Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - California Peer Certification

Q: How long does it take to get certified?

The certification process can vary depending on multiple factors. However, our certification page includes a general timeline that outlines the required steps, waiting periods, and important deadlines.

Q: Why is it important to use my full legal name?

The Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification document will be issued under the applicant’s full legal name. The legal name used on the application will be used to generate the certification. For this reason, the spelling of your full first and last legal name must be accurate. A middle name is not required, you may or may not include your middle name, but if it is included, it must match what’s on your identification. Program staff may ask for revisions to an application when the spelling of a full legal name does not match an applicant’s attached personal identification document (e.g., driver’s license, identification card, or passport). Program staff may also ask for revisions when the required personal identification document is unreadable, expired, or invalid. The government-issued identification must be legible and valid to qualify. Identification that has expired or is unreadable will not be accepted. The document must include a picture of the applicant to qualify. All candidates are required to provide a valid, government-issued photo ID. The first and last name on the ID must match the name on the certification application.

Q: What if I do not have copies of my transcripts or diploma?

The California Mental Health Services Authority has identified the following available resources: To obtain a transcript from a California public school, you will need to contact the school directly. If the school is closed, we suggest contacting the local school district or the County Office of Education for assistance. To obtain a transcript from a California private school, contact the school or one of its staff directly. Contact information for private schools may be obtained from the California School Directory , or from the Private School Directory data files, which are posted on the CDE Private School web page . If the school is closed, you may contact Parchment , which is a private company that offers transcript recovery services. Please note that there is no guarantee that these contacts will have your records. If you are unable to obtain your high school records and you’ve tried the recommendations mentioned above, you may want to consider taking a high school equivalency test (HSET). More information about HSETs are available on the CDE High School Equivalency Tests (HSET) web page .

Q: Can the requirement for high school diploma or GED be waived?

No, this is a state requirement for certification. The certifying entity does not have the authority to issue exceptions to the educational requirement for certification. Certification requirements are set by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS).

Q: In what languages is the certification exam available?

The certification exam is available in 10 languages: English Spanish Arabic Chinese Farsi Hindi Japanese Korean Russian Vietnamese exam To take the exam in another language please select the “Language” option on the exam screen at the time of scheduling the exam.

Q: If I do not pass my exam, can I reuse the fee waiver to take it again?

No. Fee waivers and pre-paid voucher codes cover a one-time cost for the exam. Candidates interested in retaking the exam are required to pay for an exam retake.

Q: Where can I find information on reasonable accommodations for taking the exam?

Information on our Reasonable Accommodation policy, instructions, and the request form can be found on our Exam Accommodation page .

Q: When do I submit my reasonable accommodation request to take the exam?

Candidates may submit a reasonable accommodation request as soon as their application is approved. Please visit the Accommodations Page for more information and to access the request form. Please note that processing of accommodation requests may take up to 30 days.

Q: Do test takers need to scan the palm of their hand?

Yes, palm vein pattern recognition is used at in-person test centers and to re-enter the testing room after breaks. For more information, https://home.pearsonvue.com/documents/deliver-your-exam/palm-vein.aspx.

Q: Do test centers provide ergonomic chairs?

Yes, in-person exam centers can provide an ergonomic chair, but an accommodation request must be submitted to CalMHSA prior to scheduling the exam appointment. Please see the Exam Accommodations page for more information.

Welcome to the FAQ section for our the Medi-Cal Peer Support Certification Program! Here, we address common queries to provide clarity and assistance. As the program continues to evolve and improve, please be aware that details in this FAQ section may be subject to updates. We encourage you to revisit this page periodically for the latest information. Your commitment to our Certification Program is valued, and we are here to support you in navigating any changes effectively.

Application and Program Questions

How long does it take to get certified?

Why is it important to use my full legal name?

What if I do not have copies of my transcripts or diploma?

Can the requirement for high school diploma or GED be waived?

Which counties are being represented by CalMHSA for their Certification program?

Exam & Reasonable Accommodation Requests

In what languages is the certification exam available?

If I do not pass my exam, can I reuse the fee waiver to take it again?

Where can I find information on reasonable accommodations for taking the exam?

When do I submit my reasonable accommodation request to take the exam?

Do test takers need to scan the palm of their hand?

Do test centers provide ergonomic chairs?

Are snacks allowed during the exam?

Certificate Renewal and Continuing Education Hours

Do I have to renew my certification?

Do out of state CE hours count for certification renewal?

How do I submit proof of my CE hours in my renewal application?

Where can I take my CE courses?

Can CalMHSA confirm whether a course satisfies the requirements for renewal?

How do I know if a particular provider or course is approved for renewal?

How do I renew my Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification?

Why did I not receive an updated certificate after renewing?

Can course trainers and facilitators receive CEs for training they teach?

Fee Waivers

Are there fee waivers available?

Do fee waivers expire?

Can I transfer my fee waiver(s) to someone else?

Can I get an extension for my fee waiver?

I received a fee waiver from my training providers/employer, do those fee waivers expire?

I received a fee waiver from my employer/agency, what happens if I don’t use the fee waiver?

How many times can I take the certification exam using the fee waiver?

If I do not pass my exam, can I reuse the fee waiver to take it again?

How do I know what costs are covered by my fee waiver?

How do I know if I was issued a fee waiver?

I received a fee waiver from CalMHSA and have taken my training, how do I schedule my exam?

CDCR Questions

My family member is currently incarcerated. How do I know if they passed their exam?

How do I apply if I took my training while incarcerated?

I obtained my certification while incarcerated. Do I need to do anything now that I am no longer in a carceral setting?

Where do I find my educational documents from when I was incarcerated?

Training Provider Questions

How do I apply to become a CalMHSA-approved training provider?

Does my curriculum need to be ready before I apply to become a training provider?