Washington state Certified Peer Counselor
Exam Study Guide with Answers
Question 1
SAMHSA definition of recovery
Correct Answer
Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and
wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.
Question 2
SAMHSA's elements of recovery
Correct Answer
Hope, person-driven, many pathways, holistic, peer support, relational, culture,
addresses trauma, strengths/responsibility, respect
Question 3
Resiliency
Correct Answer
the ability to adapt effectively and recover from disappointment, difficulty, or crisis
Question 4
Differing ideas about recovery in substance use disorders
Correct Answer
abstinence vs. harm reduction
Question 5
Families are integral to recovery for children
Correct Answer
true, support system, advocates, environmental change
Page 1 of 16
,Question 6
medical model vs. recovery model of care
Correct Answer
medical: languages are overly clinical, disempowering, do not promote hope.
Recovery: language and practices that are person centered and promote hope and
other recovery concepts
Question 7
Person First Language
Correct Answer
Placing the individual ahead of the challenge. Power with. Model this. Strengths
based. No jargon.
Question 8
Two ways peer supporters support recovery
Correct Answer
Inspire hope and possibility. Support peers to get in touch with their own inner
wisdom. Working with, not giving to, not doing for. Not sage on the stage but guide
on the side. share your own story of hope and overcoming challenges, support
choice and empowerment, encourage opportunities for additional support
Question 9
hope is essential for recovery
Correct Answer
the turning point when we start to have the smallest belief that our lives can
improve. The belief that a positive outcome or better situation lies ahead.
Question 10
Peer partner skills
Correct Answer
listen actively, support engagement, ask recovery supported questions. SOLER, seat
towards peer, open posture, lean toward peer, eye contact, relax
Page 2 of 16
, Question 11
Listen to meaning, feeling, values
Correct Answer
quietly without judgement, lean in with curiosity, check your bias and your story,
pay attention to feeling and nonverbal cues
Question 12
Demonstrating understanding
Correct Answer
paraphrasing, reflecting feeling, responding to meaning
Question 13
Orienting
Correct Answer
what's going to happen, why (what's in it for peer, why do it), how the process
happens
Question 14
types of questions
Correct Answer
open ended, direct, clarifying
Question 15
Recovery story
Correct Answer
focus on hope, share only when relevant, ask permission, just the salt and pepper
Page 3 of 16
Exam Study Guide with Answers
Question 1
SAMHSA definition of recovery
Correct Answer
Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and
wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.
Question 2
SAMHSA's elements of recovery
Correct Answer
Hope, person-driven, many pathways, holistic, peer support, relational, culture,
addresses trauma, strengths/responsibility, respect
Question 3
Resiliency
Correct Answer
the ability to adapt effectively and recover from disappointment, difficulty, or crisis
Question 4
Differing ideas about recovery in substance use disorders
Correct Answer
abstinence vs. harm reduction
Question 5
Families are integral to recovery for children
Correct Answer
true, support system, advocates, environmental change
Page 1 of 16
,Question 6
medical model vs. recovery model of care
Correct Answer
medical: languages are overly clinical, disempowering, do not promote hope.
Recovery: language and practices that are person centered and promote hope and
other recovery concepts
Question 7
Person First Language
Correct Answer
Placing the individual ahead of the challenge. Power with. Model this. Strengths
based. No jargon.
Question 8
Two ways peer supporters support recovery
Correct Answer
Inspire hope and possibility. Support peers to get in touch with their own inner
wisdom. Working with, not giving to, not doing for. Not sage on the stage but guide
on the side. share your own story of hope and overcoming challenges, support
choice and empowerment, encourage opportunities for additional support
Question 9
hope is essential for recovery
Correct Answer
the turning point when we start to have the smallest belief that our lives can
improve. The belief that a positive outcome or better situation lies ahead.
Question 10
Peer partner skills
Correct Answer
listen actively, support engagement, ask recovery supported questions. SOLER, seat
towards peer, open posture, lean toward peer, eye contact, relax
Page 2 of 16
, Question 11
Listen to meaning, feeling, values
Correct Answer
quietly without judgement, lean in with curiosity, check your bias and your story,
pay attention to feeling and nonverbal cues
Question 12
Demonstrating understanding
Correct Answer
paraphrasing, reflecting feeling, responding to meaning
Question 13
Orienting
Correct Answer
what's going to happen, why (what's in it for peer, why do it), how the process
happens
Question 14
types of questions
Correct Answer
open ended, direct, clarifying
Question 15
Recovery story
Correct Answer
focus on hope, share only when relevant, ask permission, just the salt and pepper
Page 3 of 16
