The International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) is an international credentialing organization in the field of prevention. Since 1981, the IC&RC has protected the public by establishing standards and facilitating reciprocity for the credentialing of addiction-related professionals.

IC&RC At A Glance

  • Offers 8 different certifications in prevention, treatment and recovery.
  • Provides standards and examinations to 78 certification and licensing boards in 25 countries, 48 states and territories, 5 Native American Regions and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
  • More than 50,000 individuals hold IC&RC credentials across various disciplines.

Credential Committee

COPA is recognized by IC&RC as the governing body for the credentialing of Peer and Family Specialists and Prevention Specialists working in behavioral health in Colorado. The Credential Committees (Committees) are subcommittees of COPA that approve credentialing for trained CPFS. The Committee reviews training, continuing education, supervision, and work experience; facilitates examinations and promotes reciprocity with other jurisdictions.

IC&RC & COPA

IC&RC establishes international standards and facilitates reciprocity for the credentialing of CPFS professionals. In accordance with IC&RC standards, as a subcommittee of COPA, the Committee shall act in accordance with COPA governing documents, and IC&RC requirements in all matters relating to credentials. The COPA Executive Director has the authority to establish policies, procedures, and standards to be approved by the COPA Executive Committee.

COPA Board Members and Leadership are prohibited from sitting on either Credential Committee.

CPFS Committee Policy & Procedures

CPFS and CCPS Committee Meeting Times

The Credential Committees meet monthly to review applications and professionals. As a reminder: To finalize the credential process, ensure all required steps have been completed accurately. Applications must be submitted at least 10 days before the scheduled committee meeting.

CPFS 2026 Meeting Times (third week of each month):

  • January 21st
  • February 18th
  • March 18th
  • April 15th
  • May 18th
  • June 15th
  • July 20th
  • August 17th
  • September 21st
  • October 19th
  • November 16th
  • December 21st

CCPS 2026 Meeting Times (second Tuesday of each month):

  • January 13th
  • February 10th
  • March 10th
  • April 14th
  • May 12th
  • June 9th
  • July 14th
  • August 11th
  • September 8th
  • October 13th
  • November 10th
  • December 8th

Delayed Review Times

Over the past year, COPA has experienced a significant increase in CPFS credential applications. The CPFS Committee strives to provide application decisions within one month of an application being completed. However, as outlined in the CPFS Manual, due to application volume and committee capacity, review within one month cannot be guaranteed. In some cases, it may take up to two CPFS Committee review meetings from the date an application is completed for a final review.

The CPFS Committee is comprised of volunteer members from the peer workforce who have worked diligently to keep pace with this increased demand. As application volumes continue to remain high, applicants may experience longer review timelines than usual.

We are committed to reviewing every completed application as promptly as possible and appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through this increased volume. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to presenting your completed application to the CPFS Committee at the earliest available review meeting.