Peer Support Specialist Certification Exam 150 Questions & Answers | Recovery, Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing 2026

This Peer Support Specialist Certification Exam study guide contains approximately 150 exam-style questions with detailed and verified answers, designed to support mastery of behavioral health and peer support principles. The document covers essential topics such as person-centered care, recovery models, motivational interviewing (OARS), trauma-informed care, cultural humility, and ethical responsibilities, as outlined throughout the material . The content is structured in a clear question-and-answer format to enhance understanding, retention, and exam readiness. Early sections (pages 1–4) focus on foundational concepts such as person-centered approaches and motivational interviewing tools like OARS (Open-ended questions, Affirmations, Reflections, Summaries). The guide also explains key recovery frameworks including SAMHSA’s definition of recovery, the four dimensions (health, home, purpose, community), and the five stages of change (pages 4–5). Middle sections (pages 6–12) provide in-depth coverage of legal frameworks (ADA, Olmstead decision), trauma and trauma-informed care approaches, cultural humility principles, and peer relationship-building techniques. Later sections (pages 13–18) expand into practical applications such as crisis planning, recovery capital, co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, documentation, HIPAA, and 42 CFR Part 2 confidentiality regulations. This material is ideal for students and professionals enrolled in Peer Support Specialist certification programs, behavioral health training, social work, psychology, counseling, and substance use recovery programs. It is also beneficial for case managers, mental health technicians, recovery coaches, and individuals preparing for state or national peer support certification exams. The content aligns with recognized frameworks and resources such as SAMHSA recovery guidelines and motivational interviewing practices, ensuring consistency with current behavioral health standards and peer support training requirements. Keywords: peer support specialist exam, recovery oriented care, motivational interviewing OARS, trauma informed care, SAMHSA recovery model, cultural humility healthcare, person centered approach, stages of change model, recovery capital, co occurring disorders, harm reduction strategies, HIPAA confidentiality, 42 CFR Part 2, behavioral health certification, peer support training