In-Person Exam: What to Expect
Download PDF Security and Admission Procedures Important: Your confirmation email will inform you how early to arrive at your appointment, make sure you arrive on time. Do not forget your identification. If you do not bring your identification, you cannot take the exam and will forfeit your exam fee. Admission Process 1. When you arrive, […]
How To – Upload Training Certificate
Download PDF The training completed for the initial Peer Support Certification must be an 80-hour course covering the 17 core competencies provided by a CalMHSA-approved training provider and completed after July 1, 2022. Below are the instructions on how to upload your training certificate to be approved to take the certification exam. Documents required: PDF, JPEG or PNG […]
Grandparenting Guidelines
This document describes grandparenting requirements such as employment date and hours, letters of recommendation, peer training, continued education hours, and exam.
Exam Accommodation Policy
The exam accommodation policy explains our policy and procedure to requests accommodations during the certification examination.
Glossary of Terms
Glossary of terms defines important certification language including: adult, beneficiary/recipient, CalMHSA, certificant, certification, certifying entity, code of ethics, continued education, core competencies, county reciprocity, culturally appropriate services, dual relationship, grandparenting process, initial certification, lived experience, Medi-Cal, natural supports, out-of-state-reciprocity, peer, Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist, Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Services, prevalent languages, recertification, recovery, resiliency, training entity, trauma focused, valid certificate, and wellness.
Training Curriculum – Parent, Caregiver, Family Member Peer
The landscape analysis document for Parent, Family, Caregiver specialization identifies the core competencies to inform training curriculum.
Training Curriculum – General Peer Specialist Core Competencies
The landscape analysis document for Peer Support Specialists identifies the core competencies to inform training curriculum that will equip peers for completion of the Medi-Cal PSS certification process.
Scope of Practice
The scope of practice for Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists involves running educational skill building groups, supporting engagement, offering therapeutic activities, and following the code of ethics.
Core Competencies
This document lists the 17 core competencies set by DHCS that Peer Support Specialists must be training in, including concepts like hope, recovery and wellness, the role of advocacy, the role of consumers and family members, psychiatric rehabilitation skills and service delivery,
and addiction recovery principles, including defined practices, cultural and structural competence trainings. trauma-informed care, group facilitation skills, self-awareness and self-care, co-occurring disorders of mental health and substance use, conflict resolution, professional boundaries and ethics, preparation for employment opportunities, including study and test-taking skills, application and résumé preparation, interviewing, and other potential requirements for employment, safety and crisis planning, navigation of and referral to other services, documentation skills and standards, confidentiality, digital literacy.
Guía de Instrucciones del Examen en Línea
Instrucciones y preguntas frecuentes sobre el examen en línea: cómo inscribirse en el examen, cómo solicitar adaptaciones, cómo crear un perfil, cómo programar o reprogramar el examen, cómo preparar la zona de examen, el equipo necesario, qué esperar el día del examen, cómo presentarse al examen, el periodo de examen, los tipos de asistencia, las preguntas de asistencia antes, durante o después del examen y cómo obtener los resultados del examen.
Online Exam Instruction Guide
Online exam instructions and FAQs such as: how to register for exam, accommodations request, how to create profile, schedule or reschedule exam, preparing your exam area, required equipment, what to expect the day of, checking in for your exam, exam window, support types, support questions prior to, during, or after exam, and how to get your exam results.
Certification Exam Preparation Guide
Guide to help applicants study for the exam, which includes core competencies, exam blueprint (e.g., types of questions, how many questions), eligibility, how to register for exam, reschedule or cancel exam, exam accommodations, test administration, scoring, receiving score, retake policy, appeals process, recommended study skills (e.g., goal setting, time management, organization, active learning), test taking strategies, test anxiety, practice exam questions, etc.
Guía de Preparación para el Examen de Certificación
Guía para ayudar a los solicitantes a estudiar para el examen, que incluye las competencias básicas, el plan de examen (por ejemplo, tipos de preguntas, cuántas preguntas), elegibilidad, cómo inscribirse en el examen, reprogramar o cancelar el examen, adaptaciones para el examen, administración del examen, puntuación, recepción de la puntuación, normas para repetir el examen, proceso de apelación, técnicas de estudio recomendadas (por ejemplo, fijación de objetivos, manejo del tiempo, organización, aprendizaje activo), estrategias para realizar el examen, ansiedad de exámen, preguntas de práctica para el examen, etc.
Instrucciones Para la Solicitud del Proceso Inicial
Este documento guía a los solicitantes a través del proceso de certificación inicial: documentos requeridos, cómo registrarse e iniciar sesión, y tiempo y pasos necesarios para completar una aplicación.
Exam Accommodations Request Form
Complete this form with a medical provider to request reasonable accommodations on the certification exam, such as extended testing time, glucose meter and testing supplies, liquid medicine, snack, service animal, etc. Learn how to submit accommodations request form as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently asked questions for both the initial and grandparenting pathways toward certification. Explains information such as: use of full legal name, identification documents, proof of completion of high school or equivalency or higher education (transcripts/diploma/letter), letters of recommendation training, exam, continuing education hours, peer training, how to avoid revision requests, exam accommodations, exam preparation guide, certificant registry, etc.
How To – Apply
This document walks applicants through the initial certification process: required documents, how to register and login, and required time and steps to complete an application.
Guidelines, Standards & Procedure Manual
This manual explains the standards for Medi-Cal certified peer support specialists, specializations, and supervisors. Learn more about guidelines for certification, training, exam, certificant registry, certification renewal, and the complaints/appeals process.