Wisconsin Peer Professional Online Course

The training is divided into seven modules. You can complete them in order or return to individual modules for reference. Each module builds on the last, so we recommend starting with Module 1 if this is your first time. Each module has a number of lessons and activities can be completed at your own pace.

Introduction (Module 1)

Provides foundational information to help you get oriented including how to navigate the course, learning objectives, a little background and history, and a comprehensive practice overview.

Phases of Peer Support (Modules 2-6)

The bulk of the course is divided into phases of peer support work, each treated as its own module. Each phase follows a consistent structure.

Within each phase, you see:

• Process Overview (big picture of that phase)
• Tasks (what you actually do)
• Communication Skills (how to interact effectively)
• Cultural Humility Skills (how to work respectfully across differences)
• Self & Community Care Skills (how to sustain yourself and support others)

Five Key Practice Phases

• Connecting
• Exploring
• Supporting
• Planning
• Advocating

This progression reflects real-world peer support practice—moving from relationship-building to long-term growth and independence.

Consistent Skill Integration Across Modules

Each phase reinforces the same core skill areas, applied in different contexts:

• Communication (e.g., listening, asking questions)
• Cultural humility (awareness of identity, power, and bias)
• Self-care and community care

This mirrors Wisconsin’s competency-based training model, which includes communication, ethics, trauma-informed care, and advocacy across all learning.

Course Wrap-Up (Module 7)

At the end:

• Summary of the full peer support process
• Reinforcement of how all phases connect

• Wisconsin Peer Professional Comprehensive Practice Toolkit (pdf)
• Wisconsin Peer Professional Online Course Practice Guide (word)
• Wisconsin Peer Specialist Website
• Peer Services: Peer Specialists, from the Division of Care and Treatment Services, Wisconsin Department of Health Services