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Peer Support Specialist Certification
Exam Study Questions and Correct
Answers/ Latest Update / Already Graded
Person-Centered
Ans: 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?
Ans: 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
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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?
Ans: 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?
Ans: 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?
Ans: Pre-Contemplation Not ready
Contemplation Getting ready
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Preparation Ready
Action Making change
Maintenance Keeping up change
What is "recovery" according to the Substance Abuse Mental Health
Services Administration
(SAMHSA)?
Ans: 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?
Ans: Health, home, purpose, and community
All rights reserved © 2025/ 2026
|
Peer Support Specialist Certification
Exam Study Questions and Correct
Answers/ Latest Update / Already Graded
Person-Centered
Ans: 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?
Ans: 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
All rights reserved © 2025/ 2026
|
, Page|2
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?
Ans: 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?
Ans: 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?
Ans: Pre-Contemplation Not ready
Contemplation Getting ready
All rights reserved © 2025/ 2026
|
, Page|3
Preparation Ready
Action Making change
Maintenance Keeping up change
What is "recovery" according to the Substance Abuse Mental Health
Services Administration
(SAMHSA)?
Ans: 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?
Ans: Health, home, purpose, and community
All rights reserved © 2025/ 2026
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