How to become a Recovery Coach/Peer Advocate in New York State?

To become a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC) in New York; complete the required training, gain relevant experience, apply for certification. and pass the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) examination.

1. Training and Education:

CRPA: Requires 50 hours of approved training

Foundational training:

1) 30 hours – CCAR Recovery Coach Academy

2) 16 hours in Peer Ethics

3) 4 Medication-Supported Recovery (MSR)

or

Other NYCB approved, 50 total hours of foundational training that covers the domains* listed below.

Please go here to make sure your training is approved: https://www.asapnys.org/nycb-approved-training/

CARC: Requires 60 hours of approved training,

50 hours of foundational training (see above) + 10 hours of elective training.

To find upcoming training for CRPA and CARC go here: https://for-ny.org/upcoming-trainings/

2. Experience:

CRPA: Requires 500 hours of experience working within the role and 25 hours of supervision.

Role Experience: Can be paid or volunteer and must be documented and verified by a supervisor.

Supervision: 25 hours of supervision in individual or group sessions, as attested by a supervisor.

3. Apply and pay application & exam fees CRPA CRPA-P

*Required Domains: advocacy, mentoring, education, recovery wellness support, ethical responsibility, and MSR.

Clarification of Roles involved in certification:
It is important to understand the different roles that each organization/entity plays.  See below for brief explanations and links to understand more.

The New York Certification Board – (NYCB)

Trainers

The Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)

Friends of Recovery – New York

Curriculum Developers:

One of the first recovery coach training courses was the Recovery Coach Academy (RCA) developed by Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR).  Many trainers use this curriculum. Other CRPA role training curriculum have subsequently been developed.  Please check with NYCB to make sure the training you are signing up for is approved for foundational learning.

These trainings are designed for individuals involved in the recovery initiation of others and/or in sustained recovery themselves and want to become a guide and mentor for others seeking, or already living in, recovery.

The Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) model.

Upon Completion, Participants Are Able To:

• Describe the “Recovery Coach” role and functions
• List the components, core values and guiding principles of recovery
• Build skills to enhance relationships
• Explore many dimensions of recovery and recovery coaching
• Discover attitudes about self-disclosure and sharing your story
• Understand the stages of recovery
• Describe the stages of change and their applications
• Increase their awareness of culture, power and privilege
• Address ethical and boundaries issues
• Experience recovery wellness planning
• Practice newly acquired skills

CPRA Role Training and RCA training schedules and prices vary depending on the trainer.

View a schedule of upcoming trainings.  If you don’t see one scheduled in your region, or that fits your schedule please check back regularly. New training is added frequently.

Questions? Contact FOR-NY’s Director of Education and training,