Certified Indigenous Peer Support Worker (CIPSW)
Empowering Recovery Through Tradition: The CIPSW Credential
The Certified Indigenous Peer Support Worker (CIPSW) credential is the only certification in Canada that places Indigenous cultural knowledge, lived experience in recovery, and community-based healing at the center of peer support practice. While peer support skills can be acquired through various providers, the CIPSW is distinct; it requires these skills to be practiced through an Indigenous lens—grounded in cultural identity and a deep commitment to the communities we serve. At the Indigenous Certification Board of Canada (ICBOC), we recognize that cultural competency is foundational, not supplementary.
Path to Certification
To achieve this credential, applicants must navigate a comprehensive pathway that balances formal education with traditional wisdom:
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Lived Experience & Practice: Applicants require 500 hours (6 months) of lived experience in recovery from mental health or substance use, alongside practical experience providing peer support services.
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Foundational Education: A minimum of 70 hours of education is required, covering core competencies such as communication skills, concurrent disorders, and ethics.
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Cultural Knowledge: A vital 30-hour requirement dedicated specifically to Indigenous cultural knowledge and skills.
Mandatory Training Tasks
Candidates must complete three specific tasks to demonstrate their commitment to Indigenous perspectives:
Reflective Video Summary: A 1-page reflection on three pivotal films covering Jordan’s Principle and the Sixties Scoop.
Thunderbird Partnership Foundation: Completion of 16.25 hours of culturally relevant, trauma-informed training.
Indigenous Canada Course: A 12-module journey through the University of Alberta covering colonization and intergenerational trauma.
This certification honors the wisdom of Indigenous traditions and the strength of those who have walked the healing journey. By bridging Western approaches with traditional healing, CIPSW professionals provide life-changing support rooted in resilience
Horizontal Laddering
The ICBOC horizontal laddering certification system allows certified Indigenous wellness and addictions workers to switch their certification to that of certified Indigenous addictions prevention workers: the applicant’s existing experience, knowledge, skills, will be transferred and counted towards the new certification. It is, however, mandatory to satisfy all the standards and requirements of this new certification, in particular in terms of education, training and practice, and of the core functions.
Vertical Laddering
The ICBOC vertical laddering certification system also allows certified Indigenous wellness and addictions workers to upgrade this certification to that of a certified Indigenous addictions specialist – level I or to a certified Indigenous addictions prevention specialist – level I: the applicant’s existing experience, knowledge, skills, will be transferred and counted towards the new certification. It is, however, mandatory to satisfy all the standards and requirements of these higher certifications, in particular in terms of the counselling education, training and practice, and of the core functions.
Future Certifications
It is also important to recognize the special competencies required to intervene in the area of tobacco addiction and other behavior/processes. Over time, ICBOC will develop professional certifications suited to workers in these areas.
More information about this certification is available by clicking on the links below, but please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance or further information.
