2-CPRP Test Preparation Workshops

Pennsylvania has the largest number of CPRP practitioners of all the USPRA State Chapters. Psychiatric rehabilitation organizations seek employees who have this credential – the Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner. The PA DPW state license for providing psychiatric rehabilitation services requires that 25% of staff have this credential. For detailed information about the CPRP application and testing procedures link to USPRA (www.uspra.org). The USPRA/CPRP website will also provide you with a list of dates and places where the CPRP test will be given. Here are some ways that you can prepare to take the test:

First you should fully explore all the procedures and resources provided through the USPRA/CPRP website and so that you understand all the requirements to achieve this credential.
Next, you may want to purchase Psychiatric Rehabilitation Skills in Practice: A CPRP Preparation and Skills Workbook. The USPRA website describes it as
…”a comprehensive compendium of the seven practice domains of psychiatric rehabilitation. It provides experiential learning through group exercises to assist individuals studying for the CPRP exam or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the practice of psychiatric rehabilitation. This new resource looks to be about 500 pages and is available now.”
"The need for this 'Skills Book' has been around for many years. Written by some of the most credible and experienced psychiatric rehabilitation practitioners, this workbook provides background on the skills associated with each task identified in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner Credential's Role Delineation Study, as well as examples of how each skill could be demonstrated in a particular situation. Over and above its field relevance and CPRP preparation, this book is vital for use in courses, trainings, supervision, and staff meetings. Early-, mid-, and late-career practitioners will find it valuable and relevant to their work." -- Mark Salzer, PhD, LCP, Executive Editor
You can purchase this workbook directly from PAPSRS at a discount price of $45 each with no minimum quantity for PAPSRS organizational or individual members and for $60 for non-members. Click here for the “workbook” order form.

You may also want to sign up for one of PAPSRS’ “CPRP prep courses” to help you feel confident about your own study plan prior to taking the test. PAPSRS always offers a test prep class at our Annual Conference. In addition we offer CPRP prep courses across Pennsylvania in response to requests. If you would like PAPSRS to bring a CPRP prep workshop to your area, contact papsrs@comcast.net. We provide these workshops for free and ask only that there be a minimum of six (6) people. If you are interested, we can help you let others in your region know of the workshop opportunity so that they too can prepare for the test.

And finally, when you are ready you can log on to the USPRA/CRPR website and take a pre-test.

Peer Support Coalition Meets at PAPSRS Conference

The newly formed PA Peer Support Coalition held an informal meeting at PAPSRS’s conference this year in State College, PA.

Individuals who provide peer support gathered to learn about the new statewide coalition, share information, and support each other. Members of the Peer Support Coalition interim steering committee, along with the Coalition’s coordinator, Nicole Darr, answered questions about the efforts underway to organize the coalition, and listened to peers’ experiences with providing peer support services.

PAPSRS has generously offered to continue hosting a networking meeting for certified peer specialists at future conferences. The Coalition looks forward to a continued partnership with PAPSRS.

For more information about the Coalition, visit PMHCA’s website forums at: www.pmhca.org/forum/index.php

PAPSRS congratulates the almost 700 individuals, who have completed training as Certified Peer Specialists. The PAPSRS Board of Directors wishes to invite and encourage these new and potential practitioners to become members of PAPSRS. The Board has unanimously agreed to subsidize first year membership dues.

Psychiatric Rehabilitation services have a tradition of peer support, and PAPSRS has participated in, and strongly supports the state’s efforts to provide initial training and to encourage employment of Peer Specialists. In addition, PAPSRS recognizes that these new workers will want and need the opportunity for continued training, skills and certification to continue their career development. We believe that membership in PAPSRS, and our national affiliate USPRA (United States Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association) will afford CPS’s this opportunity through discounted conference attendance, training, publications and preparation for certification as CPRP (Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner). Members also receive important public policy alerts and have access to networking with colleagues and potential employers.

If a CPS is not yet employed, they are eligible to be an Associate Member of PAPSRS/USPRA, the usual annual membership dues for an Associate Member is $30, HOWEVER, we will pay the first year dues for an Associate member.

If a CPS is employed, but their employer is not an Organizational member of PAPSRS/USPRA, the CPS is eligible to apply as an Individual Member, which would usually be $90 per year. HOWEVER, if a CPS wishes to join as an Individual Member, PAPSRS will pay half of your first year’s dues. You will pay $45, and PAPSRS will match your $45.

Here is what a CPS needs to do:
Get a USPRA/PAPSRS Membership Application form:
- print it from www.USPRA.org ………..or
- email PAPSRS at papsrs@comcast.net…or
- call PAPSRS at 1-888-490-0404
Complete the Membership Application and send it to PAPSRS :
- Mail your Application to: PAPSRS, P.O. Box 8071, Philadelphia, PA 19101
- In order to be eligible for financial help from PAPSRS, do not complete your application on-line, or send it directly to USPRA
- If you are applying for an Individual Membership, your application must include your payment of $45.

PAPSRS will process your application promptly and you will receive notification of your membership in BOTH your state association (PAPSRS) and your national association (USPRA).

We think PAPSRS is a natural fit for Certified Peer Specialists and can provide excellent opportunities for future professional growth.