Preparing for the CPRP Exam

Preparing for the Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) examination can be a daunting task...but it doesn't have to be! The Certification Commission for Psychiatric Rehabilitation has compiled a comprehensive list of materials to assist applicants in completing the application process. Additionally, we have made available a list of valuable study materials that candidates can download at no charge.
 

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Getting Started 

Step 1 – Set up an individual account on our website.  This is required to access the application. 

Step 2 - Download the PRA Certification Candidate Handbook to get started. It contains all the information you need for preparing, applying, and taking the exam.  Its appendices also contain exam blueprints, suggested reading lists, our code of ethics and much more. 

Preparing for the Exam 

PRA offers a CPRP Online On-demand Prep Course and Primer and an Online Practice Test. Also available for purchase is our textbook designed to align with the CPRP exam blueprint,  Best Practices in Psychiatric Rehabilitation. 

Other Study Materials: 2024 CPRP Recommended Reading List 

PRA CPRP Documents 

2014 CPRP Exam Blueprint/Test Plan 

2014 CPRP Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

Core Principles & Values 

PRA Code of Ethics 

Language Guidelines 

Multicultural Principles 

Advocating for Rehabilitation & Recovery – A Technical Assistance Manual 

Single Model Trap 

Other Education and Trainings

All CPRP candidates with CEU requirements must have a minimum of 22.5 hours from PRA Approved Providers. See eligibility requirements.

Acceptable Training Topics 

  • Direct Care 
  • Life Skills Training 
  • Vocational Rehabilitation 
  • Supported Housing Education 
  • Intervention 
  • Treatment Modalities 
  • Medications 
  • Diversity 
  • Ethical/Legal issues 
  • Related topics such as infection control, dealing with medical complications, etc., may also be acceptable if presented in the context of psychiatric rehabilitation practice. 

Acceptable Education and Training Activity Formats 

  • Training that addresses the rehabilitation and/or treatment of persons (within the appropriate age group for the credential you are seeking) with serious mental illness 
  • Courses in psychiatric rehabilitation or mental health offered by an established university or college. 
  • Institutes and workshops at PRA conferences 
  • PRA chapter conference sessions on relevant topics 
  • Activities sponsored by PRA-Approved Providers of Continuing Education (contact provider about PRA Approved Provider status) 
  • Training in any of the various models of rehabilitation (clubhouse, lodge, case management, etc.) 
  • Workshops in related mental health disciplines, which address the rehabilitation and/or treatment of persons with serious mental illnesses 
  • In-service training on relevant topics, provided within your agency on rehabilitation or treatment of persons with serious mental illness 
  • Training sponsored by a state or provincial mental health authority in rehabilitation or treatment of persons with serious mental illness 
  • Training or workshops addressing related components of services such as vocational rehabilitation, supported education, housing, etc. 
  • Independent study or distance-learning courses (on-line, audio-conferences, etc.) offered on relevant topics by accredited academic institutions or approved by the Commission 
  • Approved participation in Item Writing and/or Test Assembly meetings 
  • Presenting training to an audience of psychiatric rehabilitation practitioners with content that meets the requirements for exam applicants. Please see the candidate handbook for more information. 
  • Articles on any topic within the CPRP Practice Domains, published in peer-reviewed journals, books and book chapters. Please see the candidate handbook for more information. 

Unacceptable Training Topics and Activities 

  • CPR/first aid 
  • Fire safety 
  • Disaster training 
  • Materials handling/MSDS 
  • Driver education (for transport vans) 
  • Training on computer software 
  • Agency specific training 
  • Topics specific to children 
  • Autism spectrum disorders 
  • Human development 
  • Human sexuality 
  • Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia/Aging 
  • HIV/AIDS 
  • Domestic violence/abuse*  
  • Drug Use/Abuse*  
  • Death and dying 
  • Anger Management 
  • Infection/bloodborne pathogens 
  • Internships 
  • Courses taken towards a completing a degree  
  • Staff meetings or retreats 
  • HIPAA training 
  • Routine coaching, training or supervising staff 
  • Topics contrary to the principles of psych rehab (including but not limited to involuntary commitment, use of restraints, forced medication, etc.) 

* unless specific to co-occurring disorders 

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