Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS) Training

WellSpace Health’s 5-week peer support training – which was designed according to national standards and includes over 80 hours of live webinars, self-paced modules, and peer-to-peer practice – teaches people who have experience with mental health and/or substance use struggles and are now in recovery how to best support others experiencing similar challenges.

You’re in capable hands. Our trauma-informed team provides the guided practice and expert mentorship you need to confidently harness the transformative power of peer support. We believe people learn best when seen, valued, and supported.

Trained to meet national standards

Our training curriculum covers the skills and strategies required for California-based Peer Support Specialists and Community Health Workers. Our Peer Support Specialist certification training is accredited by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA). In addition, our training follows national guidelines laid out by SAMHSA in their national model for peer support certification.

More about our training

Get certified through our fully virtual, 80-hour course. We combine the flexibility of asynchronous learning with the impact of live connections.

Interactive features include:

Live virtual breakout rooms
Collaborative discussion forums
Hands-on mock peer support sessions
And more!

Note: This course is a prerequisite for the California Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Exam.

2026 Training calendar

We are currently finalizing the schedule for our upcoming cohort. To ensure you don’t miss the announcement, please fill out our CMPSS Certification Interest Form. By joining our priority list, you’ll receive early notification and enrollment details as soon as our next start date is confirmed!

Tuition & Funding

Tution:

$1,600. Your tuition is all-inclusive; covering all course materials, application fee, 1 exam fee, and sessions led by our experienced instructors and peer supporters

Funding opportunities:

We are committed to making this training accessible. You may be eligible for the following:

Training waivers: A limited number of no-cost training waivers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply, please contact our training team immediately after submitting your cohort application.
County Funding: We recommend checking with your local County Department of Behavioral Health for additional funding or scholarship availability.
Click here to apply for the Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Community-Based Provider Training Program through HCAI, which provides funding to become a PSS, CHW, or A&D Counselor.

Exam fee waivers:

CalMHSA is currently offering fee waivers for the CMPSS Certification Exam. To learn more, visit the CalMHSA Fee Waiver Page.

Certification Eligibility Requirements

Initial Certification is available to applicants who meet the state eligibility criteria and pass the state-approved examination. To become a Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist (CMPSS), an individual must:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent degree.
Self-identify as having experience with the process of recovery from a mental illness or substance use disorder, either as a consumer of these services or as the parent, caregiver, or family member of a consumer.
Be willing to share their experience.
Have a strong dedication to recovery.
Agree, in writing, to adhere to the Code of Ethics.
Successfully complete the 80-hour training requirements for a peer support specialist through a CalMHSA-approved training equity.
Pass the CalMHSA Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification Exam.

Note: Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist must renew certification every two (2) years.

For more details, please visit the CalMHSA Certification Requirements. Please note that application processing may take up to 30 days.

Ready to get certified? Join our 80-hour Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist certification course!	Already certified? Sign up to be notified of future Peer Supporter career opportunities at Peers.net by WellSpace Health.
CMPSS Certification 80-Hour Course Interest Form	Career interest form