Pathway to YPA Credential
(YPA-C) Renewal

Click the button below to access our online application portal. Create a new account or log into your existing account and select “YPA Professional Renewal Application” from the menu.

YPA-C Renewal Application

We compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about the YPA-C Renewal Application. Please review carefully before starting an application. Click the button below to download the FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The YPA Professional Credential is valid for 2 years and must be renewed. It is the responsibility of each YPA to submit the YPA Renewal Application no more than 90-days and no less than 30-days prior to the expiration date of their YPA Professional Credential. Please keep in mind that all credentials will expire with no exceptions on a YPA’s 31st birthday and cannot be renewed.

Once your credential has expired, you may not identify yourself as a Credentialed Youth Peer Advocate or use YPA-C after your name (post-nominal letters). Additionally, you and/or your employer will not be eligible to seek reimbursement by any payor that requires you to be credentialed to provide Youth Peer Support Services.

Yes. If less than 6 months have lapsed since the expiration date of your credential, you can renew by submitting the YPA Renewal Application. If your credential has expired for more than 6 months you may apply to reinstate your credential. Please contact us at YPAcredential@ftnys.org for the Reinstatement Application.

No. As of July 1, 2024, there are no fees associated with any YPA Credential application.

Yes. To be eligible for renewal, YPAs must submit proof of completion of at least 20 hours of continuing education over the two-year period. It is important for YPAs to sharpen their skills, deepen their understanding of different services and systems, and keep up with new developments in the field.

Any training that could be reasonably interpreted to be relevant to your role as a Youth Peer Advocate can be used to meet this requirement. FTNYS hosts a variety of trainings and events that would qualify as continuing education. If you have any questions about what is acceptable, please reach out to us at YPAcredential@ftnys.org

FTNYS has partnered with the Community Technical Assistance Center (CTAC) to offer an YPA Continuing Education Pathway. Online modules are hosted on the Self-Learning Center, this is the same platform where you completed your YPA online modules. This pathway is not a requirement but is optional and intended to give YPAs CEU opportunities. Access the CTAC Self-Learning Center here: https://lms.ctacny.org/

Yes. In an effort to promote principles of inclusion, equity, justice and diversity in service delivery, at least 2 of the 20 continuing education hours must focus on topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Such topics can address the experiences of historically marginalized communities such as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, faith, disability communities, and more. For example: a webinar on microaggression or the impact of racial bias on services access for youth/young adults would meet the requirement.

Click here for a list of recommended DEI trainings to help you get started.

No. Unfortunately social media content is not approved for continuing education.

Yes, if it is related to the work of YPAs. You only receive credit once, not every time you deliver the training. You will receive credit for the number of hours of the training you deliver. If the training is longer than 6 hours, please check with us for approval. If you have a great idea for a webinar, consider developing something to share with other YPAs. The Workforce Development Department can help you promote the webinar through the FTNYS listserv. This can count as CEUs for yourself and others.

Yes. You may get credit if it is related to the work you do as an YPA. Please seek prior approval from our office about eligibility of course work.

Please complete a Continuing Education Form (each CEU activity must be listed), attach relevant documentation for each activity and upload it into your YPA Renewal application. Documentation can include: a certificate of completion, transcript, email confirmation of participation, a workshop agenda, a brief handout or a copy of the first page of a PowerPoint. Please only provide ONE form of documentation for each continued education activity. We strongly recommend you complete the continuing education forms and gather documentation when you complete the actual continuing education activity. This way, you won’t be struggling to track down documentation when the time comes for you to renew your YPA Professional Credential.

Sample Continuing Education Form 

Yes. The same renewal rules apply, you will need to provide documented proof of your continuing education hours. If you have any questions about proof of attendance, please contact us at YPAcredential@ftnys.org

You should record the number of hours you spend in active training. For example, if you attend a 2-hour workshop or webinar, you will record 2 hours. If you attend a 4-hour training with an hour break, you will receive credit for 3 hours.

YES! We always welcome your input on topics for our many continued education offerings we provide. To ensure we are providing the topics that will give YPAs the most benefit, your input is essential. Please contact the Workforce Development Department at YPAcredential@ftnys.org