Veteran Supported Recovery (VSR)

What is VSR?

The Veteran Supported Recovery (VSR) certification, developed by the New York Certification Board (NYCB), is a specialized peer credential for professionals who provide targeted support to Veterans. This certification and its role-specific training were developed in response to field demand for peer professionals who understand the unique experiences of Veterans.

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Training Overview

• Orientation Module (5 hours)
  Required only for non-Veteran candidates, this training provides a foundational understanding of military culture and values.
  • 5-hour VSR Orientation training is available here.

• Core VSR Training (20 hours) is available here.
  Covers four key domains:
  1. Advocacy
  2. Recovery for Veterans
  3. Military Culture & Resources
  4. Ethical Responsibility
  5. Format: Online (with closed captioning)
     1. Developed by the Peer Workforce Initiative (PWI) in collaboration with military Veterans and peer recovery experts
     2. NYCB-approved for continuing education credits (CARC, CRPA, CRPA-Parenthetics when not applied toward certification)

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Who should take this training?

• Individuals preparing to become certified as VSR professionals
• Peer recovery professionals seeking continuing education credits for CARC or CRPA renewal
• Peer workers interested in learning how to support Veterans living with Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
• Non-Veteran peer professionals looking to build military cultural competence

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Where do VSR Professionals work?

VSR-certified peers serve Veterans in a wide range of settings, including:

• Community-based substance use and recovery programs
• Mental health agencies
• Veteran’s hospitals and clinics
• Housing and employment support services
• Recovery community centers

Simply put: VSR professionals work wherever Veterans are served.

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VSR Certification Standards

Prerequisites

Candidates must hold a valid peer certification in good standing, including one of the following:

• Certified Addiction Recovery Coach (CARC)
• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA)
• NY Certified Peer Specialist (NYCPS-Mental Health)
• Other nationally recognized peer recovery credentials

Eligibility Criteria

Veterans:

• Must have served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
• Must have received a discharge other than dishonorable

Non-Veterans:

• Must complete the 5-hour NYCB-approved VSR Orientation training

All Candidates Must:

• Complete the 20-hour NYCB-approved VSR training
• Agree to and sign the NYCB Code of Ethical Conduct, including the VSR-specific addendum

Maintaining Certification

To maintain VSR certification, peers must complete:

• 3 hours of NYCB-approved continuing education every 3 years, in any of the four core domains.
• View approved trainings: NYCB Certification Renewal Program

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How to apply

Visit the NYCB Certification Applications page for details and the full application: click here