Experience Is Not Always the Best Teacher: Lessons from the Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner Certification Program

Abstract

This article examines the factors associated with successful attainment of the Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) credential. A brief overview of the development of the examination and its content validity is provided. Level and type of education, psychiatric rehabilitation experience, and letters of recommendations were examined. The first 1,054 applicants for this test-based credential were included in the study. Level of education and mental health-related education were found to be positively correlated with test score and the prediction of who passes the examination. Objectively scored letters of reference contributed a small, but significant percentage of the explained variance. Surprisingly, years of PsyR experience were not correlated with test outcomes. The findings highlight the importance of relevant educational experience for the certification of PsyR staff. Implications for test validity and the preparation of CPRPs are discussed.

Taking culture seriously: Ethnolinguistic community perspectives on mental health.

“…As Gill (2005) reports, the relationship between psychiatric rehabilitation-specific education and positive CPRP test scores indicates that the CPRP does, in fact, accurately measure knowledge of and competency in these skills. With over 2,400 practitioners certified as of 2008, the CPRP is considered a step toward professionalizing psychiatric rehabilitation by many in the field.…”

“…The CPRP exam based on these domains is a psychometrically sound instrument, operationally defining competence levels of practitioners in psychiatric rehabilitation (Gill, 2005).…”

How will certification affect the field of psychiatric rehabilitation?

“…The CPRP certification process measures competencies through skill sets and a defined knowledge base. As Gill (2005) reports, the relationship between psychiatric rehabilitation-specific education and positive CPRP test scores indicates that the CPRP does, in fact, accurately measure knowledge of and competency in these skills. With over 2,400 practitioners certified as of 2008, the CPRP is considered a step toward professionalizing psychiatric rehabilitation by many in the field.…”

“…The United States Psychosocial Rehabilitation Association (USPRA), competencies; professional role competencies; community resources; assessment, planning, and outcomes; systems competencies; interventions; and diversity (IAPSRS, 2001). The CPRP exam based on these domains is a psychometrically sound instrument, operationally defining competence levels of practitioners in psychiatric rehabilitation (Gill, 2005).…”

Peer Career Implications of an Academic Credential: Report from the Field

“…Does peer employment promote and encourage self-disclosure by nonpeer employees (Harrington, 2012)? Will peer workers qualify as direct service workers and begin climbing career ladders if additional for-credit educational opportunities and credentials become readily available (Gill, 2005)? In a more recovery-oriented workforce, how will career development options for all workers be identified and implemented (Hoge et al, 2007;SAMHSA, 2012)?…”