CalMHSA Medi-Cal Peer Support
Specialist Certification Exam with
Questions with Answers
This core competency consists of the themes of self-determination and being voluntary
and person-centered. - ANSWER 1. The concepts of hope, recovery, and wellness.
Person-Centered Services are.... - ANSWER Peer recovery support services are always
directed by the person participating in services. Peer recovery support is personalized
to align with the specific hopes, goals, and preferences of the individual served and to
respond to specific needs the individuals have identified to the peer support specialist.
Voluntary services are... - ANSWER Peer support specialists are partners and
consultants to those they serve. They do not dictate the types of services provided or
the elements of recovery plans that will guide their work with peers. Participation in
peer recovery support services is always contingent on peer choice.
Self-Determination is... - ANSWER The primary responsibility of Certified Peer Specialists
is to help individuals achieve their own needs, wants, and goals. (Independent Living
Philosophy). Certified Peer Specialists will be guided by the principle of self-
determination for all.
, Know the five stages in the recovery process, what is helpful and not helpful at
each stage, and the role of peer support services at each stage of the recovery
process. - ANSWER
What does "Strengths-Based" mean? - ANSWER the strength-based approach is a
"work practice theory" that focuses on an individual's self-determination and strength
(McCashen, 2005).
This type of approach builds on clients' strengths, seeing them as resourceful and
resilient when they are in adverse conditions (McCashen, 2005). It is also client led
and centered on outcomes, getting people to affect change in themselves.
What does "trauma-informed" mean? - ANSWER Trauma-informed care acknowledges
the need to understand a patient's life experiences in order to deliver effective care
and has the potential to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, health
outcomes, and provider and staff wellness
Know the difference between treatment goals and recovery goals. - ANSWER
Define the concept of a wellness-focused approach to recovery. - ANSWER
Principles of Empowerment - ANSWER
internal VS external stigma - ANSWER
Know the difference between an illness story and a recovery story. - ANSWER
What is Person-Centered language? - ANSWER Person-first (or person-centered)
language refers to choosing and using words that recognize and refer to individuals -
Specialist Certification Exam with
Questions with Answers
This core competency consists of the themes of self-determination and being voluntary
and person-centered. - ANSWER 1. The concepts of hope, recovery, and wellness.
Person-Centered Services are.... - ANSWER Peer recovery support services are always
directed by the person participating in services. Peer recovery support is personalized
to align with the specific hopes, goals, and preferences of the individual served and to
respond to specific needs the individuals have identified to the peer support specialist.
Voluntary services are... - ANSWER Peer support specialists are partners and
consultants to those they serve. They do not dictate the types of services provided or
the elements of recovery plans that will guide their work with peers. Participation in
peer recovery support services is always contingent on peer choice.
Self-Determination is... - ANSWER The primary responsibility of Certified Peer Specialists
is to help individuals achieve their own needs, wants, and goals. (Independent Living
Philosophy). Certified Peer Specialists will be guided by the principle of self-
determination for all.
, Know the five stages in the recovery process, what is helpful and not helpful at
each stage, and the role of peer support services at each stage of the recovery
process. - ANSWER
What does "Strengths-Based" mean? - ANSWER the strength-based approach is a
"work practice theory" that focuses on an individual's self-determination and strength
(McCashen, 2005).
This type of approach builds on clients' strengths, seeing them as resourceful and
resilient when they are in adverse conditions (McCashen, 2005). It is also client led
and centered on outcomes, getting people to affect change in themselves.
What does "trauma-informed" mean? - ANSWER Trauma-informed care acknowledges
the need to understand a patient's life experiences in order to deliver effective care
and has the potential to improve patient engagement, treatment adherence, health
outcomes, and provider and staff wellness
Know the difference between treatment goals and recovery goals. - ANSWER
Define the concept of a wellness-focused approach to recovery. - ANSWER
Principles of Empowerment - ANSWER
internal VS external stigma - ANSWER
Know the difference between an illness story and a recovery story. - ANSWER
What is Person-Centered language? - ANSWER Person-first (or person-centered)
language refers to choosing and using words that recognize and refer to individuals -
