You have successfully submitted your peer Application.
Peer Certification Information and Resources
The AIDS Institute (AI) has, for many years, recognized the important role that peers can play in improving health outcomes and many health and social service programs have a long history of successfully engaging clients in a wide range of activities. Peer certification is highlighted in the NYS Blueprint for Ending the AIDS Epidemic and peer services can play a key role in meeting the state’s goals of increasing linkage and retention in care, rates of viral suppression and preventing new infections.
Updated 8/12/2021
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, delivery of all in-person trainings included in the NYS Peer Worker Course Catalogue remain on hold until further notice, but online courses that will count towards NYS Peer Certification hours are now available. Please see the updated "Peer Worker Course Catalogue" and "Tracker Forms" (links below) for details. Registration for online courses is available through this website.
Although the lack of in-person classes has slowed down the application process for many, we have continued to certify peers who have successfully completed their requirements during this difficult time. Please note the next deadline to submit completed applications is 10/28/22 to be included in the next Review Board meeting in November. Applications submitted after that date will be held for the following meeting. If you need assistance with your application, please contact the Center for Public Health Education program at 631-444-3208.
Certified Peer Workers who need continuing education hours should register for one of the many webinars or on-line trainings being offered on through this website.
- Peer Worker Certification Self-Care Worksheet– a self-assessment tool to help peers think and talk about self-care.
- Peer Certification FAQs English – Updated 8/3/21 A good place to start for those curious about AI Peer Worker Certification.
- Archived Webinar: Process, Requirements, Application (For Peer Workers)
- Foundational Training– Learn more about Foundational Training to obtain it before you pursue certification.
- Peer Certification Course Catalogue– Updated 8/3/21 Outlines course requirements for certification.
- Course Tracker Forms– Updated 8/3/21 Simple tool to assist peer workers with scheduling their coursework.
- Instructions on how to register for and complete the Living Works START Suicide Prevention course
- Peer Certification Code of Ethics English Spanish– How Certified Peer Workers are expected to conduct themselves in their role.
- Core Competencies- What Certified Peer Workers are expected to know as it relates to their work.
- Peer Certification Online Exam Study Guides– Comprehensive tool to help peer workers prepare for the online exam.
- Continuing Education Units (CEUS) Guidance – How to maintain your Certification with CEUs
- Organizational Assessment for Peer Delivered Services– Tool to help organizations think about their readiness and capacity provide peer services.
- AI Peer Certification Supervisor Evaluation– Required evaluation for Certification. AI encourages peer workers and Supervisors to use this as a tool to assess progress throughout the peer worker practicum.
- Peer Certification Supervisors FAQ - Updated 8/3/21
- Archived Webinar: Integrating Peer Workers into Health Care Services (For Directors and Supervisors)
- Pilot Program for PLWH who are employed or seeking employment– to help understand how earnings impact public benefits.
- Public Benefits and the Transition to Employment Series– Resource series covering how employment may affect one’s government benefits.
- Peer Worker Employment Opportunities LISTSERV– E-mail services linking hiring agencies with peer workers seeking employment.
- Empire State College Credits FAQ
- AI Certified Peer Worker Code of Ethics Violation Complaint Process and Forms
