The Certified Recovery Support Specialist or CRSS is an entry-level certification aimed at those who can use their life experiences to help others in treatment and recovery. The certification is designed to guide the credentialed individual in enhancing the effectiveness of treatment and help clients maintain long-term sobriety. It is useful for those working in the addiction field in any supportive capacity – administrative, technical or clinical.
The CRSS sets the minimum standard of competency for those providing support services to clients in substance abuse programs. The certification is outlined and administered by the Florida Certification Board and the Academy for addiction Professional is proud to offer a 5 part course to satisfy the FCB’s educational requirements.
The CRSS course covers many topics in addiction treatment over five classes, totaling 75 hours of training. These include the legal and ethical responsibilities of professionals in the field, the history of addiction, referral best practices, crisis support, life skills and recovery management.
In order to qualify for certification as a CRSS, students must have at least a high school diploma, GED or equivalent and must also have 1000 hours of formal work or volunteer experience in a field related to addictions. As with other certifications, a final exam will be administered by the Florida Certification Board. Below, you will find standards, according to the Florida Certification Board, for certification as a CRSS.
The course is available online only.
Category: | Requirement: |
Degree: | High School Diploma, GED or higher |
Work Experience: | 1,000 formal work or volunteer hours in an addiction related field |
Training: | A total of 75 hours of training, broken out as follows:
Class #1: 22 hours – Legal and Professional Responsibility
Class #2: 13 hours – Reengagement, Crisis Support and Safety
Class #3: 13 hours – Resource Linkage/Follow-Up
Class #4: 10 hours – Practical Living Skills/Social Development
Class #5: 17 hours – Recovery Management
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Recommendations: | 3 professional letters of recommendation for certification. |
Code of Ethics: |
Must sign statement agreeing to follow the FCB’s Code of Ethics |
Written Test: | Recovery Support Specialist Exam |
Renewal: | 10 CEUs each year |
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