Fee Schedule | Understanding your Application | Process for Approving/Denying Applications | Additional Certification Information
Apply for a Certification
Peer Review Specialists
- Apply Online
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This credential is not yet available through our online application portal. Please apply on the paper application.
- Apply on Paper
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The following forms are required to complete the application process. Please download and print the forms.
- Peer Support Specialist Application Packet (coming soon)
- Verification of Trainee Experience (coming soon)
- Verification of Non-Trainee Experience (coming soon)
- Attestation of Recovery for Certified Peer Support Specialists (coming soon)
If you are also submitting documentation to be an Approved Supervisor:
- Attestation of Joint Supervision Experience (coming soon)
- Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
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Certified Peer Support Specialists must renew their certification every two years on or before their birthday. They are required to submit the appropriate fee and renewal card.
Certified Peer Support Specialists must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) every two years. This two-year cycle may not start with your first credential, as the first credentials are often issued for less than two years to align with the applicant’s birthday. The first time the CE cycle starts is when the credential holder has a full two year issuance, where it is active on one birthday and expires 2 years later on your birthday.
Certified Peer Support Specialists must complete:
- At least 14 hours of peer-specific courses;
- At least 2 hours of Law and Ethics courses;
- The remaining 14 hours can be in topics related to counseling, coaching, professional development, or employer-sponsored trainings. This includes the specific trainings listed below for suicide prevention, health equity, and supervision.
- Three hours of training in suicide prevention, including screening and referral. The training must be repeated once every six years.
- Two hours in health equity every four years.
- For approved supervisors, six hours in supervision courses every two years.
All providers must take a 1 hour telehealth training prior to providing any telehealth services.
Additional information can be found on the continuing education webpage.
Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee
- Apply Online
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This credential is not yet available through our online application portal. Please apply on the paper application.
- Apply on Paper
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The following forms are required to complete the application process. Please download and print the forms.
- Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee Application Packet (coming soon)
- Attestation of Recovery for Certified Peer Support Specialists (coming soon)
- Renewal and Continuing Education Requirements
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Certified Peer Support Specialist trainees must renew their certification every year on the date of issuance.
Substance use disorder professional trainees must submit a signed declaration with their annual renewal that states they're either currently enrolled in an approved education program or have completed the educational requirements and are obtaining the experience requirements for a substance use disorder professional credential.
Additional information can be found on the continuing education webpage.
Fee Schedule
- Certified Peer Support Specialists
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- Application and certification - $100
- Renewal - $100
- Late renewal penalty - $50
- Expired reissuance - $50
- Duplicate certificate - $10
- Verification of credential - $25
- Examination fee - Pay exam company
- Retake examination fee - Pay exam company
Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are nonrefundable, per WAC 246-12-340.
- Certified Peer Support Specialist Trainee
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- Application - $0.00
- Renewal - $0.00
- Late renewal penalty - $0.00
- Expired reissuance - $0.00
- Duplicate certificate - $15
- Certification letter - $15
Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are nonrefundable, per WAC 246-12-340.
Understanding your Application
All professions within the Department of Health (DOH) are unique. While the sections identified below can often be found on most applications, it is important to be aware of the requirements and rules of your specific credential(s).
After you submit your application, please watch for email communication from DOH. Throughout the application process promptly reply to all questions and requests. Delayed responses cause a longer wait for your credential to be issued. We highly encourage using our online application services.
- Demographic Information
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Demographic data is used to create an account within the DOH database, verify your identity, and collect contact information. Please carefully provide accurate and complete answers to all applicable demographic questions.
- Military
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It is valuable to indicate your military or spouse status on your DOH application. Appropriate documentation is necessary for all military related applications, and it is important to be aware of documents you need to provide to DOH. In some cases, military education, training, and experience may count towards attaining certain health care professional credentials. As a spouse or registered domestic partner of a service member, you may be eligible to have the processing time of your application expedited.
To find information and resources for military personnel and their spouses visit the Military Resources website.
- Personal Data Questions
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All applicants must respond to the personal data questions, which focus on their ability to demonstrate the essential skills required for their profession.
Carefully review all questions. Please note that “yes” answers require an explanation and additional documentation as outlined on your application. If applicable, please be aware of the necessary documentation and provide it to DOH as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing your application.
- Other Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
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DOH must verify all other credentials. List all states, including Washington State, where credentials are or were held. If you have applicable credentials to list, you may be required to provide an Out-of-State Credential Verification form. This form can be found in the paper application packet or on the Apply for License page. The form must be sent to each state listed and returned to DOH.
Please remember to provide all in-state and out-of-state credentials, including active, expired, and in-renewal. Individual states may require a fee for sending your verification to us, please check in advance to help expedite this process.
- Education
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To verify, your qualifications, we must review all educational preparation and post-graduate training. Applicants must request official transcripts from the school(s) attended and the school needs to send them directly to DOH .
- Exam
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In some cases, passing an exam may be required to receive your credential. It is important to be aware of whether this applies to your credential. Exam scores must be sent from the exam host to the department. For more information on exams that may apply to your credential, visit your profession page.
- Supervised Experience
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Supervised experience may be necessary to receive your credential or maintain it as you practice. Supervision rules and requirements vary from profession to profession, please visit your professions page to learn more about supervision requirements for your credential.
Important Reminders
- Fees
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Fees must be paid when an application is submitted. You can pay online while using the online application portal, or by sending a check or money order to the appropriate P.O. Box as listed on your application.
Applications with unpaid fees cannot be processed until payment is received.
- Background Check
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A background check is processed for every applicant. DOH may need to obtain a fingerprint-based background check with the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If this is required for your application, you will be contacted by DOH and it is your responsibility to complete the required steps to submit this background check.
Process for Approving/Denying Applications
Credentialing staff members review the application and supporting documents to make an initial determination on eligibility. The recommendation is based upon the requirements outlined in RCW 18.205 and current rules located in chapter 246-929 WAC. Credentialing supervisors approve applications that don't have positive answers to personal data questions, have questionable verifying documents or are otherwise "exception" applications. "Exception" applications are forwarded to the exception application process for determination by the appropriate disciplinary authority. An applicant will be formally notified of a denial and has the opportunity for a hearing to appeal the decision. For more information about exception applications, please see the “Application Process” section of our Frequently Asked Questions.
Additional Certification Information
Contact and Connect
If you have questions about the application process, contact us.
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