Training courses for prospective certified peer specialists (CPS) and certified parent peer specialists (CPPS) consist of 52 hours of content and are facilitated by qualified CPS and CPPS trainers. The Division of Care and Treatment Services worked with peers as well as agencies and organizations that employ certified peer specialists and certified parent peer specialists to develop the content for the training courses.
Course Content
CPS training topics include:
Principles of strengths-based recovery
Certified peer specialist practice overview
Ethics and boundaries in peer support
OARS communication framework (open questions, affirmations, reflective listening, summary)
Advocating alongside peers, as a professional, for the CPS role, and systems change
Professionally advocate alongside peers for the CPS role and systems change
Effective self-disclosure and sharing
Culture, power, and privilege
Trauma-informed peer support
Person-centered approaches and supporting many pathways to recovery
Navigating crises in the peer support relationship
CPPS training topics include:
Child development
Family resilience
Trauma-informed care
Family-driven support
Mental health recovery
Substance use challenges
Advocating alongside families
Youth and family service system navigation
Effective self-disclosure and communication
Training Eligibility and Registration Process
The new training eligibility and registration process for the peer specialist training course is outlined below.
Applications for the CPS and CPPS training will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Applicants will no longer have to submit an application for each individual training opportunity.
Once your application is reviewed and you have been found eligible, you will be given access to register for trainings as they become available.
WiHPP is currently finalizing the processes for a new registration system which will streamline an applicant’s ability to register for trainings.
Minimum CPS/CPPS eligibility requirements:
18+ years old
Live or work in Wisconsin
High school diploma/GED
Personal lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use challenges, or both (CPS only)
Lived experience as a parent of an individual who has experienced mental health or substance use challenges (CPPS only)
Step 1: Apply for Training Eligibility
Applications will be reviewed by qualified peer trainer reviewers who are looking for evidence of lived experience and ability to participate in the training.
Follow the steps below to submit a training eligibility application:
Open the training eligibility application.
Select the blue “Apply” button.
If you’re a new user, you will need to register and create an account.
Important: Be sure to register as an individual when creating an account.
Returning users should log in using their existing account credentials.
After you submit your application, you will be notified of your eligibility status and if any follow up action is needed. You should receive notification regarding your eligibility status within 2-4 weeks of application submission.
If you are eligible, you will receive information on how to access the training registration system and register for available trainings.
If you are not eligible, you will receive information about why the decision was made and any steps you may take to be eligible in the future.
Upcoming CPS and CPPS Trainings
WiHPP is currently in the process of organizing and scheduling trainings for 2027, as soon as more trainings are scheduled, they will be posted here.
There are currently two CPS training courses left in 2026 and both will be open ONLY to residents in Milwaukee County and hosted by our partners at Wisconsin Community Services. The trainings will be held virtually through Zoom and details are listed below.
Certified Peer Specialist Training
November 2-30, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Trainers: Melissa Heath and Startina White
Please Note: Registration for this training is limited to individuals who reside in Milwaukee County.
Date
Day and Time
Hours
Total
November 2
Monday (4-8PM)
4
4
November 3
Tuesday (4-8PM)
4
8
November 4
Wednesday (4-8PM)
4
12
November 5
Thursday (4-8PM)
4
16
November 9
Monday (4-8PM)
4
20
November 10
Tuesday (4-8PM)
4
24
November 11
Wednesday (4-8PM)
4
28
November 12
Thursday (4-8PM)
4
32
November 16
Monday (4-8PM)
4
36
November 17
Tuesday (4-8PM)
4
40
November 18
Wednesday (4-8PM)
4
44
November 19
Thursday (4-8PM)
4
48
November 30
Monday (4-8PM)
4
52
Certified Peer Specialist Training
December 1-29, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual
Trainers: Melissa Heath and Melissa Drewisz
Please Note: Registration for this training is limited to individuals who reside in Milwaukee County.
If you are concerned about your ability to participate in a training due to access to technology, including a device and/or the internet, please reach out to WiHPP at citee-wihpp@uwm.edu.
Community-Funded Trainings
Information about sponsoring or hosting a training for your organization, agency, or project will be posted in this section. For now, contact WiHPP at citee-wihpp@uwm.edu with your requests.