Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist
Certification Exam Practice Questions
1. What is the goal of the harm reduction model for
substance use challenges?
A. Diminished rate of judicial system exposure and
incarceration
B. Decreased overdose risk and improved access to systems
of care
C. Enhanced community engagement and relationship
building
D. Increase in self-assessment of confidence and self-worth -
Correct Answers ✅Key: B
KSA Dimension: 2. Behavioral Health Foundations
KSA: 2.4.
Be familiar with recovery approaches and peer support
techniques specific to individuals with substance use
challenges.
Rationale:
The key is correct because per the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), research
has demonstrated that a harm reduction approach for
individuals with substance use challenges substantially
reduces the risk of overdose death and promotes linkages to
care.
,Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist
Certification Exam Practice Questions
2. A consumer has been spending the last few weeks joking
around and not taking group seriously.
How would the Peer Support Specialist support the
consumer?
A. Tell the consumer this is not a laughing matter.
B. Request to be reassigned to a different consumer.
C. Encourage the consumer to look into a profession as a
comedian.
D. Continue to stay focused on the consumer's recovery
goals. - Correct Answers ✅Key: D
KSA Dimension: 3. Interpersonal Skills
KSA: 3.5.
Practice self-awareness to ensure that the individual's
resiliency and recovery remain the focal point of the peer
support relationship.
Rationale:
This is the best option as it refocuses on the consumer's
needs and wants.
3. A consumer is frustrated because several different service
providers are not communicating well
, Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist
Certification Exam Practice Questions
when it comes to their care. How can the Peer Support
Specialist support this consumer?
A. Encourage the consumer to request a team meeting so all
staff can connect.
B. Assure the consumer that this lack of communication
happens all the time.
C. Advise the consumer to change their therapist and
psychiatrist.
D. Write a formal complaint to management on behalf of the
consumer - Correct Answers ✅Key: A
KSA Dimension: 4. Recovery Support
KSA: 4.11.
Provide individuals with tools or knowledge to support a self-
driven perspective in collaboration with other service
providers.
Rationale:
This option encourages consumers to self-advocate for their
needs and wants with their care team
4. A consumer tells a Peer Support Specialist that they have a
lot of situational stress that is not a
Certification Exam Practice Questions
1. What is the goal of the harm reduction model for
substance use challenges?
A. Diminished rate of judicial system exposure and
incarceration
B. Decreased overdose risk and improved access to systems
of care
C. Enhanced community engagement and relationship
building
D. Increase in self-assessment of confidence and self-worth -
Correct Answers ✅Key: B
KSA Dimension: 2. Behavioral Health Foundations
KSA: 2.4.
Be familiar with recovery approaches and peer support
techniques specific to individuals with substance use
challenges.
Rationale:
The key is correct because per the Substance Abuse and
Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), research
has demonstrated that a harm reduction approach for
individuals with substance use challenges substantially
reduces the risk of overdose death and promotes linkages to
care.
,Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist
Certification Exam Practice Questions
2. A consumer has been spending the last few weeks joking
around and not taking group seriously.
How would the Peer Support Specialist support the
consumer?
A. Tell the consumer this is not a laughing matter.
B. Request to be reassigned to a different consumer.
C. Encourage the consumer to look into a profession as a
comedian.
D. Continue to stay focused on the consumer's recovery
goals. - Correct Answers ✅Key: D
KSA Dimension: 3. Interpersonal Skills
KSA: 3.5.
Practice self-awareness to ensure that the individual's
resiliency and recovery remain the focal point of the peer
support relationship.
Rationale:
This is the best option as it refocuses on the consumer's
needs and wants.
3. A consumer is frustrated because several different service
providers are not communicating well
, Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist
Certification Exam Practice Questions
when it comes to their care. How can the Peer Support
Specialist support this consumer?
A. Encourage the consumer to request a team meeting so all
staff can connect.
B. Assure the consumer that this lack of communication
happens all the time.
C. Advise the consumer to change their therapist and
psychiatrist.
D. Write a formal complaint to management on behalf of the
consumer - Correct Answers ✅Key: A
KSA Dimension: 4. Recovery Support
KSA: 4.11.
Provide individuals with tools or knowledge to support a self-
driven perspective in collaboration with other service
providers.
Rationale:
This option encourages consumers to self-advocate for their
needs and wants with their care team
4. A consumer tells a Peer Support Specialist that they have a
lot of situational stress that is not a
