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Peer Support/Recovery Specialist
Certification Exam Study Questions and
Correct Answers/ Latest Update / Already
Graded
What is the primary assumption of peer recovery support?
Ans: That everyone is capable of recovery, wellness, and
fulfilling their dreams.
Name three goals of Peer Recovery Support
Ans: Instill hope
Promote positive self-identity (reduce stigma)
Be a role model of strength, survival, and growth
What is stigma in the context of recovery?
Ans: The experience of being deeply discredited due to
perceived and undesired differentness; often linked to
substance use or mental illness
What are the four main types of support offered by Peer Recovery
Specialists?
Ans: 1. Emotional Support
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2. Informational Support
3. Instrumental Support (tangible support)
4. Affiliational Support (relationship-building)
What is the role of an Ally and Confidant in peer recovery?
Ans: Cares deeply, actively listens, and is trustworthy, stable,
and consistent.
What does a Motivator and Cheerleader do?
Ans: Believes in the person's capacity for change, and
celebrates progress and efforts.
What does a Truth Teller do in a peer role?
Ans: Offers honest feedback, identifies patterns, and avoids
sugar-coating.
What is the difference between a Peer Support Specialist and a
clinician or sponsor?
Ans: Peer specialists are not therapists, case managers,
doctors, or sponsors; they do not give medical advice or
religious direction.
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What does "mutuality" mean in peer recovery relationships?
Ans: A relationship of equals where each party learns and
grows together in recovery.
What should be avoided when practicing empathy in peer support?
Ans: *Not responding
*Interrupting
*Rushing your response
*Using clichés (e.g., "time heals all wounds")
*Faking understanding
*Forcing your own interpretation
What are some actions peer specialists should avoid to maintain a
relationship of equals?
Ans: *Need to be liked/helpful
*Need for status or prestige
*Need for control
*Perfectionism
*Need for social relationships (overinvolvement)
All rights reserved © 2025/ 2026 |
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What is person-centered, non-judgmental, empowering language?
Ans: Language that avoids labeling people and focuses on
strengths, not deficits.
Give an example of negative vs. positive peer support language.
Ans: "My illness" → "My experiences"
"What's wrong with me?" → "What's happened to me?"
"I'm here to help you" → "I'm here to learn with you"
What are barriers to effective listening?
Ans: *Assuming you know what the person is thinking
*Jumping to conclusions
*Preparing your response too early
*Changing the subject
*Automatically agreeing without understanding
What are the key principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI)?
Ans: *Change is up to the person
*Express empathy and acceptance
All rights reserved © 2025/ 2026 |
Peer Support/Recovery Specialist
Certification Exam Study Questions and
Correct Answers/ Latest Update / Already
Graded
What is the primary assumption of peer recovery support?
Ans: That everyone is capable of recovery, wellness, and
fulfilling their dreams.
Name three goals of Peer Recovery Support
Ans: Instill hope
Promote positive self-identity (reduce stigma)
Be a role model of strength, survival, and growth
What is stigma in the context of recovery?
Ans: The experience of being deeply discredited due to
perceived and undesired differentness; often linked to
substance use or mental illness
What are the four main types of support offered by Peer Recovery
Specialists?
Ans: 1. Emotional Support
All rights reserved © 2025/ 2026 |
, Page |2
2. Informational Support
3. Instrumental Support (tangible support)
4. Affiliational Support (relationship-building)
What is the role of an Ally and Confidant in peer recovery?
Ans: Cares deeply, actively listens, and is trustworthy, stable,
and consistent.
What does a Motivator and Cheerleader do?
Ans: Believes in the person's capacity for change, and
celebrates progress and efforts.
What does a Truth Teller do in a peer role?
Ans: Offers honest feedback, identifies patterns, and avoids
sugar-coating.
What is the difference between a Peer Support Specialist and a
clinician or sponsor?
Ans: Peer specialists are not therapists, case managers,
doctors, or sponsors; they do not give medical advice or
religious direction.
All rights reserved © 2025/ 2026 |
, Page |3
What does "mutuality" mean in peer recovery relationships?
Ans: A relationship of equals where each party learns and
grows together in recovery.
What should be avoided when practicing empathy in peer support?
Ans: *Not responding
*Interrupting
*Rushing your response
*Using clichés (e.g., "time heals all wounds")
*Faking understanding
*Forcing your own interpretation
What are some actions peer specialists should avoid to maintain a
relationship of equals?
Ans: *Need to be liked/helpful
*Need for status or prestige
*Need for control
*Perfectionism
*Need for social relationships (overinvolvement)
All rights reserved © 2025/ 2026 |
, Page |4
What is person-centered, non-judgmental, empowering language?
Ans: Language that avoids labeling people and focuses on
strengths, not deficits.
Give an example of negative vs. positive peer support language.
Ans: "My illness" → "My experiences"
"What's wrong with me?" → "What's happened to me?"
"I'm here to help you" → "I'm here to learn with you"
What are barriers to effective listening?
Ans: *Assuming you know what the person is thinking
*Jumping to conclusions
*Preparing your response too early
*Changing the subject
*Automatically agreeing without understanding
What are the key principles of Motivational Interviewing (MI)?
Ans: *Change is up to the person
*Express empathy and acceptance
All rights reserved © 2025/ 2026 |
