CERTIFIED PEER SPECIALIST ACTUAL EXAM
PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS SOLUTIONS GRADED
A+
◉ The CPSW program CANNOT: Answer: A. Certify anything other
than the CPSW has completed the approved training.
B. Guarantee the CPSW a job.
C. Guarantee the CPSW's job qualifications or skills.
◉ 5 Qualifications for training. Answer: 1.Be at least 18.
2.Have a HS diploma or GED.
3.Self Identify as a person who received mental health or substance
treatment.
4. Have at least 2 years of demonstrable recovery w/ written
verification.
5.Complete the application process with OPRE.
◉ The role of the CPSW: Answer: 1. fundamental perspective of the
"Lived Experience".
2. Provide hope and support.
3.Help client identify a plan toward achieving their goals.
4. A link between clinicians and their clients.
,5. Ongoing assessment of clients progress.
6. Home visits to assess clients condition.
◉ Recertification requirements. Answer: 1. 40 CEU'S every 2 years.
(6 in ethics & 6 cultural competency).
2. Only 20 can be taken online. (the rest in person training).
3. Each CPSW is responsible for their own CEU's.
◉ Employers can expect CPSW's to be familiar with: Answer: 1.
Coaching and mentoring clients in their recovery.
2. Insight on stages of recovery and identification of Resiliency and
recovery strategies
3.Expertise necessary to perform professionally.
(communication skills, trauma informed & cultural competence,
confidentiality, boundaries & ethics).
4. Self care and stress management strategies.
◉ SAMHSA definition of recovery: Answer: A process of change
through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a
self directed life and strive for full potential.
◉ DSM5 Answer: The American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic &
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
, ◉ DSM5 Definitaion of Mental Health Disorder: Answer: 1.
Behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern.
2.Clinically significant distress (pain or disability).
3. Must not be an expectable response to common stressors like a
death.
4. Not a result of social deviance or conflict.
◉ NSDUH Definitaion of SMI-Serious Mental Illness Answer: 1. A
mental, behavioral or emotional disorder.
2. Diagnosed within the past year.
3. Meet the diagnostic criteria in the DSM5
4. Results in serious functional Impairment.
5. Noticeably interferes w/ major life activities.
◉ Schitzophrenia Answer: 1. Least common mental disorders .3-.7%
2. Delusions, hallucinations, concentration
3. Loss in ability to initiate plans, speak, express or find pleasure.
4. Confused/tangled thinking & speech.
5. Bizarre behavior/ abnormal movements.
6. Decline work/education.
◉ Bipolar Answer: 1. 1.0-1.5% US adults. 2 categories
PAPER 2026 QUESTIONS SOLUTIONS GRADED
A+
◉ The CPSW program CANNOT: Answer: A. Certify anything other
than the CPSW has completed the approved training.
B. Guarantee the CPSW a job.
C. Guarantee the CPSW's job qualifications or skills.
◉ 5 Qualifications for training. Answer: 1.Be at least 18.
2.Have a HS diploma or GED.
3.Self Identify as a person who received mental health or substance
treatment.
4. Have at least 2 years of demonstrable recovery w/ written
verification.
5.Complete the application process with OPRE.
◉ The role of the CPSW: Answer: 1. fundamental perspective of the
"Lived Experience".
2. Provide hope and support.
3.Help client identify a plan toward achieving their goals.
4. A link between clinicians and their clients.
,5. Ongoing assessment of clients progress.
6. Home visits to assess clients condition.
◉ Recertification requirements. Answer: 1. 40 CEU'S every 2 years.
(6 in ethics & 6 cultural competency).
2. Only 20 can be taken online. (the rest in person training).
3. Each CPSW is responsible for their own CEU's.
◉ Employers can expect CPSW's to be familiar with: Answer: 1.
Coaching and mentoring clients in their recovery.
2. Insight on stages of recovery and identification of Resiliency and
recovery strategies
3.Expertise necessary to perform professionally.
(communication skills, trauma informed & cultural competence,
confidentiality, boundaries & ethics).
4. Self care and stress management strategies.
◉ SAMHSA definition of recovery: Answer: A process of change
through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a
self directed life and strive for full potential.
◉ DSM5 Answer: The American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic &
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
, ◉ DSM5 Definitaion of Mental Health Disorder: Answer: 1.
Behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern.
2.Clinically significant distress (pain or disability).
3. Must not be an expectable response to common stressors like a
death.
4. Not a result of social deviance or conflict.
◉ NSDUH Definitaion of SMI-Serious Mental Illness Answer: 1. A
mental, behavioral or emotional disorder.
2. Diagnosed within the past year.
3. Meet the diagnostic criteria in the DSM5
4. Results in serious functional Impairment.
5. Noticeably interferes w/ major life activities.
◉ Schitzophrenia Answer: 1. Least common mental disorders .3-.7%
2. Delusions, hallucinations, concentration
3. Loss in ability to initiate plans, speak, express or find pleasure.
4. Confused/tangled thinking & speech.
5. Bizarre behavior/ abnormal movements.
6. Decline work/education.
◉ Bipolar Answer: 1. 1.0-1.5% US adults. 2 categories
