Question 1

What is a peer recovery support specialist (PRSS)?

Accepted Answer

PRSS, also called recovery coaches, are individuals in recovery from substance use, problem gambling, mental health, or other challenges. They use their recovery experience to advocate, provide support, resources, and hope to individuals working through their own recovery.

Question 2

What do you need to do to become a peer recovery support specialist intern (PRSS-I)?

Accepted Answer

To become an PRSS-I,  the first step in becoming a PRSS, you will need one year of self-identified recovery and have proof of successful completion of a Nevada Certification Board (NCB) approved course, like this one. You also need a HSD/GED and to submit an application fee of $35 to the NCB.

Question 3

What do you need to do to become a peer recovery support specialist (PRSS)?

Accepted Answer

After you are a PRSS-I, you will need: to attest to having two years of self-identified recovery, 500 working/volunteer hours specific to PRSS work, including 25 hours of direct supervision, $165 application fee, and to pass the proctored PRSS exam.

Question 4

Who can supervise my hours?

Accepted Answer

Only approved PRSS Supervisors can supervise your 500 hours. To find approved supervisors, check the certification registry on the NV Certification Board website.

Question 5

What is lived experience?

Accepted Answer

Lived experience means you have lived through your own experience with recovery. For example, a spouse of someone who has lived with SUD or mental health, while certainly close to the issue, does not have lived experience to become a PRSS.

Question 6

Why do I need lived experience to become a Peer Recovery Support Specialist?

Accepted Answer

Peer Recovery Support services are effective when they are provided by a person who has personally lived through their own experience with substance us, mental health, or problem gambling.

Question 7

How do I prove that I have lived experience?

Accepted Answer

You don’t! As recovery is self defined and the peer philosophy embraces all recovery pathways, there is no standard “proof” that an individual is in recovery. You will, however, have to attest to being an individual in long-term recovery when you apply for your certification.

Question 8

Do I need to get a PRSS certification in order to provide peer services?

Accepted Answer

Because of Senate Bill 69, anyone over the age of 18 who is being compensated to provide peer recovery support services in the state of Nevada has to complete the certification process.

Question 9

Does completing this course mean I am certified to provide peer services?

Accepted Answer

Completion of this course will fulfill the training requirements for certification, but it does not mean you are certified. For all certification requirements, check out “What do you need to do to become a peer recovery support specialist intern (PRSS-I)?” above.

Question 10

What does self-identified recovery mean?

Accepted Answer

Because recovery is unique to each individual, there is no set definition of recovery you must meet to become a PRSS. Recovery is characterized by continual growth and improvement in one’s health and wellness that may involve setbacks.

Question 11

Is there a minimum length of time I need to be in recovery before I can take this training?

Accepted Answer

You can take the training at any point in your recovery journey, but you need one year to become a PRSS-I and two to become a PRSS.

Question 12

What happens if I miss a day of the training, can I make it up?

Accepted Answer

We understand that 46-hours is a large commitment and try to be as flexible as possible. However, you are required to attend all days of the training in order to complete the course. Contact us with any specific questions about scheduling concerns.

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Peer Recovery Support Specialist Training