Course Detail: CRSS - Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) Training Program

SIUE and partners from regional mental health and substance use disorder treatment agencies look forward to offering the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) and Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) Training Program. CRSS and CPRS professionals provide a range of recovery support services in healthcare and human services for persons recovering from mental health, substance use and co-occurring disorders. 

The CRSS and CPRS credentials requires mastery of the knowledge and skills identified by the professions. The SIUE CRSS/CPRS Training Program prepares candidates to sit for both the IL CRSS and CPRS exams. The training program requires 110 hours of didactic education that addresses the core competency areas identified by the Illinois Certification Board (ICB) for both the CRSS and CPRS credentials. Each candidate is required to complete a 300-hour CRSS/CPRS internship under the supervision of a qualified mental health or substance use disorder professional. 

If funds are provided by the State of Illinois all costs associated with this non-credit program will be paid including tuition, fees, books, internship stipends, exam fees and additional stipends to reduce barriers to program completion (e.g. transportation).

Internship Requirement 
A 300-hour internship must be completed with a community partner (approximately 25 hours per week). Community partners that will host CRSS Training Program interns include: Amare, ARCH House, Behavioral Health Alternatives, Centerstone, Chestnut Health Systems, Crossover Ministries, Gift of Voice, and the Madison County Mental Health and Drug Court. 

CRSS Training Program Application Requirements 
  1. Name and Contact Information 
  2. Copy of high school transcript, GED, or other post-secondary institution transcript 
  3. 1 letter of recommendation that supports your ability to complete the CRSS Training Program. Letters may come from a current/former educator, employer, sponsor, recovery support professional, treatment provider, or other influential person. 
  4. 1-page statement that discusses your lived experience with recovery, why you want to pursue the CRSS certification, and how you will adapt your life to meet the requirements of the CRSS Training Program. 
To Apply for the CRSS Training Program 
Application materials may be submitted online using the link:   

CRSS Training Program Incentives 
All costs associated with the CRSS Training Program will be paid for by the State of Illinois including tuition, fees, and course materials including a laptop. Additionally, participants will be paid stipends for completing training and internship hours.

Deadline to apply is Friday, July 28, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. 

Available Sessions