Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Recovery Friendly Workplace Helping employers respond to substance use and mental health conditions in the Rhode Island workforce

Rhode Island Peer Recovery Professional Association (RIPRPA) & Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS)

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What is a Peer Recovery Specialist?

A Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS) is an individual with lived experience in substance use recovery who uses their personal journey to support others. CPRSs provide guidance, advocacy, mentorship, and connection to community resources. They play a critical role in Rhode Island’s recovery ecosystem by complementing clinical services, strengthening peer networks, and helping individuals navigate treatment, recovery programs, and community supports.

Peer Recovery Specialists offer support in many settings, including:

  • Recovery Community Centers
  • Hospital and clinic-based peer programs
  • Community outreach and prevention programs
  • Behavioral health agencies

About the Rhode Island Peer Recovery Association

The Rhode Island Peer Recovery Professional Association (RIPRPA) oversees and supports the professional development and certification of Peer Recovery Specialists. Its mission is to ensure that peer support services are provided safely, ethically, and effectively while promoting leadership and community engagement in the recovery space.

The Association connects CPRSs to ongoing training, supervision, and professional development opportunities, and serves as a hub for peer support networking across the state.

To become a CPRS in Rhode Island, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Recovery Experience

Applicants must demonstrate personal recovery from substance use disorder.

2. Training

Applicants must complete the 46-hour foundational CPRS training, covering:

  • Principles of peer support
  • Recovery advocacy
  • Mentorship and coaching
  • Ethics and confidentiality

Role of C4 Innovations:

C4 Innovations plays a key role in shaping the training content, preparing supervisors, and creating professional development opportunities, ensuring that the program meets state standards and equips candidates with the skills needed for effective practice.

C4 Innovation's expertise ensures that all training aligns with Rhode Island’s requirements and supports the development of competent, confident peer recovery specialists. Other approved organizations, such as RICARES, also provide this foundational training to meet certification requirements.

Other approved organizations, like RICARES, also provide this foundational training to meet certification requirements.

3. Supervised Experience

Applicants must complete 25 hours of supervised peer support experience under a qualified mentor.

4. Peer Work Hours

Applicants must complete 500 hours of peer work experience aligned with the core CPRS domains.

5. Certification Exam

Applicants must pass the IC&RC Peer Recovery Specialist exam, administered through the Rhode Island Certification Board.

Upon successful completion, candidates receive official recognition as a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, qualifying them to provide peer support services across Rhode Island.

Benefits of Certification

  • Professional recognition as a peer support provider
  • Access to statewide peer networks and continuing education
  • Opportunities to work in hospitals, recovery centers, and community programs
  • Ability to mentor and guide individuals in recovery, strengthening Rhode Island’s recovery communities

Resources & References