Empowering the Next Generation of Peers
Amethyst Recovery Academy is a 46-hour training program designed to prepare individuals for impactful work as Certified Peer Recovery Specialists (CPRS) in Minnesota. Developed by Amethyst Recovery Solutions, a trusted MARCO-member nonprofit rooted in community, Amethyst Recovery Academy goes beyond certification prep to equip trainees with the real-world tools and insight they need to thrive in the field.
What makes us different? We’re not just checking boxes for certification. We’re a team of people in long-term recovery ourselves, and we’ve walked the walk. That lived experience—combined with our hands-on work providing peer services across Minnesota—informs every part of our curriculum.
We also take a multi-trainer approach, meaning our participants learn from a team of professionals who actively do this work every day. Each trainer teaches the topics most connected to their real-world roles, giving participants a well-rounded, practical education rooted in actual experience.
More Than a Curriculum
Our training is:
Culturally-informed and trauma-sensitive, built with inclusivity and understanding at its core.
Evidence-based, incorporating knowledge from substance use medicine, neuroscience, and the recovery community.
Designed for success beyond the classroom—covering not just what’s on the Certification exams, but includes what it really takes to be effective and fulfilled in this work.
Taught by multiple experienced trainers, each sharing the topics most connected to the work they do every day—bringing real-world insight into every session.
More Than Certification
You’ll learn:
The foundational knowledge needed to pass the CPRS exam in Minnesota
How to navigate real-world peer support scenarios with confidence
Professional skills for success in diverse recovery settings
What to look for in a healthy and supportive employer
Organizational tools and techniques to sustain long-term success as a CPRS