Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW

Director, DMH/DD/SUS

Special Edition Hot Topics

DMH/DD/SUS and UNC-CH Releases New Standardized

Curriculum to Become a Certified Peer Support Specialist

The Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services, in partnership with the North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist (NCCPSS) Program at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work and Certified Peer Support Specialists (CPSS), has created a standardized curriculum for Peer Support Specialist certification across North Carolina.

The NCCPSS Program Foundations Course (Part 1) was co-designed by Certified Peer Support Specialists and offers participants the essential principles, core skills, and foundational knowledge needed for effective peer support practice. The class is free of charge.

The NCCPSS Foundation Course (Part 1) is now available online (on-demand) through UNC's learning management system (LMS). Participants can complete the course at their own pace within 60 days of enrollment. Average completion time is 20 hours.

Participants must meet all eligibility requirements listed below to apply for course enrollment. Once enrollment is approved, participants will receive login information for the course.

Eligibility Requirements

Individuals must:

• Be 18 years or older
• Have lived experiences and are in recovery from a serious mental illness (SMI) and/or substance use disorder (SUD). Applicants with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders must be in recovery from both to qualify for certification.
• Be in recovery for at least 18 months from all SMI and/or SUD
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent

Training Requirements

Individuals must:

• Complete 20 Hours of Mental Health or Substance Use Training (i.e. Wellness Recovery Action Planning, Ethics and Boundaries, and more)
• Complete NCCPPS Program Foundations Course - Part 1
• Complete NCCPPS Program Foundations Course - Part 2 (Available October 2025)
• Pass the examination

For more information, visit the NCCPSS Program Website. Questions can be submitted by email to nccpssprogram@unc.edu.