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Steps to Becoming a Certified Recovery Coach Professional (CRCP)

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Certification pathway

How to Become a CRCP

Our certification pathway is designed to build the knowledge, skills, and practical application needed to become effective Certified Recovery Coach Professionals (CRCPs). Each course builds on the last, supporting personal and professional growth while helping attendees meet the requirements for the CRCP designation.

Our trainings are supported by the Government of Alberta and the Government Saskatchewan

These partnerships help expand access to the highest standard of ethical Recovery Coach training, certification, and professional development opportunities.

Before You Begin

Prerequisite

Lived Recovery Experience Requirement

Applicants must be at least 18 months into their recovery journey before beginning the training pathway.

Important Notes:

  • A minimum of 18 months of lived recovery experience is required for acceptance into training.
  • This helps ensure participants are well positioned to fully engage with the learning experience and the responsibilities connected to this work.
  • Applicants who do not meet this requirement are not eligible for acceptance at this time.

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.

Prerequisite

Vulnerable Sector Check Requirement

This step must be initiated before training.

Before you can register for training, you must initiate a Vulnerable Sector Check. This is a required part of our enrollment process to ensure safety and accountability in all training spaces.

You can request your Vulnerable Sector Check by:

1. Applying online through the links below:

2. Applying in person through your local police service.

  • Be sure to bring government-issued ID and allow for processing time.

Important Notes:

  • After submitting your request, whether online or in person, please send a copy of your detailed proof of purchase to: submit@rcacanada.ca 
  • We do not need the completed check before training starts, but the process must be initiated and the receipt submitted to submit@rcacanada.ca before moving forward with registration.

RCAC retains sole and absolute discretion in determining eligibility to attend training based on the results of a Vulnerable Sector Check. This determination may consider factors including, but not limited to, the nature and severity of any charges or convictions, and the length of time elapsed since the most recent charge or conviction.

The Certification Pathway

Foundations

Step 1

Foundations of Recovery Coaching: 30-hour in person course

This foundations course is where you’ll build the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to support recovery in a participant-centered, ethical, and practical way.

Be prepared to fully engage as this training asks for your attention, reflection, participation, and willingness to step into vulnerable, challenging conversations.

Important Notes:

  • 100% attendance is mandatory to meet Alberta Government funding requirements and to move forward in the certification pathway.
  • Topics include recovery pathways and recovery capital, the role of a Recovery Coach, bias and stigma, storytelling and boundaries, open-ended questions, values, wellness planning, goal-setting, record-keeping, and crisis situations.
  • You will leave this course with a strong foundation in Recovery Coaching and the skills, self-awareness, and confidence to build meaningful relationships, support participant-led recovery, and begin putting recovery-informed approaches into practice.
  • This course must be completed before you can move forward to Ethical Considerations, Professionalism, the Advanced Coaching Development Program, and the Panel Interview.
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Ethics

Step 2

Ethical Considerations in Recovery Coaching: 16-hour online course (12 hours in class, 4 hours for homework)

This course challenges you to think critically about ethical decision-making, participant autonomy, and the complexities of supporting recovery in real-world settings.

Important Notes:

  • 100% attendance is required to receive your certificate of completion.
  • Topics include ethical decision-making using the Harm Model, cultural humility, wants vs needs, multi-party vulnerability, and the reality of holding power responsibly.
  • You will leave this course with a deeper understanding of how your decisions, actions, and position can impact others, and how to navigate ethical complexities with accountability, humility, and participant-centered care.
  • Completion of this course is mandatory to continue along the certification pathway.
Click here to register

Professionalism

Step 3

Professionalism in Recovery Coaching: 12-hour online course (8 hours in class, 4 hours for homework)

This training deepens your understanding of professional conduct, ethical practices, and the lived experience of professionalism in recovery support work.

Important Notes:

  • 100% attendance is required to receive your certificate of completion.
  • Topics include professional boundaries, dual relationships, social media conduct, confidentiality, accountability, collaboration and the role of lived experience in maintaining professionalism.
  • You will leave this training with a clearer understanding of how to represent yourself, your organization, and the Recovery Coaching field with integrity, humility, and accountability, as well as how to work effectively alongside other helping professionals.
  • Completion of this course is mandatory to continue along the certification pathway.
Click here to register

ACDP

Step 4

Advanced Coaching Development Program: 24-hour online course

The Advanced Coaching Development Program (ACDP) is a skill-building training designed for Recovery Coaches who are ready to take the next step in their practice. Built for those who have completed the foundational training (steps 1-3), this program offers a structured opportunity to deepen skills, explore complex coaching moments, and continue building confidence in the field.

Important Notes:

  • 100% attendance is required to receive your certificate of completion.
  • Topics include understanding the human mammal and the brain chemicals that influence addiction and recovery, using empathy as a skill, supporting grief and loss, and navigating communication traps.
  • You will leave this training with a deeper understanding of the factors that shape human behaviour, connection, and recovery, and how to apply recovery-informed approaches to support people through change, challenge, grief, and growth.
  • Completion of this course is mandatory to continue along the certification pathway.
Click here to register

Panel

Step 5

Panel Interview: 1-hour online

The panel interview is a formal assessment that evaluates a coach’s ability to translate recovery-informed knowledge and skills into practice.

Important Notes:

  • The panel consists of experienced CRCPs and leaders who understand the work and the realities of supporting recovery.
  • You will be guided through various questions, scenarios, and a live coaching session designed to demonstrate how you apply key concepts including ethics, professionalism, boundaries, recovery-oriented support, and participant autonomy in real-world coaching situations.
  • The panel honours your journey, highlight your growth, and affirm your readiness.

Successful completion confirms workplace readiness and finalizes eligibility for designation as a CRCP.

Click here to register