Approval in Ohio

To obtain peer supporter certification individuals will submit a complete and compliant application including the following documentation:

(a) Proof of a minimum of forty hours of department approved competency-based peer services training or three equivalent years formal, verifiable experience providing behavioral health peers services pursuant to rule 5122-29-15 of the Administrative Code. https://mha.ohio.gov/community-partners/peer-supporters/40-hour-peer-recovery-supporter-training-calendar/40-hour-peer-recovery-supporter-training-calendar

(b) Hold a high school diploma, a general educational development certification, or similar secondary education from outside of the United States;

© Documentation of passing the department peer supporter exam, or an exam administered or designated by the department;

(d) Certified peer supporters will attest to having read and understood the code of ethics at initial certification and every certification renewal thereafter;

(e) The results of a bureau of criminal investigation and federal bureau of investigation criminal records check conducted within one year of submission.

We do NOT offer the 40 credit course that is required for initial certification.

Peer supporter certification renewal will include submission of a complete and compliant application, including the following:

(a) Documentation of thirty hours of continuing education credits, which will include the following competencies and minimum hours;

(i) Ethics (may include HIPAA, confidentiality) – three hours;

(ii) Boundaries – three hours;

(iii) Diversity and inclusion/cultural sensitivity – two hours;

(iv) System navigation and care coordination – one hour;

(v) Trauma informed care – two hours;

(vi) Human trafficking – one hour;

(vii) Behavioral health knowledge (may include recovery and resiliency) – one hour;

(viii) Basic principles related to health and wellness – one hour; and,

(ix) Principles of coaching as applied to the delivery of peer services – two hours.

Certified peer supporters will attest to having read and understood the code of ethics at initial certification and every certification renewal thereafter.

For those certified peer supporters providing supervision, documentation of three hours of supervisor training.

Either an attestation that the applicant has not been convicted of any new felony offenses, or a new background check pursuant to paragraph (L) of the rule.