Peer Support Specialist Certification Exam Study
questions and answers 2026\2027 A+ Grade
Person-Centered
- correct answer A person-centered approach is where the person is placed at the center of the service
and treated as a
person first.
What are the OARS tools in Motivational Interviewing?
- correct answer O Open-ended questions invite others to "tell their story" in their own words without
leading them in a specific direction (as opposed to questions that can be answered yes
or no). Be cautious about asking too many questions as it can damage the peer
relationship.
A Affirmations are statements and gestures that recognize a person's strengths and
acknowledge behaviors that lead in the direction of positive change, no matter how
large or small.
R Reflections/ Reflective listening ensures that the person's words are interpreted
correctly and their inner wisdom is respected.
S Summaries are a type of reflective listening which helps to ensure that there is clear
communication between the speaker and listener. Summaries can provide a stepping
stone towards change.
Reflections/
What is the tool "Elicit- Provide-Elicit" in Motivational Interviewing?
- correct answer Elicit—Ask permission to give information or ask which information the person is asking
for.
● "Would it be all right if I tell you about a few self-help support groups that have worked
for other people?'
, ● "Would you like to know about....?"
● "What would you like to know about....?"
What are whole health goals?
- correct answer Whole person health involves looking at the whole person instead of looking at health
as fragments of
diseases, symptoms and problems. It is shifting from only thinking about 'What is the matter with you?'
to thinking about what matters to you.
What are the basic five stages in the recovery process?
- correct answer Pre-Contemplation Not ready
Contemplation Getting ready
Preparation Ready
Action Making change
Maintenance Keeping up change
What is "recovery" according to the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA)?
- correct answer SAMHSA definition: "A process of change through which individuals improve their
health and wellness,
live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential." This definition does not describe recovery
as an end state, but rather as a process. Complete symptom remission is neither a prerequisite of
recovery nor a necessary outcome of the process. Recovery can have many pathways that may include
professional clinical treatment; use of medications; support from families and in schools; faith-based
approaches; peer support; and other approaches.
What are the four dimensions that support recovery, according to SAMHSA?
- correct answer Health, home, purpose, and community
What are the guiding principles of recovery as defined by SAMHSA?
- correct answer Ten guiding principles of recovery as defined by the federal Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services
questions and answers 2026\2027 A+ Grade
Person-Centered
- correct answer A person-centered approach is where the person is placed at the center of the service
and treated as a
person first.
What are the OARS tools in Motivational Interviewing?
- correct answer O Open-ended questions invite others to "tell their story" in their own words without
leading them in a specific direction (as opposed to questions that can be answered yes
or no). Be cautious about asking too many questions as it can damage the peer
relationship.
A Affirmations are statements and gestures that recognize a person's strengths and
acknowledge behaviors that lead in the direction of positive change, no matter how
large or small.
R Reflections/ Reflective listening ensures that the person's words are interpreted
correctly and their inner wisdom is respected.
S Summaries are a type of reflective listening which helps to ensure that there is clear
communication between the speaker and listener. Summaries can provide a stepping
stone towards change.
Reflections/
What is the tool "Elicit- Provide-Elicit" in Motivational Interviewing?
- correct answer Elicit—Ask permission to give information or ask which information the person is asking
for.
● "Would it be all right if I tell you about a few self-help support groups that have worked
for other people?'
, ● "Would you like to know about....?"
● "What would you like to know about....?"
What are whole health goals?
- correct answer Whole person health involves looking at the whole person instead of looking at health
as fragments of
diseases, symptoms and problems. It is shifting from only thinking about 'What is the matter with you?'
to thinking about what matters to you.
What are the basic five stages in the recovery process?
- correct answer Pre-Contemplation Not ready
Contemplation Getting ready
Preparation Ready
Action Making change
Maintenance Keeping up change
What is "recovery" according to the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMHSA)?
- correct answer SAMHSA definition: "A process of change through which individuals improve their
health and wellness,
live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential." This definition does not describe recovery
as an end state, but rather as a process. Complete symptom remission is neither a prerequisite of
recovery nor a necessary outcome of the process. Recovery can have many pathways that may include
professional clinical treatment; use of medications; support from families and in schools; faith-based
approaches; peer support; and other approaches.
What are the four dimensions that support recovery, according to SAMHSA?
- correct answer Health, home, purpose, and community
What are the guiding principles of recovery as defined by SAMHSA?
- correct answer Ten guiding principles of recovery as defined by the federal Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services
