All individuals applying for certification through out of state reciprocity must meet the following requirements at the time of application. Applicants seeking certification must pay all applicable fees and submit evidence to satisfy the certification requirements. Applicants seeking certification through reciprocity are not eligible for scholarships administered by CalMHSA.
Reciprocity Certification Requirements
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Be at least 18 years of age.
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Possess a high school diploma or equivalent degree.
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Have at least 1 year of paid or unpaid employment (1550 hours) or 1550 hours in three (3) years of employment in a Peer Worker role.
- Have a current and active peer support specialist certification in a state other than California.
- Applicants must not have any pending disciplinary actions or unresolved complaints in the state in which the certification was issued that would disqualify them from receiving reciprocity.
- Applicants must not have any pending disciplinary actions or unresolved complaints in the state in which the certification was issued that would disqualify them from receiving reciprocity.
- Have completed 20 hours of Continuing Education (CE) hours in the past 2 years from the time of applying.
- Must be inclusive of 6 hours of law and ethics training as part of the 20-hour requirement.
- Must be inclusive of 6 hours of law and ethics training as part of the 20-hour requirement.
- Submit 3 letters of recommendation
- One from a supervisor. Letter must be on agency letterhead
- One from a professional colleague
- One self-recommendation outlining your current role and responsibilities as a Peer Worker
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Be self-identified as having experience with the process of recovery from mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver or family member of a consumer.
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Be willing to share their experience of recovery to support other’s recovery.
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Have a strong dedication to recovery.
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Agree, in writing, to adhere to a code of ethics.
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Pass the state-approved Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Examination.
Renewal: Reciprocity granted to peer support specialists will be subject to certification renewal requirements.