No, BPA Health does not provide the training to become certified. We provide contact information for organizations offering the training on our training pages, Peer Support Specialist training page & Family Support Partner training page. Once individuals have completed training, we help people apply for and renew their certification.

First, attend a training. To find training information for your area, visit the training page. Once you complete training, apply for and receive your 6-month certification. Next, complete 20 hours of supervision and the required 100-200 hours of work experience based on your background. Once your supervisor submits verification of your hours, you’ll get your 1-year certification. To stay certified, complete 10 hours of continuing education each year and apply for certification renewal.

Check out the certification guide to learn more about the steps to becoming certified. Peer Support Specialist and Family Support Partner Certification Guide

Find information about training in your area on the training page.

Certification requirements according to the Idaho Administrative Procedure Act are:
– Lived experience
– High school diploma or GED
– 40 hours of training
– 20 hours of supervision and 100-200 hours of work/volunteer experience
– 10 hours of continuing education each year with at least 1 hour in Ethics

Please review the certification guide for more information. Peer Support Specialist and Family Support Partner Certification Guide

The two types of certifications are:
6-month: Awarded after people have completed training and during their hours of supervision and work/volunteer experience.

1-year: Awarded to people who have completed their training, hours of supervision, and work/volunteer experience, and each year upon renewal.