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Whether you're exploring Recovery Coaching for the first time or have questions about training, certification, or registration, we'd be happy to help!
Whether you're exploring Recovery Coaching for the first time or preparing to register for training, we've answered the questions we hear most often.
A Recovery Coach is a trained professional who partners with individuals seeking or navigating recovery, providing strengths-based, participant-led support rooted in hope, empowerment, and connection. Rather than directing or diagnosing, Recovery Coaches walk alongside participants as they identify their goals, build on their strengths, and define recovery on their own terms. Through encouragement, accountability, and meaningful relationships, Recovery Coaches help individuals build recovery capital and move toward lasting well-being.
No, our training is open to individuals from all backgrounds. Whether you are new to the field, in personal recovery, or currently working in mental health, addiction, or related areas, you are welcome to join us.
To become a Certified Recovery Coach Professional (CRCP), you'll complete RCAC's certification pathway, which includes a series of courses designed to build your knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence. The pathway concludes with a panel interview, where you'll have the opportunity to demonstrate your readiness to support others as a Recovery Coach.
The certification pathway includes:
The first step in the certification pathway is our Foundations in Recovery Coach course.
This introductory course provides the knowledge, practical skills, and mindset needed to begin your Recovery Coaching journey through live instruction, interactive learning, real-world scenarios, and foundational coaching tools rooted in Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC).
For clarification: You do not need to identify as being in recovery to participate in the training. For those who do identify as being in recovery, we require participants to be at least 18 months into their recovery journey before beginning the training. This requirement helps ensure participants are well positioned to fully engage with the learning experience and the responsibilities connected to this work.
Our Foundations in Recovery Coach course is delivered in person at locations throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan.
The remaining courses in the certification pathway (Ethical Considerations in Recovery Coaching, Professionalism in Recovery Coaching, and the Advanced Coaching Development Program [ACDP]) are delivered virtually, allowing participants to continue their training from anywhere.
Currently, the Foundations of Recovery Coaching (30-hour) course is offered in-person only in various locations throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Yes. 100% attendance and active participation are required to successfully complete each course and receive your Certificate of Completion. If you have questions about attendance expectations, please contact us before registering.
Applications for the Foundations in Recovery Coach course are submitted through our website and reviewed by the RCAC team before acceptance. Please allow approximately 5–7 business days for your application to be processed and ensure all application questions are completed thoroughly to avoid delays.
The timeline varies depending on course availability and the pace at which participants complete the certification pathway. Most participants complete the required courses over several months while balancing work, family, and other commitments.
Your Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) must be dated within one year to meet our training requirements.
You do not need to have your completed VSC before starting training. However, you must initiate the process and submit your receipt before moving forward with registration. Once your VSC is complete, you can email it to training@rcacanada.ca.
Vulnerable Sector Checks can be requested online or in person through your local police service. Be sure to allow enough time for processing and have your government-issued identification available when applying.
Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from participating in RCAC training. As part of our training requirements, all participants must provide a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). VSCs are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure participants meet RCAC's eligibility requirements and can safely support vulnerable individuals.
If you have questions or concerns about your specific circumstances, we encourage you to contact us at training@rcacanada.ca before registering. We'd be happy to discuss the process and help clarify the requirements.
Through a partnership with the Government of Alberta and the Government of Saskatchewan, this training is funded for residents working or supporting in the field of recovery to ensure that recovery support is accessible, ethical, and led by those who are ready to make a difference.
Yes. Participants who successfully complete each course and meet all attendance and course requirements will receive a Certificate of Completion for that course. As you progress through the certification pathway, these certificates recognize each milestone on your journey toward becoming a Certified Recovery Coach Professional (CRCP).
Whether you're exploring Recovery Coaching for the first time or have questions about training, certification, or registration, we'd be happy to help!