Certified PEER Specialist Exam Questions
and Answers Verified Solutions Latest
Update 2026/2027
Question:
The CPSW program CANNOT:
Answer:
A. Certify anything other
than the CPSW has completed the approved training.
B. Guarantee the CPSW a job.
C. Guarantee the CPSW's job qualifications or skills.
Question:
5 Qualifications for training.
Answer:
1.Be at least 18.
2.Have a HS diploma or GED.
3.Self Identify as a person who received mental health or substance treatment.
4. Have at least 2 years of demonstrable recovery w/ written
verification.
5.Complete the application process with OPRE.
Question:
The role of the CPSW:
Answer:
1. fundamental perspective of the
"Lived Experience".
2. Provide hope and support.
3.Help client identify a plan toward achieving their goals.
4. A link between clinicians and their clients.
5. Ongoing assessment of clients progress.
,6. Home visits to assess clients condition.
Question:
Recertification requirements.
Answer:
1. 40 CEU'S every 2 years.
(6 in ethics & 6 cultural competency).
2. Only 20 can be taken online. (the rest in person training).
3. Each CPSW is responsible for their own CEU's.
Question:
Employers can expect CPSW's to be familiar with:
Answer:
1. Coaching and mentoring clients in their recovery.
2. Insight on stages of recovery and identification of Resiliency and
recovery strategies
3.Expertise necessary to perform professionally.
(communication skills, trauma informed & cultural competence, confidentiality, boundaries &
ethics).
4. Self care and stress management strategies.
Question:
SAMHSA definition of recovery:
Answer:
A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self
directed life and strive for full potential.
Question:
DSM5
Answer:
The American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
, Question:
DSM5 Definitaion of Mental Health Disorder:
Answer:
1. Behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern.
2.Clinically significant distress (pain or disability).
3. Must not be an expectable response to common stressors like a
death.
4. Not a result of social deviance or conflict.
Question:
NSDUH Definitaion of SMI-Serious Mental Illness
Answer:
1. A
mental, behavioral or emotional disorder.
2. Diagnosed within the past year.
3. Meet the diagnostic criteria in the DSM5
4. Results in serious functional Impairment.
5. Noticeably interferes w/ major life activities.
Question:
Schitzophrenia
Answer:
1. Least common mental disorders.3-.7%
2. Delusions, hallucinations, concentration
3. Loss in ability to initiate plans, speak, express or find pleasure.
4. Confused/tangled thinking & speech.
5. Bizarre behavior/ abnormal movements.
6. Decline work/education.
Question:
Bipolar
and Answers Verified Solutions Latest
Update 2026/2027
Question:
The CPSW program CANNOT:
Answer:
A. Certify anything other
than the CPSW has completed the approved training.
B. Guarantee the CPSW a job.
C. Guarantee the CPSW's job qualifications or skills.
Question:
5 Qualifications for training.
Answer:
1.Be at least 18.
2.Have a HS diploma or GED.
3.Self Identify as a person who received mental health or substance treatment.
4. Have at least 2 years of demonstrable recovery w/ written
verification.
5.Complete the application process with OPRE.
Question:
The role of the CPSW:
Answer:
1. fundamental perspective of the
"Lived Experience".
2. Provide hope and support.
3.Help client identify a plan toward achieving their goals.
4. A link between clinicians and their clients.
5. Ongoing assessment of clients progress.
,6. Home visits to assess clients condition.
Question:
Recertification requirements.
Answer:
1. 40 CEU'S every 2 years.
(6 in ethics & 6 cultural competency).
2. Only 20 can be taken online. (the rest in person training).
3. Each CPSW is responsible for their own CEU's.
Question:
Employers can expect CPSW's to be familiar with:
Answer:
1. Coaching and mentoring clients in their recovery.
2. Insight on stages of recovery and identification of Resiliency and
recovery strategies
3.Expertise necessary to perform professionally.
(communication skills, trauma informed & cultural competence, confidentiality, boundaries &
ethics).
4. Self care and stress management strategies.
Question:
SAMHSA definition of recovery:
Answer:
A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self
directed life and strive for full potential.
Question:
DSM5
Answer:
The American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
, Question:
DSM5 Definitaion of Mental Health Disorder:
Answer:
1. Behavioral or psychological syndrome or pattern.
2.Clinically significant distress (pain or disability).
3. Must not be an expectable response to common stressors like a
death.
4. Not a result of social deviance or conflict.
Question:
NSDUH Definitaion of SMI-Serious Mental Illness
Answer:
1. A
mental, behavioral or emotional disorder.
2. Diagnosed within the past year.
3. Meet the diagnostic criteria in the DSM5
4. Results in serious functional Impairment.
5. Noticeably interferes w/ major life activities.
Question:
Schitzophrenia
Answer:
1. Least common mental disorders.3-.7%
2. Delusions, hallucinations, concentration
3. Loss in ability to initiate plans, speak, express or find pleasure.
4. Confused/tangled thinking & speech.
5. Bizarre behavior/ abnormal movements.
6. Decline work/education.
Question:
Bipolar
