Certified PEER Specialist Exam Questions
and Answers Verified Solutions Latest
Update 2026/2027
Question:
Name three goals of Peer Recovery Support.
Answer:
Instill hope
Promote positive self-identity (reduce stigma)
Be a role model of strength, survival, and growth
Question:
What is stigma in the context of recovery?.
Answer:
The experience of being deeply discredited due to perceived and undesired differentness; often
linked to substance use or mental illness
Question:
What are the four main types of support offered by Peer Recovery Specialists?.
Answer:
1. Emotional Support
2. Informational Support
3. Instrumental Support (tangible support)
4. Affiliational Support (relationship-building)
Question:
What is the role of an Ally and Confidant in peer recovery?.
Answer:
,Cares deeply, actively listens, and is trustworthy, stable, and consistent.
Question:
What does a Motivator and Cheerleader do?.
Answer:
Believes in the person's capacity for change, and celebrates progress and efforts.
Question:
What does a Truth Teller do in a peer role?.
Answer:
Offers honest feedback, identifies patterns, and avoids sugar-coating.
Question:
What is the difference between a Peer Support Specialist and a clinician or sponsor?.
Answer:
Peer specialists are not therapists, case managers, doctors, or sponsors; they do not give medical
advice or religious direction.
Question:
What does "mutuality" mean in peer recovery relationships?.
Answer:
A relationship of equals where each party learns and grows together in recovery.
Question:
What should be avoided when practicing empathy in peer support?.
Answer:
*Not responding
*Interrupting
*Rushing your response
, *Using cliches (e.g., "time heals all wounds")
*Faking understanding
*Forcing your own interpretation
Question:
What are some actions peer specialists should avoid to maintain a relationship of equals?.
Answer:
*Need to be liked/helpful
*Need for status or prestige
*Need for control
*Perfectionism
*Need for social relationships (overinvolvement)
Question:
What is person-centered, non-judgmental, empowering language?.
Answer:
Language that avoids labeling people and focuses on strengths, not deficits.
Question:
Give an example of negative vs. positive peer support language..
Answer:
"My illness" → "My experiences"
"What's wrong with me?" → "What's happened to me?"
"I'm here to help you" → "I'm here to learn with you"
Question:
What are barriers to effective listening?.
Answer:
*Assuming you know what the person is thinking
*Jumping to conclusions
*Preparing your response too early
and Answers Verified Solutions Latest
Update 2026/2027
Question:
Name three goals of Peer Recovery Support.
Answer:
Instill hope
Promote positive self-identity (reduce stigma)
Be a role model of strength, survival, and growth
Question:
What is stigma in the context of recovery?.
Answer:
The experience of being deeply discredited due to perceived and undesired differentness; often
linked to substance use or mental illness
Question:
What are the four main types of support offered by Peer Recovery Specialists?.
Answer:
1. Emotional Support
2. Informational Support
3. Instrumental Support (tangible support)
4. Affiliational Support (relationship-building)
Question:
What is the role of an Ally and Confidant in peer recovery?.
Answer:
,Cares deeply, actively listens, and is trustworthy, stable, and consistent.
Question:
What does a Motivator and Cheerleader do?.
Answer:
Believes in the person's capacity for change, and celebrates progress and efforts.
Question:
What does a Truth Teller do in a peer role?.
Answer:
Offers honest feedback, identifies patterns, and avoids sugar-coating.
Question:
What is the difference between a Peer Support Specialist and a clinician or sponsor?.
Answer:
Peer specialists are not therapists, case managers, doctors, or sponsors; they do not give medical
advice or religious direction.
Question:
What does "mutuality" mean in peer recovery relationships?.
Answer:
A relationship of equals where each party learns and grows together in recovery.
Question:
What should be avoided when practicing empathy in peer support?.
Answer:
*Not responding
*Interrupting
*Rushing your response
, *Using cliches (e.g., "time heals all wounds")
*Faking understanding
*Forcing your own interpretation
Question:
What are some actions peer specialists should avoid to maintain a relationship of equals?.
Answer:
*Need to be liked/helpful
*Need for status or prestige
*Need for control
*Perfectionism
*Need for social relationships (overinvolvement)
Question:
What is person-centered, non-judgmental, empowering language?.
Answer:
Language that avoids labeling people and focuses on strengths, not deficits.
Question:
Give an example of negative vs. positive peer support language..
Answer:
"My illness" → "My experiences"
"What's wrong with me?" → "What's happened to me?"
"I'm here to help you" → "I'm here to learn with you"
Question:
What are barriers to effective listening?.
Answer:
*Assuming you know what the person is thinking
*Jumping to conclusions
*Preparing your response too early
