CPS/CPPS Recertification Cycle Change
Effective October 1, 2026, the certified peer specialist (CPS) and certified parent peer specialist (CPPS) recertification dates will be on February 28 of each year. This is a change from the previously published September 30 recertification date. This is also a change from the earlier January 30 recertification date for certified parent peer specialists.
If your certificate expires September 30, 2027, it will now remain valid through February 28, 2028. If your certificate expires September 30, 2028, it will now remain valid through February 28, 2029.
| Original Recertification Date (As found on certificate) | Updated Recertification Date | CEH Hours Completion Window |
|---|---|---|
| Prior to January 30, 2026 | No change | (As noted in certification letter) |
| January 30, 2026 | No change | February 1, 2024 to January 30, 2026 |
| September 30, 2026 | No change | October 1, 2024 to September 30, 2026 |
| January 30, 2027 | February 28, 2028 | February 1, 2025 to February 28, 2028 |
| September 30, 2027 | February 28, 2028 | October 1, 2025 to February 28, 2028 |
| January 30, 2028 | February 28, 2029 | February 1, 2026 to February 1, 2029 |
| September 30, 2028 | February 28, 2029 | October 1, 2026 to February 28, 2029 |
In the event that your employer or supervisor requires documentation, the letter below may be provided.
CPS/CPPS Recertification Information
The Wisconsin peer specialist certification is valid for two years. In this two-year period, 20 total hours of continuing education hours (CEH) must be completed to qualify for recertification. Recertification documents and the $55 fee are due by February 28 every two years from the year you passed the exam.
Questions about recertification? Visit the UW-Milwaukee School of Continuing Education peer specialist webpage for more or contact uwm-peerspecialist@uwm.edu.
CPS Continuing Education Requirements
A minimum of 1.5 hours of continuing education is required in each of the following topic areas:
- Cultural Humility
- Ethics and Boundaries
- Substance Use Specific
- Mental Health Specific
- Trauma-Informed Care
- Peer Specialist Specific
The remaining 11 hours may be in any category of your choosing as it relates to the peer specialist role.
CPPS Continuing Education Requirements
A minimum of 3 hours of continuing education is required in each of the following topic areas:
- Cultural Humility
- Ethics and Boundaries
- Parent Peer Specialist Specific
- Child/Adolescent Development or Parenting
The remaining 8 hours may be in any category of your choosing as it relates to the parent peer specialist role.
PRC Continuing Education Requirements
Peer recovery coaches (PRC) are required to receive 8 hours of annual training pertinent to the services they provide.
You will need to submit documentation of these hours directly to your employer. Training documentation should be kept for potential audits.