Texas Peer Specialist CORE training application

19.5 Hour training consisting of the Health and Human Services CORE training curriculum. Completion of this training and the knowledge assessment will satisfy the Texas state prerequisite for Mental Health Peer Specialist and Recovery Support Peer Specialist supplemental trainings.

In Texas, the Peer Specialist CORE training is a required, three-day interactive training for individuals with lived experience in mental health recovery, substance use recovery, or co-occurring sustained recovery who wish to become certified as Mental Health Peer Specialists (MHPS) or Recovery Support Peer Specialists (RSPS). This foundational program introduces key principles, roles, and skills of peer support. Participants must complete an online orientation and self-assessment before enrolling.

After finishing the CORE training and passing a knowledge assessment, they can pursue specialized MHPS or RSPS training and certification. This training prepares future peer specialists to support others effectively in their recovery journey.

Please note: all applicants must be a resident of Texas, at least 18 years old, and have completed the HHSC Orientation and Self-Assessment.

"*" indicates required fields

Personal Information

Name*

Please provide your legal name as it will appear on your certificate of completion.

First Middle Last Suffix

Preferred Name

If different from above

First Middle Last Suffix

Email*

Please enter the email address you will use to register and attend the class.

Enter Email Confirm Email

Phone*

Date of Birth*

(must be over 18)

MM slash DD slash YYYY

Gender*

Male

Female

Transgender (Male to Female)

Transgender (Female to Male)

Gender non-conforming

Prefer not to answer

Other

Preferred Language*

English

Spanish

Both English and Spanish

Other

Race and / or Ethnicity*

Please select all that apply.

American Indian or Alaska Native (Individuals with origins in any of the original peoples of North, Central, and South America, including, for example, Navajo Nation, Blackfeet Tribe of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation of Montana, Native Village of Barrow Iñupiat Traditional Government, Nome Eskimo Community, Aztec, and Maya)

Asian (Individuals with origins in any of the original peoples of Central or East Asia, Southeast Asia, or South Asia, including, for example, Chinese, Asian Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, Korean, and Japanese)

Black or African American (Includes individuals with origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa, including, for example, African American, Jamaican, Haitian, Nigerian, Ethiopian, and Somali)

Hispanic or Latino/a (Includes individuals of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, Cuban, Dominican, Guatemalan, and other Central or South American or Spanish culture or origin)

Middle Eastern or North African (Individuals with origins in any of the original peoples of the Middle East or North Africa, including, for example, Lebanese, Iranian, Egyptian, Syrian, Iraqi, and Israeli)

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (Individuals with origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands, including, for example, Native Hawaiian, Samoan, Chamorro, Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese)

White (Individuals with origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, including, for example, English, German, Irish, Italian, Polish, and Scottish)

Another race or ethnicity (please specify)

Prefer not to answer

Specify other race / ethnicity

Address*

Applicants must live, or work full-time, in Texas.

Street Address Address Line 2 City State ZIP Code

County (Texas Residents)*

County (if you live outside of Texas)

If you live in another state, please enter your county or parish.

Education & Eligibility Requirements

Have you completed the online Health and Human Services Orientation and Self Assessment? (This is required, you may access it through the link below.)*

The initial online assessment is available on the HHSC Website through the following link: Self-Assessment

Yes

Do you have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent?*

A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent credential is required for peer specialist certification. You will be asked to provide documentation (e.g., diploma, transcript, or equivalent).

Yes

I am working on it and will finish before the class start date.

I need help to enroll in GED classes and would like to be added to a waitlist.

What is your citizenship status?*

Your response will not impact your standing with our organization.

U.S. Citizen

U.S. Permanent Resident (green card holder)

Other / Not a U.S. Citizen

Prefer Not To Answer

Background & Motivation

Please describe your lived experience and why you would like to complete the peer specialist CORE training.*

*Lived experience is required for peer specialist certification, and to attend this training. Lived experience is something that we experience that is so impactful that it becomes part of our identity.

Do you intend to seek certification as a Texas State Peer support specialist after completion of this training?*

Yes

Maybe/I don't know

Are you able to pass a history and registry background check?*

A background check is required by the state for certification. A past record does not automatically disqualify you. Applicants must pass criminal history and registry checks as described in TAC rule §354.3201 (relating to Criminal History and Registry Checks)

Yes

Maybe / I don't know

Are you willing to attend class for the duration of the training, arrive on time, and stay until the end?*

Yes

Refresher

Are you applying to take this course as a refresher?

Yes

I was certified, and my certification lapsed. I am applying to achieve my certification again.

Other

Accessibility Needs

Do you have access to a computer or laptop that you can use for the duration of the training in a stationary location?*

Yes

Please list any special accommodations you will need to effectively complete this training.*

If you do not require any, please enter N/A.

Attestation

Are you willing to complete a short post training follow up survey?*

Yes

Signature*

By signing, I attest that I have completed this application accurately and completely to the best of my current knowledge.

Texas Peer Specialist CORE training application