Course Description

The CPS Certification Training is a 75-hour hybrid training fully authorized by the PA Certification Board (PCB). The class is delivered live (in-person) during the first week, and Online via Zoom the second week.  

The training provides foundational knowledge, skills and values that equip individuals to work as Peer Supporters in the state of Pennsylvania.  This training costs $1400.00  

The CPS Certification Training includes the following topics:

  • The history of Recovery and Peer Support
  • Recovery Values
  • WRAP Seminar I
  • CPS Core Competencies
  • Outreach and Engagement
  • Stages of Change
  • Introduction to Motivational Interviewing
  • Ethics and Boundaries
  • Documentation
  • Mental Models / Ladder of Inference
  • Diversity and Worldview
  • Support for Transitions
  • Credentialing and Job Search

Successful completion of this training requires consistent attendance, full participation in activities and assignments, as well as satisfactory scores on two weekly tests.  Successful completion of this course renders the learner eligible to sit for the PA Certification Board exam, which is required for full certification.

Location and Facilities

We are privileged to hold our classes at the spectacular Berks County Community Foundation. This environmentally green building is located at 237 Court St, Reading, PA 19601. Their mission is to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County, Pennsylvania. In addition to hosting events and community meetings they also provide a wide variety of grants, scholarships, and educational programs. To learn more, click here:  https://bccf.org/

Conveniently located in the heart of Reading close to restaurants and stores, there is also affordable parking adjacent to their building. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does the PA Certification Board recognize this training?

    Yes! We are an authorized vendor for Certified Peer Specialist training.

  • Are there Scholarships available?

    Funding for this course may be available from your local Office of Vocational rehabilitation, Behavioral Health Administration, or Veteran's Administration. Please email us at [email protected] for other possible funding opportunities.

  • What education do I need to qualify?

    To qualify for Certified Peer Specialist Training, you must: (a) Have a high school diploma or a general equivalency degree. (b) Identify as a Peer or person with lived experience with Mental Health experience. (c) Within the last (3) years, has maintained at least 12 months of successful full or part-time paid or voluntary work experience or obtained at least 24 credit hours of post-secondary education.

  • What is the training schedule?

    The classes are held on weekdays, Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

  • Can I attend Online?

    Yes! the PCB has now authorized Online training for 1/2 of all CPS courses. Please note that this training still requires 1 week of In-Person courses.

Instructors

Learning and Development Specialist

Carrie Tann-Cooper, B.F.A., MS

Carrie Tann-Cooper, (she/her/hers) is a Certified Peer Specialist, certified WRAP II facilitator and a Learning and Development Specialist. Carrie earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Rosemont College in 2017 and her Master of Science degree from Full Sail University in 2019. Prior to joining the Institute, she spent eight years as an early childhood educator as well as an elementary teacher in Pennsylvania and Delaware. In 2021, Carrie partnered with the Lions Club International where she created and facilitated a free mentorship program for underserved young-adults in Delaware that focused on college prep, mental and physical health and life skills pertinent to entering into adulthood. Throughout her career as an educator, Carrie has gained extensive experience with writing and implementing curricula, as well as experience with teaching and working with children and young adults who have autism, learning disabilities, and behavioral challenges. Carrie has a passion for facilitating trainings for all age groups and uses storytelling and real-life experiences to enhance the materials for the classes she teaches.

Learning and Development Specialist

Charlotte Andrews LBS, LPC, CESP, ACS, JD

Charlotte Andrews is a Licensed Professional Counselor & Professor of Psychology. She received a law degree from Mitchell Hamline School of Law to pursue an ambition to advocate for reintegration efforts and criminal justice reform through a mental health law and advocacy lens. Charlotte also serves as the Clinical Director for Black Men Heal which provides free therapy to men of color across 9 states and growing, and also serves as a professional consultant through her consulting and education practice “Journey To Lotus LLC.” Her treatment philosophy is "when we know what it is, we know what to do!" In her spare time, she is an avid line dancer who loves to travel, eat good food, and enjoy most spending time with the ones she loves.