OFFICIAL PATH • UPDATED JUNE 2026

How to Become a
Certified Peer Support
Specialist in Texas

Complete step-by-step guide combining official requirements from the Texas Certification Board (TCB), HHSC Orientation, and approved training providers including Peer Academy.

1000+ certified annually in Texas
THE BIG PICTURE

The Certification Journey in a Nutshell

Lived experience is your greatest qualification. The process typically takes 6–12 months and leads to a respected, in-demand credential that opens doors to meaningful, often Medicaid-reimbursable roles across Texas.

7
Clear Steps
250
Supervised Hours
2
Year Renewal

Step 0: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

MANDATORY

Before you invest time or money, confirm you meet these state requirements. These are non-negotiable for both initial and full certification through the Texas Certification Board (TCB).

Personal Requirements

  • ✓ Be at least 18 years old
  • ✓ Reside in Texas (or work primarily in Texas)
  • ✓ Hold a high school diploma or GED
  • ✓ Have lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use recovery, or both
  • ✓ Be willing to appropriately share your personal recovery story
  • ✓ Be in current self-directed recovery

Background & Legal

  • ✓ Pass a criminal history and registry background check (TCB requirement)
  • ✓ No disqualifying offenses per Texas Administrative Code
  • Tip: Start the background check process early — it can take several weeks.
THE OFFICIAL ROADMAP

7 Clear Steps to Full Certification

This pathway is compiled from official TCB, HHSC, and approved training provider requirements (including Peer Academy).

1
Complete the HHSC State Orientation & Self-Attestation
This free online tool from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is the required first step. It helps you reflect on your readiness and lived experience.
What to do: Go through the self-assessment questions, review readiness statements, confirm qualifications, sign the attestation form, and download/print your signed PDF. You will need to upload this when applying for training.
Peer Academy hosts an easy version → or search “Texas Peer Support Orientation HHSC”.
2
Complete Core Training (Foundational)
Mandatory 3-day (approximately 19.5–24 hour) foundational training covering peer support principles, ethics, communication skills, trauma-informed care, and the unique peer role.
Approved providers: Peer Academy, Recovery People, others via TCB
Key Outcome: Certificate of completion + pass the knowledge assessment. This is required before any supplemental training.
3
Complete Supplemental Training (MHPS or RSPS)
After Core, choose your specialization based on your primary lived experience:
Mental Health Peer Specialist (MHPS)
40–46 hours • Focus: mental health recovery, crisis support, advocacy in behavioral health systems.
Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS)
40–46 hours • Focus: substance use recovery, harm reduction, multiple pathways, recovery capital.
You may pursue both (dual certification) if your lived experience qualifies you for each.
4
Apply for Initial 6-Month Certification
Submit your Core + Supplemental training certificates, signed Orientation Attestation, and application to the Texas Certification Board (TCB) through their Certemy portal.
Application Fee: $60 (covers initial + future full certification)
5
Complete 250 Hours of Supervised Work Experience
Work (paid or volunteer) under the direct supervision of a Certified Peer Specialist Supervisor (PSS). Hours must be documented and verified.
Where to find supervision:
• Your employer (if they have a PSS)
• Peer Academy supervision programs (Group, 1-on-1, or PACE)
• PeerHubTX job board and connections
This step builds real-world skills and is often where people begin earning income in the field.
6
Submit Hours & Apply for Full Certification
Once your 250 hours are complete and signed off by your PSS, submit everything through the TCB Certemy portal along with a Letter of Recommendation from your supervisor.
You will receive your full 2-year certification upon approval.
7
Maintain & Renew Your Certification
Full certification is valid for 2 years. You must complete required Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and pay renewal fees to maintain your credential. Many providers (including Peer Academy) offer affordable CEU options and supervision for certified peers.

Where to Get Your Training

Peer Academy
Highly Recommended • Scholarships Available
State-approved live online training (Zoom). Strong curriculum, supportive community, and generous scholarships that often cover 100% of costs.
Visit PeerAcademy.org
Recovery People
Approved Provider
Offers Texas Peer Support Core Training and related programs.
Apply for Core Training
TCB & PeerHubTX
Official Directory
Find all approved trainers, current schedules, and job opportunities across Texas.
→ TCB Certification Page → PeerHubTX Directory

Essential Resources & Next Actions

Official Links

• Texas Certification Board (TCB) – Official Applications • PeerHubTX – Training Schedule & Jobs • Peer Academy – Training + Scholarships • Recovery People – Core Training Application

Financial Support

Many people complete training at little or no cost through scholarships.

  • • Peer Academy offers need-based scholarships covering up to 100% of training, supervision, and CEUs.
  • • Apply early when submitting your training application.
  • • Some employers reimburse training costs after you are hired.
SELF-ASSESSMENT

Am I Ready? Quick Checklist

You’re Ready to Start

The path is clear. Your lived experience is valuable. Thousands of Texans have walked this road and are now helping others in recovery.

This study guide is a helpful summary for educational purposes. Always verify the most current requirements directly with the Texas Certification Board and your chosen training provider.