CRS and CFRS Training Series

The Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) and Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS) training series.

The Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) and Certified Family Recovery Specialist (CFRS) training series will be held over five weekends beginning Sept. 12, 2026, and concluding on Oct. 11, 2026. The training is funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs (DDAP) and hosted by the Erie County Office of Drug & Alcohol Abuse (ECOD&A). There is no cost to attend. Priority seating will be given to Erie County residents until Aug. 7, 2026.

Erie County SCA is offering a contingency management aspect to this CRS training. 

Erie County residents who complete the CRS training course, test within 90 days of completion, and pass their exam will receive a $250 gift card. Erie County SCA will also offer an additional $250 gift card to any student who then obtains employment in the D&A field in Erie County within six months of becoming certified.

Application fees for certification ($150 for either CRS/CFRS or $300 for both) and any testing-related costs will be paid by ECOD&A for Erie County residents. Any non-Erie County residents' application/testing fees will need to be assumed by the student or the referring employer.

Training Location

Mental Health Association of NW PA
1101 Peach St.
Erie, PA 16501

Training Class Schedule

• Saturday, Sept. 12; Sunday, Sept. 13
• Saturday, Sept. 19; Sunday, Sept. 20
• Saturday, Sept. 26; Sunday, Sept. 27
• Saturday, Oct. 3; Sunday, Oct. 4
• Saturday, Oct. 10; Sunday, Oct. 11

To Apply

• Potential candidates must begin by creating an account at https://www.pacertboard.org/
• Once an account is created, potential candidates must apply for the class at the following LINK.
• Once approved by the facilitator, students will be directed to create an account on DDAP's Training Management System (required for this class).
• Students may test for CRS Certification after completing 78 hours of training, including:
  • 66 classroom hours
  • 12 hours of work outside the classroom

The hours listed here are the minimum hours necessary to complete the curriculum. Actual classroom time may vary from week to week depending on class flow. Students should arrive by 8:15 a.m. and expect to be in class until 4:30 p.m. each day.