Peer Workforce Development

Supporting the credibility, advancement, and sustainability of the peer recovery support specialist workforce is a priority for OTFLCA. Led by Peers - people in recovery from substance use challenges -we are here to offer help from those who have done this work to those wanting to enhance or begin peer support services.

What is a Peer Supporter?

Becoming Certified

Are you in recovery from a mental health and/or substance use disorder? Do you want to use your experience and recovery to help peers with their recovery journey? If so, you should think about becoming an OhioMHAS Certified Peer Recovery Supporter!

Individuals who successfully complete training will be eligible to apply for PRS Certification in Ohio. If you have criminal charges or are on probation/parole, please click here for additional information regarding PRS Certification requirements. Individuals applying for Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter Certification, must have a high school diploma or GED (there is no waiver or exception to this requirement).

Steps to Certification

  • 1. Complete e-Based Academy Courses

    Eleven e-Based Academy courses (16 hours) must be completed as your first step to become a Certified Peer Recovery Supporter. Register for your free e-Based Academy account at www.ebasedacademy.org and complete these trainings

  • 2. Register for Online 40-Hour PRS Training

    The second step to certification is completing the online 40-hour training.

    You must complete all e-Based Academy courses before registering for a 40-hour online PRS training. 

    Find a training that meets your availability on this calendar 

  • 3. Complete Background Checks

    Complete both a BCI and FBI background check. To avoid a delay in certification, OhioMHAS recommends completing your background checks as soon as you have registered for a 40-hour training.Background checks may take 30-45 days to arrive at OhioMHAS. Click here for background check instructions.

    You will work with OhioMHAS to complete steps 3 – 6. Click here for instructions on completing these final steps. 

  • 4. Apply for Certification with OhioMHAS

    Once you’ve reached step 4, you’re almost there! This is when you can apply for your Peer Recovery Supporter Certification for the State of Ohio. You must upload the following documents to the eLicense web portal: 

    • 11 e-Based academy certificates
    • 40-hour training certificate (get this on the last day of your 40-hour training)

  • 5. Complete Exam

    Once you have successfully applied for certification and your BCI & FBI background checks have been received, you will receive by e-mail a link to complete the online exam.

  • 6. Receive Your Certification!

     You will receive your Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter certification via email through the eLicense portal within 14 business days after you have passed your PRS exam.

3 Pathways to Certification

Flow chart documenting various paths to obtain Peer Support certification.

3 Pathways to Certification

Steps to Certification through PRS Training

Flow chart illustrating the steps to obtain Peer Support certification.

Steps to Certification

  • Certification Renewal

    For OhioMHAS Peer Supporter Certification, your certification is valid for 2 years, after which individuals must apply for Renewal. 

    30 continuing education (CE) credit hours are required for renewal.

    Peer Supporter Renewal Checklist 

  • Mental Health of America Peer Support Certification

    MHAOhio trains individuals to become certified Peer Recovery Supporters (PRS), helps them find jobs, and supports their continuing education.

    MHA Ohio Certification 

  • eLicense Help

    Five peer organizations have partnered with OhioPRO and OhioMHAS to create technical assistance call centers for peers.

    Click here for free printed technical
    assistance in becoming certified and renewing

    Find a Technical Assistance Hub 

  • Dual Certified?

    You may use the same
    Continuing Education credits for multiple certifications, as long as they meet the professional standards of the certifying boards for licensing including:

    • Chemical Dependency Counselors (CDCA, LCDC)
    • Prevention Specialists (OCPSA, OCPS)
    • Social Workers (LSW)
    • Youth & Family PRS

    You will need to submit your Continuing Education Log
    into eLicense along with each separate certification application.

    Education Log 

  • Multi-State Certification

    When seeking certification, check the requirements in your state first!

    The following resources will help guide your journey to certification, depending on where you live.

    Mental Health America of Northern Kentucky and Southwest Ohio’s Certified Peer Support Specialist Training is designed for certification in the states of both Kentucky and Ohio. 

    State-by-State Peer Specialist Certification Database 
Find Continuing Education Opportunities