Certified Peer Support Worker
Certification
(2026-2027)
Complete Exam Questions and Answers (Verified)
| New Update | Grade A+
, CPSW program can: prepare peers for employment and volunteer roles in NM via training and
certification after successful completion
CPSW program cannot: guarantee the individual skills and competencies of the trainees or employment as a
peer following the training
Qualifications for training 18 years old, high school diploma or GED
self-attest to being in recovery from mental health disorder and/or SUD
provide proof of sustained recovery of at least three years from mental health
professional/sponsor/doctor
Role of CPSW a)provide peer clients with support in steps of their choosing to obtain and maintain
their recovery
b)provide resources at the national and local level for services such as harm
reduction, mental/bx health, housing, employment, etc.
c)continuing own education via CEUs to remain current and informed about
potential barriers and cultural aspects that clients may encounter on their journey
Recertification Requirements 40 hours of CEUs over two years with six units being related to ethics and cultural
competency
SAMHSA definition of recovery Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and
wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
Employer Expectations of CPSWs a)utilize lived experience to work with peer clients in a way that promotes empathy
connection and guidance
b)knowledge of stages of change/resiliency as well as local and national resources
available to clients c)display professionalism and team work
d)practice self care to maintain their own recovery
serious mental illness Occurs at any time during the last year having a diagnosable, mental, behavioral, or
emotional disorder that causes functional impairment that interferes with at least
one major life event
mental health disorder a disturbance in the ability to cope with or adjust to stress; behavior and function are
impaired; mental illness, psychiatric disorder
Schizophrenia a group of severe disorders characterized by disorganized and delusional thinking,
disturbed perceptions, and inappropriate emotions and actions
bipolar disorder A mood disorder in which the person alternates between the hopelessness and
lethargy of depression and the overexcited state of mania.
Anxiety The condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen, increased
levels of the body's natural stress response, most common mental illness in the US
obsessive-compulsive disorder An anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsession) and/
or actions (compulsions).
Depression A prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness
Certification
(2026-2027)
Complete Exam Questions and Answers (Verified)
| New Update | Grade A+
, CPSW program can: prepare peers for employment and volunteer roles in NM via training and
certification after successful completion
CPSW program cannot: guarantee the individual skills and competencies of the trainees or employment as a
peer following the training
Qualifications for training 18 years old, high school diploma or GED
self-attest to being in recovery from mental health disorder and/or SUD
provide proof of sustained recovery of at least three years from mental health
professional/sponsor/doctor
Role of CPSW a)provide peer clients with support in steps of their choosing to obtain and maintain
their recovery
b)provide resources at the national and local level for services such as harm
reduction, mental/bx health, housing, employment, etc.
c)continuing own education via CEUs to remain current and informed about
potential barriers and cultural aspects that clients may encounter on their journey
Recertification Requirements 40 hours of CEUs over two years with six units being related to ethics and cultural
competency
SAMHSA definition of recovery Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and
wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.
Employer Expectations of CPSWs a)utilize lived experience to work with peer clients in a way that promotes empathy
connection and guidance
b)knowledge of stages of change/resiliency as well as local and national resources
available to clients c)display professionalism and team work
d)practice self care to maintain their own recovery
serious mental illness Occurs at any time during the last year having a diagnosable, mental, behavioral, or
emotional disorder that causes functional impairment that interferes with at least
one major life event
mental health disorder a disturbance in the ability to cope with or adjust to stress; behavior and function are
impaired; mental illness, psychiatric disorder
Schizophrenia a group of severe disorders characterized by disorganized and delusional thinking,
disturbed perceptions, and inappropriate emotions and actions
bipolar disorder A mood disorder in which the person alternates between the hopelessness and
lethargy of depression and the overexcited state of mania.
Anxiety The condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen, increased
levels of the body's natural stress response, most common mental illness in the US
obsessive-compulsive disorder An anxiety disorder characterized by unwanted repetitive thoughts (obsession) and/
or actions (compulsions).
Depression A prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness
