DSS Sponsored CPS Training – Missouri Peer Specialist

2026 CPS Virtual Training Department of Social Services CPS Special Training

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Do you have access to technology to be on Zoom WITH the camera Feature?*

*These trainings are a combination of Zoom meetings and watching videos. You must have technology available to be on Zoom with the camera feature so you can be seen and interact with the trainers and other participants.

Yes

Important Notice to Applicants

Without access to technology available to be on Zoom WITH camera feature we cannot currently offer the training to you. Please contact the Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB), 428 East Capitol 3rd Floor Jefferson City, Missouri 65101 573.616.2300 fax: 573.616.2303 help@missouricb.com

Important Notice to Applicants

According to Missouri Credentialing Board (MCB) Policies and Procedures, the following rules apply to those seeking a MCB credential.

1. The following items disqualify an individual from obtaining the CPS with the MCB: A. Is listed on the Department of Mental Health disqualification registry B. Is listed on the employee disqualification list of the Dept. Health and Senior Services or Dept. of Social Services C. Any crime against a minor D. A person who has been convicted of, found guilty to, plead guilty to or nolo contendere to any of the Disqualifying Crime (s) Pursuant to Section 630.170, RSMo. The crime (s) will only disqualify an applicant if the crime (s) were a felony. Please view information about Section 630.170, RSMo on the MCB web site www.missouricb.com under the Disqualifying Crimes Link.
2. If an individual has applied for and been given an exception from the Department of Mental Health, the individual may apply for a MCB credential. Please send in proof of exception with your application.
3. If an individual will not be working in a Department of Mental Health certified agency and would still like to be credentialed, the individual may apply directly to the Missouri Credentialing Board exceptions committee.

Acknowledgement of MCB’s Policy and Procedures regarding obtaining an exception from either the Department of Mental Health or the Missouri Credentialing Board.*

I acknowledge I have read and understand MCB’s Policy and Procedures regarding obtaining an exception from either the Department of Mental Health or the Missouri Credentialing Board. If I am denied an exception from either agency, I am not entitled to a refund, as the $75.00 fee was for the training and not the Certified Peer Specialist application.

Your Name*

First Middle Last

Your Email Address:*

Your Phone Number:*

Please list a number where we may contact you.

Address*

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

1. List the county in which you reside.*

2026 CPS Virtual Basic Training Dates

Please select a training date preference below.

2. Which Training Date would you prefer?*

Please select a training date preference

August 17-21, 2026: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Mon-Fri)

Sept. 14-18, 2026: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Mon-Fri)

To enroll in this specific Peer Support Specialist training class, individuals must meet certain requirements due to the funding source. Continuing to enroll in this training session, the individual attests to the following:

I attest that I am Between the ages of 16-24 without a minor child, or over the age of 25 with a minor child. Individuals may be pregnant or be a non-custodial parent.

Yes

I attest that I earn at or below the 200% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) of the person’s household size. The chart below shows the 2025 FPL Guidelines for household sizes up to 14 individuals.

Yes

You are ineligible to proceed with this training date as you do not meet the qualifications for funding by the Department of Social Services, Office of Workforce & Community Initiatives Team (OWCI). Please select an alternative date. For further assistance, please contact the Missouri Credentialing Board at help@missouricb.com.

3. Are you currently employed?*

Yes

4. List the last two jobs you have held, the name of your employers, and the dates of your employment.*

(Note: an employment history is not necessary for consideration.)

5. In order to attend this training you must have proof of a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma or higher. Do you have a HSE or higher?*

Yes

If you do not have proof of a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma or higher please contact the Missouri Credentialing Board, 573.616.2300, help@missouricb.com, for further assistance.

What is your highest level of education? Examples: High School Diploma, GED, Vocational Certificate (indicate specialty), Associate's Degree (indicate concentration), Bachelor's Degree (indicate major), Other (specify)*

6. Are you someone with lived experience with a behavioral health disorder? For purposes of this application, behavioral health disorder means mental health, substance use, or co-occurring disorder. (You must have lived experience with a behavioral health disorder.)*

Yes

If you do not have lived experience with a behavioral health disorder. please contact the Missouri Credentialing Board, 573.616.2300, help@missouricb.com, for further assistance.

7. What is your personal definition of recovery?*

8. Helping people in recovery can be very intense work. The core principle of peer support is sharing lived experience. Are you at a point in your recovery that qualifies you to use your personal experiences to help other individuals in their recovery journey?*

Yes

How do you know?*

9. Are you willing to disclose to peers, staff and the general public that you have lived experience with a behavioral health disorder?*

Yes

10. You will be expected to participate in discussions and role-plays using elements of your own recovery story. Are you comfortable sharing your recovery story with others during the training?*

Yes

11. You will also be required to listen to the recovery stories of others. Sometimes these stories may be uncomfortable for you, particularly if they touch upon one of your "triggers." Are you okay with this?*

Yes

12. The required training is intensive and can be fatiguing. Do you feel you generally have the energy to stay focused and alert?*

Yes

13. The training is highly interactive and requires activities that involve small groups, role-playing, and reading to the group. Are you comfortable with this kind of participation?*

Yes

14. Describe how your personal recovery journey has helped you to get where you are today.*

15. What are some of the things you do on a regular basis to keep yourself focused on your recovery?*

16. Describe at least two of your strengths and how they have helped you in your recovery.*

17. What is your plan to deal with triggers and/or a recurrence of your symptoms?*

18. Have you ever led a group?*

Yes

If yes, what did you like about it?*

If no, how do you feel about leading a group?*

19. Have you ever taught a class?*

Yes

If yes, what did you like about it?*

If no, how do you feel about teaching a class?*

20. Describe your best experience in employment, service work, or volunteer work and what made it meaningful.*

21. Describe your support system and how it has helped you in your recovery.*

22. Describe why you want to become a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS).*

23. Why do you believe you would be a good candidate to work with peers in the behavioral health disorder recovery field?*

24. Is there anything else you would like us to know?*

25. Have you ever applied and not been accepted to Certified Peer Specialist Training?*

Yes

IF the answer is yes, please list the year and location of that training.*

Test Monitor Information

Please provide a name, phone number and e-mail address of someone who will be able to serve in the capacity of a test monitor while you take the required online exam after you complete the training. A proctor does not have to be a technical expert, nor do you have to hold a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) Certification to be a proctor. However, the Missouri Credentialing Board does require that a proctor have a “professional” working relationship with the applicant: Supervisor, sponsor, minister, etc.

Important Test Monitor Information

Test Monitor's Name*

Please do not put your name in this section.

First Last

Test Monitor's Phone Number*

Test Monitor's Email*

I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored*

yes

CPS Participant Training Contract

Important Test Monitor Information

CPS Participant Training Contract:  I understand that the CPS training is a professional training and that I will be held to professional training standards that have been set by the Missouri Credentialing Board. I further understand that if I do not adhere to the standards listed below, I may be asked to leave the training by the instructor and no refund will be issued.
Expectations for the Training

You must attend all training sessions. If an emergency arises you are allowed to miss up to three hours total. If you miss more than three hours, you are not eligible to receive a certificate of completion nor take the exam. (This includes reporting late, extra time out for breaks/lunches, etc.  Time away from the training is designed for emergency situations only and must have been approved by the trainers—this does not give you the ability to leave early from the training if you attended all week).
 	Actively engage in training sessions. Be alert and attentive to presenters and activities. Don’t be disruptive. Wait until after training sessions to have all non-training-related conversations. (If you are sleeping—you are not participating).  For virtual trainings, you must have your camera turned on and the instructor must be able to see you on camera at all times.  If you are not actively participating in sessions and on camera at all times, you will be considered absent.
 	Be respectful and courteous in all presentations.
 	Turn off cell phones during presentations. Do not use telephones or text messaging during training sessions. (You will be able to check cell phones, emails, etc. during you hourly breaks or during lunch).</li>
 	Turn off any personal music players, electronic organizers, and other electronic devices during presentations.
 	Personal Hygiene—During this training you are expected to always present yourself in a professional manner. It’s a large part of appropriate business conduct. The training rooms are often small and therefore be aware of others around you. Examples would include: daily baths or showers, using deodorant, hair-washing and avoiding offensive personal habits such as spitting and passing gas. Hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers has gained importance as a protection against the spread of illnesses. If you do wear perfume, please ensure that it is to a minimum as some attendees may have allergies to certain fragrances.
 	If the trainer believes you are under the influence of any substance you will be removed immediately from the training.</li>
 	If you are removed from the training for any reason, your proctor will be notified by the Missouri Credentialing Board.</li>
 	It is at the discretion of the trainers as to whether an attendee will be removed from the training and no refund will be issued by the Missouri Credentialing Board.</li>
 	I understand the training fee is nonrefundable and cannot be transferred to another training date or location.</li>
 	You must fill out an evaluation at the conclusion of the training in order to receive your training certificate.  Please note that a training certificate is not the same as being a credentialed peer.
 	Therefore, after the training you understand you must pass the CPS exam and then in order to become a credentialed peer, you must complete the Certified Peer Specialist application and submit to the Missouri Credentialing Board for review.  Once you are approved you will receive a welcome letter from the MCB as well as a CPS credentialing certificate.

I understand the training fee is nonrefundable and cannot be transferred to another training date or location.

CPS Participant Training Contract: I understand that the CPS training is a professional training and that I will be held to professional training standards that have been set by the Missouri Credentialing Board. I further understand that if I do not adhere to the standards listed below, I may be asked to leave the training by the instructor and no refund will be issued.

Expectations for the Training

You must attend all training sessions. If an emergency arises you are allowed to miss up to three hours total. If you miss more than three hours, you are not eligible to receive a certificate of completion nor take the exam. (This includes reporting late, extra time out for breaks/lunches, etc. Time away from the training is designed for emergency situations only and must have been approved by the trainers—this does not give you the ability to leave early from the training if you attended all week).
Actively engage in training sessions. Be alert and attentive to presenters and activities. Don’t be disruptive. Wait until after training sessions to have all non-training-related conversations. (If you are sleeping—you are not participating). For virtual trainings, you must have your camera turned on and the instructor must be able to see you on camera at all times. If you are not actively participating in sessions and on camera at all times, you will be considered absent.
Be respectful and courteous in all presentations.
Turn off cell phones during presentations. Do not use telephones or text messaging during training sessions. (You will be able to check cell phones, emails, etc. during you hourly breaks or during lunch).
Turn off any personal music players, electronic organizers, and other electronic devices during presentations.
Personal Hygiene—During this training you are expected to always present yourself in a professional manner. It’s a large part of appropriate business conduct. The training rooms are often small and therefore be aware of others around you. Examples would include: daily baths or showers, using deodorant, hair-washing and avoiding offensive personal habits such as spitting and passing gas. Hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers has gained importance as a protection against the spread of illnesses. If you do wear perfume, please ensure that it is to a minimum as some attendees may have allergies to certain fragrances.
If the trainer believes you are under the influence of any substance you will be removed immediately from the training.
If you are removed from the training for any reason, your proctor will be notified by the Missouri Credentialing Board.
It is at the discretion of the trainers as to whether an attendee will be removed from the training and no refund will be issued by the Missouri Credentialing Board.
I understand the training fee is nonrefundable and cannot be transferred to another training date or location.
You must fill out an evaluation at the conclusion of the training in order to receive your training certificate. Please note that a training certificate is not the same as being a credentialed peer.
Therefore, after the training you understand you must pass the CPS exam and then in order to become a credentialed peer, you must complete the Certified Peer Specialist application and submit to the Missouri Credentialing Board for review. Once you are approved you will receive a welcome letter from the MCB as well as a CPS credentialing certificate.

I understand the training fee is nonrefundable and cannot be transferred to another training date or location.

Signature

Signature*

My initial affirms that all of the information contained in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and has been completed by no other person. I understand that knowingly providing false information shall be grounds to deny my certification. I understand the training fee is nonrefundable and cannot be transferred to another training date or location.

Coupon*

If you have a coupon please use it here.

2026 CPS Virtual Training Department of Social Services CPS Special Training

Important Notice to Applicants

Important Notice to Applicants

2026 CPS Virtual Basic Training Dates

Test Monitor Information

CPS Participant Training Contract

Signature

MoPeerSpecialist.Org