Welcome
We are thrilled by your interest in becoming an approved training provider for the CalMHSA Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists Certification Program. This guide furnishes crucial details for achieving approval as a training provider — facilitating professional development and progress in peer support. By reviewing this application, you embark on the initial phase of joining esteemed CalMHSA-training providers dedicated to delivering top-tier training and bolstering the behavioral health workforce within Medi-Cal programs.
The Training Provider Application Guide furnishes prospective training providers with comprehensive information on the process of becoming a CalMHSA-approved provider.
General Information
APPLICATION CYCLES
Training applications are accepted during the following annual cycles:
- January 1 – 31: Continuing Education (CE) Training (varies)
- July 1 – 31: Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training (Spanish applications only, 80 hours)
2025 Update: The July 1–31, 2025 application cycle for the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist 80-Hour Training will accept Spanish-language curriculum applications only. English-language applications will not be accepted, as current program needs have been met.
SPECIALIZED TRAINING
Application cycles for the following areas of specialization are currently closed. Future application dates are to be determined:
- Parent, Caregiver, Family Member (40 hours)
- Peer Services in Crisis Care (40 hours)
- Peer Services for Unhoused (40 hours)
- Peer Services for Justice Involved (40 hours)
HOW TO APPLY
- Applications must be submitted electronically through the certification program website.
- A separate application and fee is required for each training type and language. Example: If a training provider is applying to offer Continuing Education (CE) in both English and Spanish, they must submit two separate applications and pay the corresponding fees for each.
- For step-by-step instructions, see Directions for Submitting an Application in the Training Provider Guide.
TRAININGS IN SPANISH LANGUAGE
Applications for Spanish language trainings are accepted during the open annual cycles. All participant material must be written in Spanish (i.e., policies, evaluations, certificates, etc.).
TRAINING PROVIDER APPROVAL PERIOD
Application Review:
- CalMHSA will review the application and make an approval decision within 90 days of receiving a completed application.
Approval and Contract Execution:
- If the application is approved, training providers have up to 12 months from the approval date to execute a contract with CalMHSA.
- The contract must be signed within this 12-month period.
Recognition Period:
- Upon executing the agreement, training providers will be recognized as a CalMHSA-approved training provider for up to 2 years.
- This recognition period starts from the end of the initial 90-day review period.
PRE-APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS
- Prospective training providers are highly encouraged to read the application in its entirety before applying to become training providers. Prospective providers are expected to submit all required information to avoid processing delays.
- Only electronic applications will be accepted through the CalMHSA application portal on the certification website. A completed application includes: 1) online application, 2) associated fees, and 3) training materials within the approved timeframe.
- Applications that do not meet the required timeframes will be denied. Please make note of application processing times prior to applying to avoid any processing delays.
CONTRACT AGREEMENT
CalMHSA requires a fully executed contract between the training provider and CalMHSA before the commencement of training is permitted. Prospective training providers may not begin training or advertisement for training courses until written approval is received from CalMHSA.
COPYRIGHT MATERIAL
CalMHSA cannot accept any training material or supplemental training material that is subject to copyright. If your agency wishes to use training material developed by a different organization, written proof of copyright permission must accompany the training application.
RESPONSIBLE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)
Training providers who utilize AI tools must do so in a manner consistent with responsible AI practices, exercising sound judgment and accountability. When AI is employed to assist with content development, communication, design, or other training-related functions, providers are responsible for validating the accuracy, appropriateness, and compliance of outputs with established training objectives and regulatory requirements.
REQUIRED NAMING FOR COURSES
To ensure clarity and consistency across all training programs, it is imperative that the titles and language used strictly adhere to the appropriate naming conventions for the approved course(s). This uniformity must be maintained in course material, including but not limited to, course titles, training materials, marketing materials, and certificate of completion. Non-compliant training materials will not be acceptable.
The following naming conventions must be followed:
- Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Training
- Parent, Caregiver, and Family Member Peer
- Peer Services in Crisis Care
- Peer Services for Unhoused
- Peer Services for Justice Involved
Application Information
APPLICATIONS
Applications are submitted on the CalMHSA certification website application portal. An application must be completed for each training type for which you wish to apply.
FEES
A non-refundable training provider application fee must accompany this application. Fee must be paid at the time of application submission or no later than 72 hours from the submission of the application. An application must be completed, and a fee is required for each training type for which you wish to apply. The non-refundable application fee is considered an administrative fee.
PROCESSING AND REVIEW TIME
CalMHSA will process complete applications within 90 days of receipt. It is the training provider’s responsibility to make necessary revisions in a timely manner to avoid processing delays. Applications exceeding the 90-day review are subject to denial.
Incomplete applications will be held for three business days from the date submitted. Applications that remain incomplete will be voided, fees will be forfeited, and will require a new application. The training provider bears responsibility to provide a complete application.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Site Visit. A CalMHSA representative may conduct periodic visits to an approved training provider site. CalMHSA will provide reasonable notice to the training provider in advance of the visit.
Quality Assurance Review. CalMHSA may review the training provider’s training records, including training content, participant records, marketing material, and other related materials to monitor compliance with the guidelines and contractual agreements.
Data Collection. Training providers are required to collect and maintain the following data for training participants, including, but not limited to:
- Contact information including: legal name, telephone number, and email address.
- Dates of training registration/enrollment.
- Language(s) in which the training was delivered.
- Format or modality of training (in-person, asynchronous, online, and/or hybrid).
- Course completion statistics, including non-completions.
- All reasonable accommodation(s) requested and/or provided, if applicable.
Please note: Data collection is subject to change based on updated guidelines by the Department of Health Care Services.
RENEWALS OF CALMHSA TRAINING PROVIDER RECOGNITION
Only currently approved providers may apply for renewal to maintain their CalMHSA-approved status. Renewals are offered on a two-year cycle and must be submitted online during the designated application cycle, including all required fees, before the provider’s contract with CalMHSA expires.
The Training Provider Renewal Application is intended for programs with minor to no revisions to the approved curriculum. Providers with significant changes must also submit a Modification Request Form with the renewal application.
Renewals apply only to currently approved courses and languages (e.g., an 80-hour English Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist course must be renewed as-is). This process is also an opportunity to review and update training materials in alignment with current CalMHSA standards.
TRAINING CURRICULUM MODIFICATION REQUEST
CalMHSA maintains high-quality standards, therefore, any substantive changes to approved training curricula require approval prior to using the updated material. Substantive modifications include major changes to content, structure, or learning objectives. Updated curricula must meet CalMHSA’s quality standards, as outlined in this guide. Curriculum modification requests are subject to fees. Submit modification requests at least 90 calendar days before the planned implementation date, including all required fees. Detailed submission instructions and additional requirements are available here.
Directions for Submitting an Application
For more details and step-by-step instructions on the trainer application process, visit the Resource Library where you can view, read and download the complete Training Provider Guide.