Certified Recovery Specialist Training

The Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) is a credential offered by the Pennsylvania Certification Board (PCB). It qualifies individuals who are in recovery from addiction to help their peers move into and through the recovery process.

It is specifically for individuals with personal, lived experience in their own recovery, who have been in recovery for a minimum of 18 months. Recovery services are an important component in recovery-oriented systems of care. By offering insight into the recovery process based on their own experience, recovery specialists are able to provide a unique perspective to those with similar life experiences. As a CRS, an individual accepts and agrees that their experience as a person in recovery from a substance use disorder will be known by their colleagues, persons served, and others with whom they may share that they have achieved this credential.

The role of the CRS reflects a collaborative and strength-based approach, with the primary goal being to assist individuals in achieving sustained recovery. CRS’s serve in a support role within the community and/or treatment setting. They do not replace other professional service; they complement the existing array of support services. The CRS is not a sponsor, case manager or a therapist but rather a role model, mentor, advocate and motivator. Services provided by the CRS are a critical component of services that substantially improve an individual’s ability to sustain recovery and wellness.

Taking the CRS Training is the first step toward earning a CRS certification. Once you have completed the training, you must take and pass an exam offered by the Pennsylvania Certification Board, in order to earn your certification. The following information is from the Pennsylvania Certification Board website, which provides details on statewide requirements and expectations for CRS certification.

TRAINING OVERVIEW

1. 78 instructional hours; including 66 in class hours and 12 hours of homework. Introductions, ice-breakers, breaks, etc. do not count towards the 78 hours.
2. Learners are provided a Learner Manual prior to the training. Approved trainers will coordinate this process.
3. This training is designed to prepare Recovery Specialists for work in the behavioral health field.

TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS

1. Be comfortable with computers, computer application and other technology
2. Ability to complete online homework (12 hours)
3. Laptop or desktop device. Mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones cannot be used.

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

1. Attend all scheduled training days.
2. Learners must coordinate make-up classes and homework with the trainer.
3. All requirements must be completed in order to receive a certificate of completion for education hours.
4. Be EARLY.
5. Respect confidentiality.
6. Avoid judgement and respect individual differences.
7. Respect all pathways to recovery.
8. Understand that this is a learning environment and not a support group or therapy.
9. Listen carefully.
10. Stay focused.

Once you have completed the CRS Training you must take an examination for Certified Recovery Specialists (CRS) that tests knowledge and competency about the field of recovery. Click here for the CRS Candidate Guide from the Pennsylvania Certification Board

Click here for exam application (Please note: this is for information purposes only. You must first complete the CRS Training before applying for the exam.)