $125 recertification fee

Frederick County Resources for Becoming a CPRS

Frederick County Workforce Services (FCWS)

  • Offers training pathways for CPRS applicants through our Elevate program

  • Local requirements include:

    • At least 18 months in recovery

    • 500 hours of peer support (work or volunteer experience)

On Our Own of Frederick County

  • Provides opportunities for supervision hours with a Registered Peer Supervisor

  • Great option for applicants needing the required 30 hours of peer supervision

  • Visit On Our Own Frederick

Your recovery story is powerful. Becoming a CPRS transforms that story into a career that helps rebuild lives, families, and communities!

Recovery, Job SeekersJessica Mills