To enroll in our DBHDS PRS certificate program, you must be at least 18 years old, have lived experience with mental health or substance use recovery, and be in stable recovery for at least one year. You also need to submit a completed VAPRS.Org Training application, pass a screening and trainer interview, and have a high school diploma or GED.

Our PRS certification program includes about 72 hours of training, usually completed over 5-6 weeks depending on the schedule. We offer evening cohorts and daytime internships to fit your needs.

Currently we offer Virtual options only. Eastern Standard time. Our in-person internships are held at our Franklin Training Center. A Hybrid experience could include combine online instruction with required in-person sessions for hands-on internship training if selected.

The full PRS certification program is $500. This includes e-training materials, but does not include supervision hours if needed, proctored examination fees. Payment plans are not available, and some scholarship opportunities exist for qualifying candidates. Additionally, our grant-funded peer training programs often include expanded services beyond the standard curriculum, offering further support and resources to enhance your learning experience. These expanded costs are generally covered by the sponsoring grant or funding source, not the individual participant.

Upon successful completion of the training and passing the DBHDS class, you will receive your Peer Recovery Specialist certificate recognized by the state to move forward with the completion of your 500 hours ours to sit for the state proctored exam. We also provide support for obtaining additional skills.

Certified PRS professionals can work in various settings such as treatment centers, hospitals, community mental health centers, recovery residences, and private practices. Many of our graduates find employment within months of certification. We also offer career placement assistance at Zeno Wellness Group for positions within Virginia.

You can get a full refund if you cancel at least 14 days before the course starts. If you cancel within 14 days, you'll receive a 50% refund or can transfer to a future cohort. No refunds are given after the course begins, but transfers may be arranged for extenuating circumstances before the class starts.

Yes! We offer a variety of continuing education workshops and courses for both certified and non-certified peer specialists. These cover specialized topics like trauma-informed care and advanced peer support techniques to help you maintain and enhance your skills.