You have successfully submitted your peer Application.
The AIDS Institute (AI) has, for many years, recognized the important role that peer workers can play in improving health outcomes and many health and social service programs have a long history of successfully engaging clients in a wide range of activities. The NYS Peer Worker Certification Program is highlighted in the NYS Blueprint for Ending the AIDS Epidemic – peer delivered services play a key role in meeting the state’s goals of increasing linkage and retention in care, rates of viral suppression and preventing new infections.
Updated 11/27/2023
The New York State Peer Worker Certification Program is expanding!
To become certified, an individual must complete a minimum of 68 hours of core training and 22 hours of specialized training. For details about training requirements, see the PrEP Peer Worker Course Tracker and the Criminal Justice Peer Worker Course Tracker.
The core training requirements are the same for each certification track and you can begin taking any of these trainings now.
The AIDS Institute and our training centers are working hard to develop and launch the new specialized courses needed for these tracks. All courses should be available by the summer of 2024. If you don’t see a required course listed, please come back in a few weeks!
If you have questions, please reach out to hivet@health.ny.gov
Any person who has a qualifying lived experience with HIV, Hepatitis-C, Harm Reduction, or Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is eligible for certification. In addition, the Peer must have work experience at an agency carrying out the specific responsibilities and demonstrate the competencies related to their certification track (HIV, Hep-C, Harm Reduction or PrEP). This experience may be from employment (whether paid or receive stipends), or volunteer work.
Do you agree that you are eligible for certification based on the above criteria?
Please read the following statement. After reading the statement if you would like to begin an application, please click on agree.
I understand that in order to become a New York State Certified Peer Worker in HIV, HCV or Harm Reduction or PrEP, I will be asked to choose one or more of the following Certification tracks which reflect my lived experience: HIV, HCV, PrEP or Harm Reduction. I understand that by selecting a track, and by completing the Statement of Lived Experience, I am disclosing personal information. I understand that I will not be required to disclose any further specific health-related information. I understand that the NYS DOH will protect the confidentiality of all applications for Peer Worker Certification. I understand that my application will be reviewed by staff at the AIDS Institute, the Peer Certification Academic Center (Stony Brook University Center for Public Health Education), and the Peer Worker Certification Review Board. All individuals reviewing applications are required by law and agency policy to maintain all information contained in the application as confidential. I understand that the AIDS Institute will not publish a list of Certified Peer Workers or share any individually identifiable information regarding certified Peer Workers without consent.
I knowingly agree to begin an application with the goal of becoming a New York State Certified Peer Worker in HIV, HCV, Harm Reduction or PrEP.