CERTIFIED RECOVERY
SPECIALIST CRS
PRACTICE TEST
COMPLETE
Question 1: A person says their preferred recovery plan includes medication for
opioid use disorder, a secular peer group, and rebuilding family relationships. What is the most appropriate CRS response?
Choices:
1) Encourage the person to replace medication with an abstinence-only pathway 2) Support the person's chosen recovery pathway and help identify resources that �t the stated goals 3) Select the pathway that worked best in the CRS's own recovery 4) Delay planning until the person agrees to attend a 12-step program Correct Answer: Support the person's chosen recovery pathway and help identify resources that �t the stated goals Explanation: Recovery support is person-centered and recognizes multiple pathways to recovery. The CRS should collaborate around the individual's own goals and preferences rather than impose a personal pathway.Page 1
Question 2: Which situation best illustrates an increase in recovery capital?
Choices:
1) A person gains stable housing, supportive relationships, transportation, and access to health care 2) A person memorizes the rules of one recovery program 3) A person avoids discussing any recovery needs with others 4) A person relies only on willpower and declines all community supports Correct Answer: A person gains stable housing, supportive relationships, transportation, and access to health care Explanation: Recovery capital refers to the internal and external resources that can support recovery. Stable housing, relationships, transportation, and health care all strengthen resources available to sustain recovery.Question 3: A person says, 'I know my drinking is creating problems, but I am not sure I am ready to change.' Which CRS response best matches this stage of change?
Choices:
1) Require the person to set a quit date before continuing services 2) Explain that uncertainty proves the person is not serious about recovery 3) Explore the person's reasons for and against change without pressuring a decision 4) Focus only on preventing recurrence because the person is already in maintenance Correct Answer: Explore the person's reasons for and against change without pressuring a decision Explanation: The statement re�ects contemplation, where a person recognizes concerns but remains ambivalent about change. Exploring ambivalence respectfully can support movement toward a self-chosen next step.Page 2
Question 4: After several months of progress, a person reports a return to
substance use and says, 'I ruined everything.' What is the best recovery-oriented response by the CRS?
Choices:
1) Tell the person that the prior recovery plan has failed permanently 2) Normalize the setback without minimizing risk and help the person review supports, triggers, and next steps 3) Advise the person to hide the episode from the treatment team to avoid stigma 4) End peer services until the person can demonstrate sustained abstinence Correct Answer: Normalize the setback without minimizing risk and help the person review supports, triggers, and next steps Explanation: A recurrence of use can be addressed as a serious setback and an opportunity to reassess supports and the recovery plan. A CRS should maintain hope, address safety, and collaborate on next steps rather than shame or abandon the person.
Question 5: When is self-disclosure by a CRS most appropriate?
Choices:
1) Whenever the CRS wants to tell a personally meaningful story 2) When it is brief, relevant to the person's goals, and likely to bene�t the person receiving support 3) When it demonstrates that the CRS's recovery pathway is superior 4) Whenever silence in the conversation feels uncomfortable Correct Answer: When it is brief, relevant to the person's goals, and likely to bene�t the person receiving support Explanation: Purposeful self-disclosure should serve the person receiving services, not the CRS.It should be relevant, limited, and connected to hope, choice, or a recovery goal while maintaining professional boundaries.Page 3