(Effective July 1, 2025)
PDFWAC 246-929-300
Continuing competency program requirements.
(1) A certified peer specialist is required to complete a continuing competency program of 30 hours of continuing education or other educational activities every two years.
(a) At least 14 hours must be specific to providing peer support services as defined in RCW 18.420.010;
(b) At least two hours are required in professional law and ethics; and
(c) The remaining 14 hours may be related to other aspects of mental health or substance use disorder treatment, coaching, professional development, or employer-sponsored trainings. This also includes the required trainings listed in subsections (2) through (5) of this section.
(2) At least once every six years a certified peer specialist must complete three hours of training in suicide prevention, including screening and referral, as specified in WAC 246-929-320.
(3) At least once every four years a certified peer specialist must complete two hours of health equity training as specified in WAC 246-929-330.
(4) A certified peer specialist who is practicing as an approved supervisor must complete six hours of supervisory continuing education every two years.
(5) A certified peer specialist who provides telehealth services must take the telehealth training as specified in WAC 246-929-340.
(6) A certified peer specialist must complete the continuing competency program requirements every two years. A certified peer specialist must develop and implement the plan upon their first full two-year certification, and every two years thereafter.
(7) The peer specialist must obtain a certificate of completion for each course, which includes the attendee's name, the date of the course, and the number of hours of education provided. The certificate must also list the name of the organization that approved the course for continuing education credit. Transcripts from a recognized educational institution will also be accepted.
(8) A certified peer specialist trainee is not required to complete a continuing competency program.
CE hours required every 2-year cycle | Continuing Education (CE) Content |
14 hours | CE specific to providing peer support services. |
2 hours | Professional law and ethics. |
14 hours | CE topics which could include mental health, substance use disorder treatment, coaching, professional development, and employer-sponsored training. Any statutorily required trainings, including: • Every 6 years, 3 hours of suicide prevention, including screening and referral; • Every 4 years, 2 hours of health equity training; • Prior to providing telehealth, the 1-hour telehealth training; • For peer specialists who are approved supervisors, 6 hours of supervisory CE each cycle. |
30 hours total |
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.420.020, chapter 18.420 RCW, and 2023 c 469. WSR 25-05-089, s 246-929-300, filed 2/18/25, effective 7/1/25.]