Effective April 7, 2022, Peer Recovery Supporter certification has moved to the eLicense platform.

All applications will be processed online through the E-License platform at https://www.elicense.ohio.gov/OH_CommunitiesLogin.

Peer Recovery Supporters (PRS) is an all-inclusive term consisting of peer specialists, recovery coaches, and peer supporters. In order to have a formal certification, individuals delivering peer services needed to have one title for consistency. Peer Recovery Supporter was chosen as it represents the three largest sections of the current peer workforce.

In the State of Ohio, to be eligible to be certified as a Peer Recovery Supporter (PRS), you must have a direct lived experience of mental health and/or substance use issues. “Direct lived experience” means that you are personally in recovery from a mental health and/or substance use issue (having a friend or family member in recovery does not qualify you for PRS certification). 

Please note that individuals may not be certified as a PRS while on probation, parole or any type of court sanction. Individuals may complete training while on probation/parole/court sanction, but you will need to wait until after your probation/parole/court sanction has ended to apply for certification as a PRS.

There are 3 pathways to PRS certification. Click directly on each pathway for instructions:

1. Complete the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) 40-hour Peer Recovery Supporter Training
2. Complete a 40-hour Peer Recovery Supporter Training through an outside organization (must be a training model approved by OhioMHAS)
3. Have 3 or more years of formal, verifiable experience providing behavioral health peer services.

Requirements for Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter (PRS) Certification:
In addition to the training or work experience noted above, the following is required for a complete and compliant PRS certification application:

• Have a high school diploma or GED (there is no waiver or exception to this requirement)
• Complete a certification application in eLicense.
• Complete 11 online eBased Academy Courses (click for additional information).
• Pass the online Ohio Peer Recovery Supporter Certification Exam with a score of 70% or higher.
• Complete a Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) background check and a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal records check within one year of application submission. 
• Have no record of a disqualifying offense (click here for details and exceptions).
• Please note, individuals may not be certified as a PRS while on probation, parole or any type of court sanction. You may complete training while on probation/parole/court sanction, but you must wait until after your probation/parole/court sanction has ended to apply for certification as a PRS.

Contact Us

ohiopeercertification@mha.ohio.gov

40-Hour Peer Recovery Supporter
Training Calendar

3 Pathways to Certification

Steps to Certification through PRS Training

Additional Information

Quick Links:

• Background Check Information
• Background Check Agencies
• Check your Certification Application Status
• Code of Ethics
• eBased Academy
• Peer Recovery Supporter Training
• Disqualifying Offenses
• Ohio Administrative Code: certified Peer Supporter
• Ohio Administrative Code: Peer Services

See the cards below for detailed information on each route to PRS certification.