Peer credentials
Pathway to YPA Provisional
Credential (YPA-P)
Special Announcement!
Revised Criteria for the Youth Peer Advocate Provisional Credentials
Provisional (temporary) Credential applications will only be processed from candidates currently employed in NYSOMH licensed, designated or funded programs providing Medicaid reimbursable services of family peer support or other state approved programs moving forward.
Click here to read the full Special Announcement emailed to our statewide listserv on January 26, 2026 as part of ongoing restructuring efforts led by the NYS Office of Mental Health and FTNYS.
yOUTH PEER ADVOCATE pROVISIONAL CREDENTIAL (Ypa-p)
Thank you for your interest in joining “A Workforce That Makes a Difference!” A Youth Peer Advocate is an individual between 18 and 30 years of age who self-identifies as a person who has first-hand experience with emotional (mental health), behavioral challenges, and/or co-occurring disorders with onset prior to the age of 21; and has first-hand experience navigating child-serving systems of care for their treatment. Examples include but are not limited to: Mental Health Inpatient/Outpatient, Special Education, Child Welfare, Addiction Services and Supports, Juvenile Justice, and Intellectual/Developmental, Disabilities Services. YPAs provide a service called Youth Peer Support.
An individual seeking a Youth Peer Advocate Credential will typically start with a Provisional (temporary) Credential. Follow the “steps” below to get started!
Step 1: Complete Level 1 Online Training
What Is The Youth Peer Advocate Training?
The Youth Peer Advocate Training program introduces new YPAs to their role and to the skills they will need to effectively engage and empower youth/young adults.
YPA Training includes self-paced online modules, a multi-day, “live” training on Zoom, and a series of coaching phone calls. Successful completion of the YPA Training is required for anyone seeking a Youth Peer Advocate Credential in New York State.
How Do I Access Level 1 Online Training?
When you click the button below you will be redirected to the Self-Learning Center hosted by our partners at the NYU McSilver Training and Technical Assistance Centers. This is where you will enroll in Level 1 Online Training using the unique Group Key.
- PLEASE REVIEW the Access Instructions before logging into the Self-Learning Center.
- Group Key: YPAsNewYork
Step 2: Apply for the Provisional Credential
Frequently Asked Questions:
YPA Credential Information for Applicants FAQ
How to Apply:
YPA Provisional Credential Application and Instructions
YPA-P Extension
Your Provisional (temporary) Credential is valid for 18 months. It is expected that you complete all credential training and work experience providing YPSS and apply for a Professional Credential during this time period. In exceptional cases, a one-time, 12-month extension may be granted at FTNYS discretion. Contact us at YPAcredential@ftnys.org to inquire.
Ready for Step 3?
Click here to visit the Pathway to YPA Professional Credential.
