The Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) training program prepares individuals who are successfully engaged in long-term recovery with mental health and/or substance use conditions and maintaining their mental wellness to help others in their recovery process. Because of their own recovery experiences, CPSWS are uniquely qualified to enhance services delivered by provider agencies and other organizations. Peer support is “a system of giving and receiving help founded on key principles of respect, shared responsibility, and mutual agreement of what is helpful.” (Mead 2001).
Certified Peer Support Workers (CPSWs) are individuals who have been in recovery for an extended period of a minimum (3) or more years, achieving mental health wellness and/or not engaged in substance use. These individuals have completed the training program and certification exam provided by New Mexico’s state approved credentialing board.
They are trained to provide various support services and assist others in navigating recovery systems. Their personal recovery experiences uniquely qualify them to improve services offered by provider agencies and other organizations. Their recovery stories inspire hope and empower others.
CPSWs in New Mexico are employed in provider settings such as peer-run wellness centers, Managed Care Organizations, and community agencies.
For Additional Information Contact:
Office of Peer Recovery & Engagement (OPRE)
Phone: 505-470-3311
Email: opre.bhsd@hca.nm.gov
The Office of Peer Recovery & Engagement (OPRE), part of the Behavioral Health Services Division of the New Mexico Human Services Department, offers a training program for individuals seeking Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) certification to work in the state of New Mexico.
The program consists of 40 hours of classroom instruction delivered over five days. Topics include:
The curriculum equips participants with the skills and knowledge needed for peer support work, along with an understanding of how peer support services are structured across New Mexico.
To earn certification, participants must complete the full five-day training and pass New Mexico’s certification exam with a score of 75% or higher. Certification is valid for two years and requires 40 hours of continuing education units (CEUs) to renew, including 6 hours each in ethics and cultural humility. CEU topics and resources are covered during training.
Registration for the CPSW exam opens immediately upon successful completion of the training.
The CPSW training dates for the remainder of 2026 have been announced: August 17-21, September 28-October 2, October 26-30, and November 30-December 4. Applicants will be vetted in the order they are received, as the CPSW application process has been revised as of May 4, 2026 to accommodate the increased demand for certification. The new application process is no longer limited to a certain day and time when applications will be accepted. Now, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications will be vetted in the order they are received. Successful applicants will be added to the next available training class, based on their application date. Please note that every successfully vetted applicant will have a spot in a training class. The date will depend on the level of demand.
Please read the Readiness Guide below to prepare for the application process.
*Vetted applicants, if invited, must be available to attend all five days of training, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. MDT.
The heart of CPSW work lies in a person’s ability to connect with another individual through shared lived experience. For that reason, character reference letters must reflect first-hand knowledge of the applicant’s character and their recovery journey. Letters must also include valid contact information for the person who wrote them, as references will be verified.
Requirements
To qualify for this training, you must complete the online application and agree to partake in a brief (15–20 minute) telephone interview. The application requires the following documentation: *All documents will be verified for authenticity.
Must not have any pending convictions or charges, nor a history of sexual/sexual-related offenses. OPRE accepts applicants with convictions for CPSW training except for sexual offenses. Candidates should check the National Sex Offender Public Website at https://www.nsopw.gov/ as the registry may be reviewed for all applications.
Additionally, each agency has regulations, rules, policies, and procedures that may prevent individuals with felony backgrounds from employment. Note: this requirement is not limited to individuals on this website.
Fees
There are no fees. OPRE provides supplies used in exercises, a training manual, resource lists, and an exam study guide.
Please read the entire Training Readiness Guide. Highlights are outlined below:
Embarking on a career as a Certified Peer Support Worker (CPSW) can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its share of challenges and stress. Before you decide to apply for certification training, it’s important to consider the following factors:
1. Emotional Preparedness
Supporting others in their recovery journey requires a deep emotional commitment and resilience. You will be dealing with individuals facing various challenges, and your ability to empathize and provide support is crucial.
2. Time Commitment
The CPSW training program is intensive and requires your full dedication. You’ll need to attend all five days of class, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., without missing any sessions. If you miss a class or are more than 10 minutes late to any one class, you will not be allowed to continue the training.
3. Training Environment
The training takes place in a formal classroom setting, where you’ll be expected to focus during class time and review materials outside of class. It involves interactive activities, role-playing, and group work.
4. Stress Management
As a CPSW, you’ll encounter stressful situations. The training includes stress management techniques, but it’s important to recognize your own stressors and have coping strategies in place.
5. Dress Code and Professionalism
The training expects professional business casual attire. It is crucial to comply with this dress code and uphold a professional demeanor throughout the training. Avoid wearing clothing that advertises or promotes drugs, alcohol, or sex. Shorts of any kind, T-shirts, torn pants, or other attire unsuitable for a workplace setting should also be avoided.
6. Travel and Accommodations
If you are traveling to attend the training, consider the logistics of lodging and transportation. The training starts early Monday morning and ends late Friday afternoon. *Trainings are virtual until further notice.
7. Support System
Having a strong support system in place, both personally and professionally, can be beneficial. It’s important to have people you can turn to for advice, guidance, and emotional support.
8. Self-Care
Prioritize self-care during the training and throughout your career as a CPSW. Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being is essential to effectively support others.
Cost of Training & Exam
*Please note all classes are virtual until otherwise notified.
Training is provided at no cost, and OPRE supplies materials for exercises, including a training manual, resource lists, and an exam study guide. These materials will be provided before the first class and should be kept for certification testing and your CPSW career. Please bring pens or pencils, paper, and highlighters. If you require additional supplies during the all-week training, please bring them.
For in-person classes, participants are responsible for covering travel and hotel expenses. Continental breakfast, lunch, and beverages will be provided free of charge Monday through Thursday. Please note that on Friday, participants are responsible for their own lunch.
Cancellations for Training
Learners must provide at least five (5) business days’ advance notice if unable to attend the one-week (5-day) training. Failure to provide timely notice may result in a waiting period of up to one (1) year before reapplying. In case of a personal or medical emergency preventing attendance, please contact OPRE (contact information is listed below).
Testing, Certification and Recertification
To earn certification, participants must complete the five-day training course and pass New Mexico’s certification exam with a score of 75% or better (45 correct answers out of 60 questions). The NMCBBHP schedules certification exams with a testing company and will schedule each participant.
For more information, contact the New Mexico Credentialing Board for Behavioral Health Professionals by phone, 505-974-5090; email Info@nmcbbhp.org, or online at https://nmcbbhp.org/contact/.
OPRE applicants must have a login in order to access the application when the open window begins. Please use the OPRE Request Sign-Up button to fill out your information. This is a fully automated process.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Only use trusted, established browsers to apply. Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari. The application is best used on standard desktops or laptops (not convertible, tablet-style Chromebooks or Surface Pro).