How to Become A CPSP in VT

So you want to become a Certified Peer Support Provider! Rad. Here’s what you need to know:

If you are new to the peer support workforce, welcome! You’ll follow the standard path to certification, completing CPSP training and all other work requirements and exams in their entirety.

Standard Path: Take Me There!

If you are an experienced peer support worker, and you can document 1,550 of peer support work or volunteer hours in the past 3 years, the alternative path to the CPSP credential may be available to you.

Alternative Path: Take Me There!

If you hold a peer support certification from another state, you may be able to obtain certification through the reciprocity path.

Reciprocity Path: Take Me There!

The Standard Path

(For anyone interested in becoming a CPSP)

Eligibility Requirements to take the standard path VT Peer Support Provider Certification Training:

  • Attestation to lived experience with mental health, trauma and/or substance use challenges. 

  • Age 18 or older

  • Living in or employed in VT at least 51% of the time

  • Completion of the 40-hour  Intentional Peer Support Core Training (Must provide proof of completion) 

Once you meet the eligibility requirements, here are the next steps: 

  1. Complete the Eligibility Screening Form  

  2. Register for Training 

    • You will be contacted by the VT Peer Certification Training Center to inform you of the results of your eligibility screening. If you are eligible, a link will be provided for you to register for a  VT Peer Support Provider Certification Training.

  3. Complete Training

  4. Connect with the VT Peer Credentialing Center and Complete Application 

    • Upon completion of the training requirement, your information will be sent to the VT Peer Credentialing Center, where you will receive an application to pursue your certification. This application will include verifying 250 peer support work hours, signing the peer support provider code of ethics, and attesting to lived experience. 

  5. Pass the CPSP Exam 

    • After you successfully complete the application process with the VT Peer Credentialing Center, you will receive information on how to complete the full 75-question CPSP exam. 

  6. Complete Licensure Application with OPR

    • In order to be licensed to bill as a Peer Support Provider, you must complete an application with the Office of Professional Regulation. The cost of licensure is $75. This includes undergoing a background check with criminal history and other good-standing questions that are standard for any professional licensure offered by OPR. Please note that having a criminal record does not disqualify someone from obtaining licensure. OPR will review information on a case-by-case basis; it’s important that applicants be honest in their disclosure. Please reach out to vtpeercertification@pathwaysvermont.org if you have any questions about this. 

The Alternative Path

(For people who are experienced & currently practicing peer support)

Eligibility Requirements to achieve certification through the Alternative Path:

  • Attestation to lived experience with mental health, trauma and/or substance use challenges. 

  • Age 18 or older

  • Living in or employed in VT at least 51% of the time

  • Meet one of these work experience requirements:

    •  1 year of supervised peer support work (at least 1,550 hours); or

    •  1,500 supervised hours over 3 years, with at least 500 hours in the past year

  • Completion of the 40-hour Intentional Peer Support Core Training (Must provide proof of completion)


Once you meet the eligibility requirements, here are the next steps: 

  1. Complete the Eligibility Screening  

  2. Register for Training 

    • You will be contacted by the VT Peer Certification Training Center to inform you of the results of your eligibility screening. If you are eligible, a link will be provided for you to register for a  VT Peer Support Provider Code of Ethics Training.

  3. Complete Training

    • You must complete the 16-hour VT Peer Support Provider Code of Ethics Training. 

  4. Connect with the VT Peer Credentialing Center and Complete Application 

    • Upon completion of the training requirement, your information will be sent to the VT Peer Credentialing Center, where you will receive an application to pursue your certification. This application will include verifying required peer support work hours, signing the peer support provider code of ethics, and attesting to lived experience. 

  5. Pass the CPSP Mini-Exam 

    • After you successfully complete the application process with the VT Peer Credentialing Center, you will receive information on how to complete the 35-question mini-CPSP exam. 

  6. Complete Licensure Application with OPR

    • In order to be licensed to bill as a Peer Support Provider, you must complete an application with the Office of Professional Regulation. The cost of licensure is $75. This includes undergoing a background check with criminal history and other good-standing questions that are standard for any profession licensure offered by OPR. Please note that having a criminal record does not disqualify someone from obtaining licensure. OPR will review information on a case-by-case basis; it’s important that applicants be honest in their disclosure. Please reach out to vtpeercertification@pathwaysvermont.org if you have any questions about this.

The ReciprocityPath

(For people holding active credentials in a state other than Vermont)

Eligibility Requirements to take the reciprocity path:

  • Be at least 18 years of age;

  • Have lived experience of trauma, mental health, and/or substance use challenges

  • Completion of the 40-hour Intentional Peer Support Core Training (Must provide proof of completion)

    • Please note: The VT IPS Hub is unable to provide IPS training to people who do not reside in Vermont. You will need to take an IPS core course through a training offered in your state or through IPS Central. 

  • Document at least one year of paid or unpaid employment (1,550 hours) or 1,550 hours in three (3) years of employment as a certified peer support provider;

  • Have a current and active peer support provider certification in a state other than Vermont;

  • Have no pending disciplinary actions or unresolved complaints in the state in which the certification was issued;

  • Have completed 20 hours of continuing education in the two years before the date of the reciprocity application, including six hours of ethics;

  • Agree to adhere to the Vermont Certified Peer Support Provider Code of Ethics.


Once you meet the eligibility requirements, here are the next steps: 

  1. Connect with the VT Peer Credentialing Center and Complete Application

    • This application will include verifying required peer support work hours, signing the peer support provider code of ethics, and attesting to lived experience, and verifying all other eligibility requirements listed above. 

  2. Pass the CPSP Mini-Exam 

    • After you successfully complete the application process with the VT Peer Credentialing Center, you will receive information on how to complete the 35-question mini-CPSP exam. 

  3. Complete Licensure Application with OPR

    • In order to be licensed to bill as a Peer Support Provider, you must complete an application with the Office of Professional Regulation. The cost of licensure is $75. This includes undergoing a background check with criminal history and other good standings questions that are standard for any profession licensure offered by OPR. Please note, that having a criminal record does not disqualify someone from obtaining licensure. OPR will review information on a case-by-case basis; it’s important that applicants be honest in their disclosure. Please reach out vtpeercertification@pathwaysvermont.org if you have any questions about this.