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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Supplemental CPRP Exam Application Materials

PLEASE NOTE:

You must have an individual account registered on the PRA website to access the online application. The application may only be purchased by individuals.

*Registration and Refund Policy

Your purchase is final and non-transferable.  If you believe you are eligible for a rate you do not see in the cart, DO NOT complete your purchase; instead, please email info@psychrehabassociation.org for assistance.

 

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CPRP Exam Study Materials

The following publications are approved by the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association for Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) exam preparation. (All publications are available in our online store and via Amazon.)

  • Best Practices in Psychiatric Rehabilitation by Patricia B. Nemec and Kathleen Furlong-Norman
  • Supported Education & Psychiatric Rehabilitation - Models and Methods by Carol T. Mowbray
  • Readings in Dual Diagnosis by the International Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services
  • Introduction to Psychiatric Rehabilitation by LeRoy Spaniol

The below materials are not endorsed by the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association and should not be relied upon for adequate Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) exam preparation.

  • Exam preparation materials published by Mometrix Media LLC, including but not limited to CPRP Exam Secrets Study Guide and the “CPRP Exam Flashcard Study System”.
  • CPRP Practice Exam: Test Prep and Practice Questions for the Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner Exam by Trivium Test Prep
     

Identifying Acceptable Education and Training

Professional development in the form of continuing education offers the opportunity to enhance knowledge, skills, and resources through conferences, in-service trainings, seminars, webcasts, or approved independent study trainings. In order to maximize the learning experience, CPRPs should consider the following when seeking proffessional development/educational opportunities:

For purposes of the CPRP application, PSR training must address “the treatment and/or rehabilitation of adults and/or transition-age youth (ages 16 years+) with serious and persistent mental illness.” Some possible topics include direct care, vocational or life skills training, crisis intervention, treatment modalities, medications, diversity, ethical/legal issues, etc. Related topics such as infection control, dealing with medical complications, etc., are also acceptable if presented in the context of psychiatric rehabilitation practice. Trainings must be on a topic relevant to the treatment of adults.

Instruction on the use of treatment modalities in opposition to a recovery-based philosophy may not be used to fulfill the 45 hour requirement (e.g., use of restraints, involuntary commitment, forced medication, etc.).

Acceptable training formats include: 

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.

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.

Distance-learning courses (on-line, audio-conferences, etc) offered on relevant topics by established universities, colleges, and national/chapters of PRA or PSR Canada.

Acceptable training activities include:

Attendance at approved educational activities

Independent study or distance learning activities sponsored by an accredited academic institution (or approved by the Certification Commission)

Online educational activities sponsored by an accredited academic institution (or approved by the Certification Commission)

All training must address “the treatment and/or rehabilitation of adults and/or transition-age youth (ages 16 years+)with serious mental illness” and be relevant to the 7 practice domains of the CPRP as outlined on the current Exam Blueprint (see below)

Acceptable Training Topics Include but are not limited to:

  • 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.

 

Unacceptable Training Topics and Activities Include:

  • 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/Neglect
  • Death and Dying
  • Drug Use/Abuse (unless specific to co-occuring disorders)
  • Anger Managment
    Infection/Bloodborn Pathogens
  • Internships
  • Courses taken towards a completed degree (Associates, Bachelors, Masters, etc…)
  • Staff meetings / Retreats,
  • HIPAA Trainings
  • Routine coaching, training, or supervising staff
  • Topics contrary to the principles of psych rehab (including but not limited to involuntary committment, use of restraints, forced medication, etc)

The content of these sessions, while useful, does not address the practice domains identified for the CPRP credential.