The list can be found on the Texas Certification Board (TCB) website. Not all training entities are the same, so do your homework. Make sure the provider is listed on the official TCB Provider List.

Also, consider the type of services they offer. If they primarily focus on substance use services, they may be a better fit for training in Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS). If they primarily focus on mental health services, they may be more suited to provide training for a Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS).

CORE is the foundational training required for all peer specialists, no matter which specialty you plan to pursue. It is designed to introduce the core principles, values, and skills that define peer support.

In CORE, you will begin to develop the knowledge and abilities that every peer specialist needs, including:

• Understanding the role of a peer specialist and how lived experience is used to support others.
• Practicing core peer support skills, such as active listening, empathy, boundary-setting, and validation.
• Learning about ethics and professional standards to ensure peer support is provided in a safe and respectful way.
• Exploring recovery principles and how to walk alongside others as they define and pursue their own goals.

Successful completion of CORE is required before you can move forward into the specialty training of your choice, such as Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS) or Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS).

After you successfully complete CORE, the next step is to choose your specialty. Specialty training builds on the foundation you gained in CORE and equips you with the specific skills needed for the population you want to serve.

When deciding on your specialty, consider your interests, lived experience, and career goals:

• Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS): Focused on supporting people living with mental health challenges. You will learn specialized approaches for promoting recovery, resilience, and wellness in mental health settings.
• Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS): Focused on supporting individuals with substance use challenges. Training emphasizes recovery pathways, relapse prevention, and harm reduction strategies.
• Family Partner (FP): Designed for parents or caregivers who use their lived experience to support other families raising children with mental or behavioral health challenges.
• Peer Re-Entry Specialist (PRS): Centered on supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the community, with an emphasis on successful reintegration and recovery. (This is recognized by the State but is independently woned and not part of the State curriculum)

Each specialty has unique strengths and prepares you to make an impact in different areas of peer support. Choosing the right one ensures your training aligns with the people you feel called to support.

Once you complete your specialty training, you will need to apply for certification through the Texas Certification Board (TCB). The process includes several important steps:

• Fingerprinting: Schedule an appointment with Identogo to complete a full FBI background check for personal use.

• Online Application: Go to the TCB website → Certification tab → Certification Applications. Scroll to the correct application for your specialty.

• Certemy Portal: Click on the “Online Initial Application” link. This will prompt you to create an account in the Certemy portal.

• Supporting Documents: Upload all required documents into the Certemy portal, including:

         1. Signed Attestation

         2. CORE Certificate

         3.  Specialty Certificate  

            Transcripts or GED

          4. Fingerprinting confirmation

• Ethics Agreement: Read and attest to the Code of Ethics.

• Payment: Submit the required application fee through the Certemy system.

Completing these steps ensures your application is properly submitted and can move forward in the certification process.