CalMHSA Medi-Cal Peer Support
Specialist Certification Exam
Define "peer support" - ANS-to support other consumers through shared lived experience.
\Define "peer" - ANS-
\Define "recovery" - ANS-
\Define culture, elements of culture, and its impact. - ANS-
\Define the concept of a wellness-focused approach to recovery. - ANS-
\illness model VS recovery model - ANS-
\internal VS external stigma - ANS-
\Know the civil and human rights foundations from which the peer support movement arose,
including issues related to prejudice, discrimination, and stigma associated with behavioral
health. - ANS-
\Know the difference between an illness story and a recovery story. - ANS-
\Know the difference between treatment goals and recovery goals. - ANS-
\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. - ANS-
\Knowledge of and sensitivity to how cultural identity can influence the dynamics in
communication. - ANS-
\levels of advocacy - ANS-
\Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Core Competencies - ANS-1. The concepts of hope,
recovery, and wellness.
2. The role of advocacy.
3. The role of consumers and family members
4. Psychiatric rehabilitation skills and service delivery, and addiction recovery principles,
including defined practices.
5. Cultural and structural competence trainings.
6. Trauma-informed care.
7. Group facilitation skills.
8. Self-awareness and self-care.
9. Co-occurring disorders of mental health and substance use.
10. Conflict resolution.
11. Professional boundaries and ethics.
12. Preparation for employment opportunities, including study and test-taking skills, application
and résumé preparation, interviewing, and other potential requirements for employment.
13. Safety and crisis planning.
14. Navigation of, and referral to, other services.
15. Documentation skills and standards.
16. Confidentiality.
17. Digital literacy.
Specialist Certification Exam
Define "peer support" - ANS-to support other consumers through shared lived experience.
\Define "peer" - ANS-
\Define "recovery" - ANS-
\Define culture, elements of culture, and its impact. - ANS-
\Define the concept of a wellness-focused approach to recovery. - ANS-
\illness model VS recovery model - ANS-
\internal VS external stigma - ANS-
\Know the civil and human rights foundations from which the peer support movement arose,
including issues related to prejudice, discrimination, and stigma associated with behavioral
health. - ANS-
\Know the difference between an illness story and a recovery story. - ANS-
\Know the difference between treatment goals and recovery goals. - ANS-
\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. - ANS-
\Knowledge of and sensitivity to how cultural identity can influence the dynamics in
communication. - ANS-
\levels of advocacy - ANS-
\Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Core Competencies - ANS-1. The concepts of hope,
recovery, and wellness.
2. The role of advocacy.
3. The role of consumers and family members
4. Psychiatric rehabilitation skills and service delivery, and addiction recovery principles,
including defined practices.
5. Cultural and structural competence trainings.
6. Trauma-informed care.
7. Group facilitation skills.
8. Self-awareness and self-care.
9. Co-occurring disorders of mental health and substance use.
10. Conflict resolution.
11. Professional boundaries and ethics.
12. Preparation for employment opportunities, including study and test-taking skills, application
and résumé preparation, interviewing, and other potential requirements for employment.
13. Safety and crisis planning.
14. Navigation of, and referral to, other services.
15. Documentation skills and standards.
16. Confidentiality.
17. Digital literacy.
