Empower • Support • Inspire
About the Program
The CRSS (Certified Recovery Support Specialist) Success Program is a comprehensive, empowering initiative designed to train and guide individuals with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use recovery towards professional certification and successful careers as peer supports. For individuals pursuing a CPRS (Certified Peer Recovery Specialist) credential, the CRSS Success Program is designed to meet the training requirements that overlap with those of the CPRS certification, in accordance with Illinois Certification Board standards.
Our program offers an integrated approach that equips participants with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to work as a recovery support specialist, providing peer-to-peer services in a variety of settings such as community mental health centers, hospitals, and treatment facilities.
What are CRSS and CPRS?
CRSS and CPRS professionals are trained to incorporate their unique personal recovery experiences with mental health and/or substance use challenges to help others in similar situation. The credentials verify that the individual has the knowledge and skills that meet the minimum requirements of a recovery support professional, regardless of having an academic degree. Their focus includes helping others develop coping strategies, promoting self-advocacy, and encouraging recovery-oriented services in a variety of mental health settings, including hospitals, recovery centers, and outpatient clinics.
Not sure which certification you want? We can help you understand the difference between the two so that you can make an informed decision. Call the number below for more information.
Benefits of Participating
- No-Cost Training: The program is free for individuals with lived experience who want to become certified to support others in their recovery and who meet the minimum requirements for participation.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Participants receive a minimum of 110 hours of specialized classroom learning covering advocacy, ethics, multicultural competence, and recovery support.
- Experiential Learning: Program includes internships to apply skills acquired in the classroom in real-world recovery settings, allowing participants to develop practical skills and build confidence in supporting individuals on their recovery journeys. Participants can fulfill the required 300 hours of supervised internship in various settings such as outpatient mental health centers and substance use treatment programs.
- Wrap-around Supports: Participants receive support from Success Coaches to identify challenges and barriers to success and create individualized plans to meet their needs.
- Credential Preparation: The training fulfills the Illinois Certification Board (ICB) requirements, preparing participants to sit for the CRSS and CPRS exam. Upon certification, participants can pursue careers in various behavioral health and peer support role.
- Career Opportunities: Individuals with a CRSS or CPRS credential can work in a variety of professional settings where peer recovery support services are provided. Listed below are some examples:
- Outpatient Mental Health Centers
- Substance Use Treatment Centers
- Hospitals and Health Clinics
- Crisis Response Teams
- Drop-in Centers
- Personal and Professional Growth: The program empowers participants to utilize their lived experiences to mentor and guide others through their recovery, promoting hope and empowerment in their communities.
Engagement in Program
- Eligibility: Ensure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, which includes having lived experience in mental health or substance use recovery, a high school diploma or GED, and are at least 18 years of age.
- Application Process:
- o Currently, there is one classroom schedule available for the education component of the CRSS Success Program. This session runs from November 17, 2025, to February 6, 2026. If this schedule doesn’t align with your availability, we still encourage you to complete the application and select the option to be notified when additional schedules are released.
- Complete and submit the program application form. Deadline to apply is November 10, 2025.
- Applications will be reviewed based on the eligibility criteria and application materials. Qualified applicants are invited for an interview, where their recovery journey and commitment to peer support will be discussed. This interview also serves as an opportunity for applicants to ask questions and learn more about the program.
- Complete a minimum of 110 classroom-based clock hours as required by the Illinois Certification Board (ICB), along with an additional 15 hours focused on work readiness training. Students must also fulfill a supervised internship totaling 300 hours, providing direct, hands-on experience in peer recovery support services.
- After completing your training and internship, you’ll be eligible to take the CRSS or CPRS certification exam. Upon passing, you’ll earn your credential as a Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) or Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS).
Admission Requirements
This program is designed to support and guide individuals with lived experience of mental health and/or substance use recovery towards professional certification and successful careers as peer supports. The minimum requirements for participation are as follows:
- 18 years of age and up
- Minimum high school diploma or GED
- Identify as a person in recovery from mental health, substance use, or cooccurring mental health and/or substance use challenges
For further program information and/or admission requirements, please contact Maria McGowan at 773-241-7849 or mmcgowan@envisionunlimited.org.