2026 DBH Peer Specialist Certification Training Program & Waiver Testing

District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) is accepting applications for the 2026 DBH Peer Specialist Certification Training Program and Waiver Testing. There are three sessions scheduled for training classes and three for Waiver testing. Application deadlines, training dates, waiver testing and general instruction regarding practicum assignments for all sessions are provided in the class schedule section (see below).

Peer Specialists are self-identified people who are successful in the recovery process and use their experience to support others with similar experiences. Through mutual respect and shared understanding based on similar experiences, Peer Specialists help people get into treatment, navigate aspects our system of care and identify community resources necessary to make informed choices about their individual journeys of wellness and paths to recovery. The types of support provided by peers vary and can include supporting others living with mental and/or substance use disorders; parents and legal guardians of children or youth who have received services from the public mental health system; and returning citizens.

The Peer Specialist Certification Training Program provides the core curriculum, training and instruction required to obtain DBH’s Peer Specialist Certification. The training builds upon the experience of the participant with training in foundational competencies consistent with the national standards outlined by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA). The Peer Specialist Training will reinforce participants’ knowledge of recovery based on their individual experiences with the recovery process, bring a unique consumer perspective to person centered care and enrich the practice of peer recovery support services in the District of Columbia.

The Peer Specialist Certification Training Program helps prepare individuals to qualify for available Certified Peer Specialist jobs within the community behavioral health provider network. DBH encourages certified providers to include Certified Peer Specialists in their workforce. Under general supervision, a Certified Peer Specialist performs a wide range of tasks to help individuals regain control over their lives and their own recovery process.

A Certified Peer Specialist offers critical support in a variety of ways including:

•  Acting as a mentor and being present for those engaged in the recovery process.
• Helping people advocate for and access resources they need to support their recovery.
• Participating in the treatment team under supervision of a trained Behavioral Health Specialist.
• Leading recovery groups.
• Conducting surveys to gauge satisfaction with services.
• Bringing their personal experiences to decisions about program and policy development.
• Participating in community engagement activities to promote treatment and support services.

After successful completion of classroom training, an 80-hour field practicum must be completed with a behavioral health provider certified by the Department of Behavioral Health. Participants who successfully complete program requirements will receive two-year Peer Specialist Certification.

Who is eligible for the program? The Peer Specialist Certification Training Program is for self-identified current or former consumers of behavioral health services who can support other

individuals diagnosed with a mental illness and/or substance use disorder. To be eligible for consideration, applicant must be a District resident, at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma, GED, or higher, and in recovery from a mental illness and/or substance use disorder for two years or longer.

To be considered for a waiver, applicant must be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma, GED, or higher, and in recovery from a mental illness and/or substance use disorder for two years or longer, currently or formerly employed (including volunteer experience) in a peer capacity within a DC behavioral health system or its contractors for a minimum of five (5) years, or have current certification from another state or jurisdiction (in good standing).

How do I apply for the program? Complete application online and include a resume, proof of residency, evidence of education, and two letters of reference (no older than one year) using the appropriate application link below.

Application LInk(s):

Peer Specialist Application

Waiver Application

Application Deadline

Winter CPS Training Class 2026
Location	Training Dates and Time	Application Opens	Application Deadline
64 New York Ave NE Wash, DC 20002	January 26, 2026 - March 6, 2026 10:00am - 1:15pm	December 1, 2025	January 2, 2026 at 12:00pm
Orientation: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Field Practicum: March 9- April 17, 2026
Exam: April 20-21, 2026

 

Spring CPS Training Class 2026
Location	Training Dates and Time	Application Opens	Application Deadline
64 New York Ave NE Wash, DC 20002	April 27, 2026 - June 5, 2026 10:00am - 1:15pm	March 2, 2026	April 3, 2026
Orientation: Thursday, April 23, 2026
Field Practicum: June 8- July 17, 2026
Exam: July 20-21, 2026

 

Summer CPS Training Class 2026
Location	Training Dates and Time	Application Opens	Application Deadline
64 New York Ave NE Wash, DC 20002	July 6, 2026 - August 7, 2026 10:00am - 1:15pm	May 11, 2026	June 12, 2026
Orientation: Thursday, July 1, 2026
Field Practicum: August 10-September 18, 2026
Exam: September 21-22, 2026

Waiver Schedule

Winter Waiver Schedule 2026
Location	Application Opens	Application Deadline	Exam Date
64 New York Ave NE Wash, DC 20002	March 23, 2026	April 3, 2026	*April 20-21, 2026

 

Spring Waiver Schedule 2026
Location	Application Opens	Application Deadline	Exam Date
64 New York Ave NE Wash, DC 20002	June 22, 2026	July 6, 2026	*July 20-21, 2026

 

Summer Waiver Schedule 2026
Location	Training Dates and Time	Application Opens	Application Deadline
64 New York Ave NE Wash, DC 20002	August 24, 2026	September 4, 2026	*September 21-22, 2026