What should a peer support specialist do with their certification if they cannot perform their duties?

A peer support specialist should place their certification on inactive status if they find themselves unable to perform their duties. This action helps maintain the integrity of the certification process and ensures that only those who are actively engaged and competent in providing support are recognized as certified professionals.

When a certification is placed on inactive status, it indicates that the individual is not currently able to fulfill the responsibilities of their role but has the intention to return to active status when circumstances allow. This is important in maintaining the standards of the peer support profession and ensuring that individuals seeking support receive help from those who are appropriately trained and prepared to assist them.

Placing the certification on inactive status also protects the peer support specialist's professional standing, allowing for a structured re-entry into the field when they are ready. This way, the individual can easily reactivate their certification in the future instead of relinquishing it permanently or engaging in practices that could undermine the profession's standards.