Applies To:
-
Colorado
Peer Support Specialists
- CPFS
INITIAL CERTIFICATION
The Colorado Peer and Family Specialist Certification Committee (Committee) is a subcommittee of the Colorado Providers Association (COPA) that approves certification for trained CPFS by reviewing training, continuing education, supervision, and work experience; facilitating examinations; and promoting reciprocity with other jurisdictions.
A total of 60 hours are required for initial certification. At least 30 of the total 60 hours required must be earned in live, interactive, non-self-paced training (either online or in person). The courses on our site are not considered live as they are self-paced.
Of the 60 hours, 46 hours of training must be within the following domains:
- 10 hours of Advocacy
- 10 hours of Mentoring and Education
- 10 hours of Recovery and Wellness Support
- 16 hours of Ethics
The 46 hours in the four core domains of training must be earned from a trainer or training organization pre-approved by COPA.
- CPFS Approved Training List with Training Hours Domain Breakdown: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1OkGKtTQhWvi3ZLuT6Fz62yJIDkUOF2wXx8m1naz5YyM/edit?gid=0#gid=0
- CPFS Approved Training Calendar: https://coprovidersassociation.org/training-and-event-calendar/
- Training list of approved organizations that might offer training scholarships: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vHP4tUz7rYJEE87BGGxN01BofedEjzUu/view?
Of the 60 hours, 14 hours of Additional Training are required and must include a combination of the following peer-focused topics:
- Trauma Informed Care
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Whole Health
- Substance Misuse
- Mental Health and Family Support
The CPFS Committee, who meets once per month to review completed applications and is responsible for determining whether or not a training will be approved, is more flexible on the Additional Training domain. If you are using a training that is not on a Pre-Approved Training list, please ensure that it is non-clinical (e.g. assessment/treatment/diagnosis), is peer-focused, and aligns with the IC&RC domains for this credential.
-
CERTIFICATION RENEWAL
CPFS certification is valid for 2 years. Renewal dates are based upon the initial certification date. You can add continuing education training to the online application system at
any time during the two-year recertification cycle.
- 30 hours of continuing education trainings/workshops within the last two years
- 6 hours of the 30 hours must be in the ethics domain
- Hours should correspond to the IC&RC Domains
- Submission of duplicate courses taken within the two-year renewal cycle are not
permitted (e.g., Boundaries 2017 and Boundaries 2018).
Board Contact Info
Colorado Providers Assocation (COPA)
303 E. 17th Ave, Suite 400
Denver, CO 80203
Certification Specialist: katie@coprovidersassociation.org
COPA Website: https://coprovidersassociation.org/certifications/peer-family-specialist-certification/
CPFS Certification Manual: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hof99zRF4HzZkFG_2_ftWo8Ay5wmyGl6/view?pli=1
Certified Peer and Family Specialist
INITIAL: 30 of the total 60 hours are required to be live, interactive trainings (online or in person). The other 30 may be earned through CE-Credit. Please see the 'Overview' and 'Special Requirements' tabs for details on the domains in which these hours must be earned.
RENEWAL: 30 hours are to be earned for every 2-year renewal cycle. 6 of the 30 hours must be in the ethics domain. Hours should correspond to the IC&RC Domains.
Initial Credential
60 CE credit hours required for initial credential.
Yes You can use Addiction Counselor CE for earning your CPFS initial credential.
Credential Renewal
30 CE credit hours required for renewal.
Yes You can use Addiction Counselor CE for renewing your CPFS credential.
Addiction Counselor CE does not currently offer any courses applicable to this credential.
Course Description | Medium |
---|
Advocacy, 10.00 CE credit hours
FOR INITIAL CERTIFICATION
-
We do not currently offer courses to fulfill this requirement.
Mentoring and Education, 10.00 CE credit hours
FOR INITIAL CERTIFICATION
-
We do not currently offer courses to fulfill this requirement.
Recovery and Wellness Support, 10.00 CE credit hours
FOR INITIAL CERTIFICATION
-
We do not currently offer courses to fulfill this requirement.
Ethics, 16.00 CE credit hours
FOR INITIAL CERTIFICATION
-
We do not currently offer courses to fulfill this requirement.
Ethics (RENEWAL), 6.00 CE credit hours
FOR CERTIFICATION RENEWAL
-
We do not currently offer courses to fulfill this requirement.
Course Description | Medium |
---|---|
A Primer on Non-Medical Prescription Opioid Misuse: Prevalence, Trends, and Clinical Implications
3 CE credit hours
Clinical Topics & Methods; Prevention; Counseling (Theory and Techniques) |
Recorded Webinar |
Mixed Methods Evaluation of Satisfaction With Two Culturally Tailored Substance Use Prevention Programs for American Indian and Alaska Native Emerging Adults
1.5 CE credit hour
Prevention |
Reading-Based Online |
Opioid-Overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach (ORCCA): Practice Guide 2023
3.75 CE credit hours
Application to Practice; Addictions, Substance Use; Counseling (Theory and Techniques) |
Reading-Based Online |
EMDR and Narrative Therapy Techniques to Resolve Trauma
3 CE credit hours
Clinical Topics & Methods; Counseling (Theory and Techniques); Application to Practice; Treatment Knowledge |
Recorded Webinar |
Scoping Review of Interventions to Link Individuals to Substance Use Services At Discharge from Jail
1.25 CE credit hour
Treatment Knowledge; Application to Practice; Forensic, Criminal Justice; Addictions, Substance Use |
Reading-Based Online |
Planning Primer-Developing a Theory of Change, Logic Models and Strategic and Action Plans
2.25 CE credit hours
Prevention |
Reading-Based Online |
Primer Capacity-Building Membership, Structure and Leadership
2.25 CE credit hours
Prevention |
Reading-Based Online |
Selecting Best Fit Programs-Prevention
1.5 CE credit hour
Prevention |
Reading-Based Online |
Methods for Evaluating the Association Between Alcohol Outlet Density and Violent Crime
1 CE credit hour
Prevention |
Reading-Based Online |
Trauma, Shame, and Healing: A Therapist's Guide
3 CE credit hours
Clinical Topics & Methods; Application to Practice; Counseling (Theory and Techniques) |
Recorded Webinar |