NARR Certification Guide: Complete Process for Recovery Residences [2026]

NARR Certification Guide: Complete Process for Recovery Residences

For recovery residence operators seeking credibility, funding access, and operational excellence, NARR certification has become the gold standard. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the National Alliance for Recovery Residences certification process, from understanding the four levels of support to navigating your state affiliate’s requirements.

Last Updated: February 2026

What is NARR?

The National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2011 that establishes and maintains national standards for recovery residences. NARR’s mission is to support persons in recovery from addiction by improving their access to quality recovery residences through standards, support services, placement, education, research, and advocacy.

NARR does not directly certify individual recovery residences. Instead, certification is administered through chartered state affiliates that undergo rigorous review before becoming designated. Currently, over 36 states have active NARR affiliates, collectively supporting more than 25,000 people in recovery living in over 2,500 certified residences.

NARR’s Core Functions

• Developing and maintaining the NARR Standard (currently Version 3.0)
• Chartering and supporting state affiliates
• Providing training and educational resources
• Advocating for recovery housing at federal and state levels
• Establishing a national Code of Ethics
• Conducting research on recovery housing outcomes

Benefits of NARR Certification

Certification through a NARR state affiliate delivers substantial benefits for recovery residence operators.

Access to Funding and Grants

Local, state, and federal agencies increasingly restrict housing grants, Medicaid waivers, and contracts to NARR-certified homes. Many opioid settlement funds and SAMHSA grants specifically require or prefer certified residences.

• State funding requirements: As of 2023, Texas requires that any recovery home receiving state funds, grants, or contracts be certified by TROHN or chartered through Oxford House.
• Grant eligibility: Many federal and state grants for recovery housing explicitly require NARR certification as a baseline qualification.
• Medicaid programs: Some states are piloting recovery housing reimbursement programs that require certification.

Preferential Referrals

Treatment centers, hospitals, courts, probation departments, and social service agencies increasingly require or strongly prefer NARR-certified residences when making referrals.

• Treatment center partnerships: Behavioral health treatment centers often require proof of certification before establishing referral relationships.
• Criminal justice system: Courts and probation officers prefer certified homes for individuals requiring recovery housing as a condition of release.
• State agency referrals: In Massachusetts, state agencies and their vendors can only refer clients to certified alcohol and drug-free housing (effective September 2016).

Enhanced Credibility

Certification signals to residents, families, and referral sources that your residence meets nationally recognized standards for safety, ethics, and recovery support.

• Directory listings: Certified homes appear in state affiliate directories, increasing visibility to those seeking trusted recovery housing options.
• Professional networks: Certified operators join a community of peers and gain access to training, resources, and best practice sharing.
• Public trust: Certification helps distinguish quality operators from facilities that may exploit vulnerable individuals.

Legal and Zoning Protections

Certification provides legal defensibility against zoning challenges and NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) opposition.

• Fair Housing Act alignment: Certification demonstrates adherence to recognized best practices, strengthening Fair Housing Act protections.
• Zoning disputes: Certified status can help counter municipal attempts to restrict recovery housing through discriminatory zoning.
• Professional standards: Documentation of compliance with national standards provides evidence of legitimate operation.

Insurance Benefits

Banks, insurance companies, and property owners often require proof of certification before establishing partnerships.

• General liability coverage: Some insurers offer preferential rates or require certification for recovery residence policies.
• Professional credibility: Certification demonstrates risk management practices that insurance underwriters value.
• Partnership eligibility: Landlords and property management companies may require certification before leasing to recovery residence operators.

The Four NARR Levels Explained

The NARR Standard defines four distinct levels of recovery residences, differentiated by staffing intensity, governance structure, and recovery support services. All levels maintain alcohol and substance-free environments using a social model approach.

Level I: Peer-Run (Type P)

Also known as: Oxford House model, democratically run homes

Level I recovery residences are democratically governed, resident-managed homes with no paid staff. Oxford Houses represent the most recognized example of this model.

Characteristic	Level I Requirements
Governance	Democratic, resident-managed
Staffing	No paid staff required
Oversight	Peer accountability through house guidelines
Recovery support	Self-help meetings, peer support
Best for	Self-motivated individuals seeking peer community
Typical cost	$400-$700/month (shared expenses)

Key features:

• Residents elect officers and make decisions democratically
• Members hold each other accountable through house meetings
• No length-of-stay restrictions
• Self-sustaining through shared resident contributions
• Strong emphasis on mutual support and community

Level II: Monitored (Type M)

Also known as: Sober homes, sober living

Level II residences are the most common model in the industry. They feature a house manager or operator who provides oversight while utilizing peer accountability.

Characteristic	Level II Requirements
Governance	House manager appointed by owner/operator
Staffing	At least one compensated position (house manager)
Oversight	Rules-based with manager enforcement
Recovery support	House meetings, peer support, recovery programming
Best for	Individuals needing moderate structure and oversight
Typical cost	$700-$2,500/month

Key features:

• House managers lead operations and enforce house rules
• Residents follow established rules and schedules
• May include life skills development programming
• Balance of structure and independence
• Most operators seeking NARR certification certify at Level II

Level III: Supervised (Type S)

Also known as: Supervised living, structured sober living

Level III residences provide structured programming with trained staff, offering more intensive support than Level II while remaining non-clinical.

Characteristic	Level III Requirements
Governance	Staff-led with structured programming
Staffing	Multiple trained/credentialed staff (often in recovery)
Oversight	Regular supervision and programming
Recovery support	Weekly structured programming, life skills, recovery plans
Best for	Individuals requiring more intensive support
Typical cost	$2,000-$5,000/month

Key features:

• Weekly structured programming including peer-based recovery support services
• Life skills development (job readiness, budgeting, education)
• Staff are supervised, trained, or credentialed
• Designed for populations who need more support developing recovery capital
• May require state licensing in some jurisdictions

Level IV: Clinical (Type C)

Also known as: Residential treatment, therapeutic communities

Level IV residences integrate social and medical models, combining peer support with clinical addiction treatment. These are typically licensed treatment facilities.

Characteristic	Level IV Requirements
Governance	Professional/clinical staff oversight
Staffing	Licensed professionals (nurses, counselors, social workers)
Oversight	Clinical supervision with medical oversight
Recovery support	Clinical treatment plus peer support services
Best for	Individuals requiring medical/clinical support
Typical cost	$5,000-$30,000+/month

Key features:

• Combines social model principles within therapeutic framework
• Includes clinical addiction treatment alongside peer support
• May include mental health services, medication management
• Requires state licensure as a treatment facility
• Ohio requires Level IV homes to be licensed by OhioMHAS (not ORH-certified)

Choosing the Right Level

One level is not better than another. The appropriate level depends on resident needs and your operational model.

Your Model	Recommended Level
Peer-run democratic house	Level I
Most independent operators	Level II
Structured programming with staff	Level III
Treatment integration required	Level IV

NARR Certification Requirements

NARR Standard 3.0 organizes requirements across four domains, ten principles, and 31 standards. While specific requirements vary by state affiliate, all affiliates align with these core domains.

Domain 1: Administrative and Operational

Administrative requirements establish organizational structure and operational policies.

Required documentation typically includes:

• Mission statement and organizational structure
• Admission and discharge policies
• Financial management policies
• Staff job descriptions and qualifications
• Background check policies for staff and volunteers
• Resident fees and refund policies
• Grievance procedures
• Quality improvement processes

Domain 2: Physical Environment

Physical environment requirements ensure safe, healthy, and home-like settings.

Standards include:

• Compliance with all applicable building, fire, and safety codes
• Functional electrical, mechanical, and structural components
• Fire safety equipment (extinguishers, smoke/CO detectors, evacuation plans)
• Clean, sanitary conditions
• Adequate sleeping space (typically minimum 60 square feet per person)
• Homelike atmosphere promoting community
• Required minimum amenities (kitchen, bathroom, common areas)

Domain 3: Recovery Support

Recovery support requirements ensure residences actively support resident recovery.

Standards include:

• Alcohol and illicit substance-free environment
• Drug testing policies and procedures
• Recovery support services appropriate to level
• Peer support and community engagement
• Access to self-help meetings (in-house or community)
• Life skills and recovery planning (Levels II-IV)
• Connection to external recovery resources

Domain 4: Good Neighbor

Good neighbor requirements address community integration and external relationships.

Standards include:

• Neighbor communication policies
• Property maintenance standards
• Noise and behavior policies
• Parking and traffic management
• Community complaint resolution procedures
• Compliance with local ordinances

Staff Requirements by Level

Requirement	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
Background checks	All residents	All staff	All staff	All staff
CPR/First Aid	Recommended	Often required	Required	Required
Narcan training	Recommended	Often required	Required	Required
Recovery experience	Peer support	House manager	Staff	Licensed staff
Credentialing	None	None	Trained/certified	Licensed
Supervision	Peer	Manager	Supervisory	Clinical

Step-by-Step Certification Process

While specific processes vary by state affiliate, most follow a similar pathway.

Step 1: Determine Your Appropriate Level

Review the four NARR levels and honestly assess which matches your operational model. Most independent sober living operators certify at Level II. If uncertain, consult with your state affiliate before applying.

Step 2: Contact Your State Affiliate

Locate your state affiliate and reach out to begin the process. Many affiliates require attending an orientation or training before applying.

• Visit the NARR affiliates page: narronline.org/affiliates/
• Contact your state affiliate directly (see State Affiliate Directory below)
• If no affiliate exists: Contact NARR directly for guidance

Step 3: Complete Required Training

Many state affiliates require specific training before or during the certification process.

Common training requirements:

• Sober Housing 101 or equivalent orientation (e.g., MASH requires this training)
• Recovery Housing Administrator curriculum (required in Texas)
• NARR Code of Ethics review and signature
• CPR/First Aid certification for staff
• Narcan/naloxone administration training

Step 4: Prepare Documentation

Gather all required policies, procedures, and documentation before submitting your application.

Typical documentation checklist:

• Organizational documents (Articles of incorporation, bylaws)
• Mission and vision statements
• Policies and procedures manual
• Staff/volunteer background check policy and documentation
• Commercial general liability insurance (listing all properties)
• Fire inspection reports
• House rules and resident handbook
• Admission and discharge criteria
• Fee schedule and refund policy
• Grievance procedure
• Drug testing policy
• Resident rights documentation
• Good neighbor policy

Step 5: Submit Application

Complete the online application through your state affiliate’s portal. Applications typically require:

• Organization information and contact details
• Property addresses and bed counts
• Level of certification requested
• Supporting documentation upload
• Certification agreement and Code of Ethics signature
• Application fee payment

Step 6: Application Review

State affiliate staff review submitted documentation for compliance with NARR standards.

• Timeline: 2-8 weeks depending on affiliate workload and documentation completeness
• Outcome: Staff flags standards that are satisfied and those requiring attention
• Communication: Primary contact receives notification of any issues requiring resolution

Step 7: Site Inspection

Once documentation is approved, schedule an on-site inspection.

During the inspection, expect reviewers to:

• Tour entire facility (bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, common areas)
• Verify fire safety equipment and evacuation plans
• Review resident files and operational logs
• Interview staff and potentially residents
• Assess cleanliness, safety, and recovery-oriented environment
• Document compliance or deficiencies

Step 8: Address Deficiencies (If Applicable)

If the inspection identifies issues, you will typically receive a corrective action plan.

• Timeline: Usually 30-90 days to address deficiencies
• Documentation: Submit evidence of corrections
• Re-inspection: Some issues may require follow-up inspection

Step 9: Receive Certification

Once all compliance measures are met, you receive your official certification.

Certification outcomes:

• Full certification: No or minimal findings, certification granted (typically valid for one year)
• Conditional approval: Minor deficiencies with defined correction timeline
• Deferred approval: Significant issues requiring resolution before certification

Costs and Timeline

Certification Fees by State

Fees vary significantly by state affiliate. Here are examples from several states:

State	Affiliate	Annual Fee	Per-Bed Fee	Notes
Connecticut	CTARR	$300	$3/bed	+$100 per additional property
Florida	FARR	~$750	Included	Requires CRRA credential
Maine	MARR	$50 (application)	$3/bed	Annual renewal ~$286+
Massachusetts	MASH	$375 + $50 inspection	N/A	Total ~$425/year
Michigan	MARR	$2,000 (as of Dec 2025)	$20/bed over 16	One-time application fee
Montana	RAM	$350	$150/property	Per-home fee structure
New York	NYSARR	~$250 membership	~$300 application	Annual fees
South Carolina	SCARR	$200	$5/bed over 10	Paid upon certification
Virginia	VARR	$750	Included	Flat-rate annual fee

Typical Timeline

Phase	Duration
Research and preparation	2-4 weeks
Application submission	1-2 weeks
Documentation review	2-8 weeks
Site inspection scheduling	1-3 weeks
Inspection and findings	1-2 weeks
Corrective actions (if needed)	30-90 days
Total (typical)	3-6 months

Renewal Requirements

Most affiliates require annual renewal, which typically includes:

• Updated documentation review
• Continued compliance verification
• Renewal fee payment
• Periodic re-inspection (varies by affiliate)
• Continuing education requirements (some states)

State Affiliate Directory

Below is the current list of NARR state affiliates. Contact your state affiliate directly for specific certification requirements and fees.

States with Active NARR Affiliates

State	Affiliate Name	Website
Alabama	Alabama Alliance for Recovery Residences (AARR)	aarronline.org
Arizona	Arizona Recovery Housing Association (AzRHA)	myazrha.org
California	California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)	ccapprecoveryresidences.org
Colorado	Colorado Agency for Recovery Residences (CARR)	carrcolorado.org
Connecticut	Connecticut Alliance of Recovery Residences (CTARR)	ctrecoveryresidences.org
Delaware	First State Alliance of Recovery Residences (FSARR)	fsarr.org
Florida	Florida Association of Recovery Residences (FARR)	farronline.org
Georgia	Georgia Association of Recovery Residences (GARR)	thegarrnetwork.org
Illinois	Illinois Association of Extended Care (IAEC)	iaecrecoveryillinois.org
Indiana	Indiana Affiliation of Recovery Residences (INARR)	inarr.org
Kentucky	Kentucky Alliance of Recovery Residences (KYARR)	kyarr.org
Maine	Maine Association of Recovery Residences (MARR)	mainerecoveryresidences.com
Massachusetts	Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH)	mashsoberhousing.org
Michigan	Michigan Association of Recovery Resources (MARR)	michiganarr.com
Minnesota	Minnesota Association of Sober Homes (M.A.S.H.)	mnsoberhomes.org
Missouri	Missouri Coalition of Recovery Support Providers (MCRSP)	mcrsp.org
Montana	Recovery Access Montana (RAM)	rammontana.org
New Hampshire	New Hampshire Coalition of Recovery Residences (NHCORR)	nhcorr.org
New York	New York State Alliance of Recovery Residences (NYSARR)	nysarr.org
North Carolina	North Carolina Association of Recovery Residences (NCARR)	ncarr.org
Ohio	Ohio Recovery Housing (ORH)	ohiorecoveryhousing.org
Oklahoma	Oklahoma Alliance for Recovery Resources (OKARR)	okarr.org
Oregon	Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO)	mhacbo.org/en/narr/
Pennsylvania	Pennsylvania Alliance of Recovery Residences (PARR)	parronline.org
Rhode Island	Rhode Island Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts (RICARES)	ricares.org
South Carolina	South Carolina Alliance for Recovery Residences (SCARR)	scarronline.org
Tennessee	Tennessee Alliance of Recovery Residences (TN-ARR)	tnarr.org
Texas	Texas Recovery Oriented Housing Network (TROHN)	trohn.org
Vermont	Vermont Alliance for Recovery Residences (VTARR)	vtarr.org
Virginia	Virginia Association of Recovery Residences (VARR)	varronline.org
Washington	Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences (WAQRR)	waqrr.org
West Virginia	West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residences (WVARR)	wvarr.org
Wisconsin	Wisconsin Association of Sober Housing (WASH)	washcommunity.org

States Without Active Affiliates

If your state is not listed above, contact NARR directly at narronline.org/contact-us/. NARR provides resources and facilitates connections with existing affiliates to assist in establishing new state organizations.

Maintaining Certification

Certification is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing commitment to quality.

Annual Renewal Process

1. Review current certification status and expiration date
2. Update documentation reflecting any policy or procedural changes
3. Complete any required continuing education for staff
4. Submit renewal application before expiration
5. Pay renewal fees
6. Schedule inspection if required for renewal cycle

Common Compliance Issues

Avoid these frequent problems identified during inspections:

• Documentation gaps: Missing or outdated policies, incomplete resident files
• Fire safety deficiencies: Expired fire extinguishers, missing smoke/CO detectors
• Background check lapses: Missing or expired staff background checks
• Insurance coverage: Policies not listing all properties or expired coverage
• Drug testing inconsistencies: Testing policies not followed or documented
• House rules enforcement: Inconsistent application of stated policies
• Physical environment: Cleanliness issues, deferred maintenance, overcrowding

Staying Compliant

• Conduct internal audits quarterly using NARR standards as your checklist
• Maintain a compliance calendar with key dates (renewals, inspections, training)
• Document everything: Keep resident files, incident reports, and meeting logs current
• Train staff regularly on policies and procedures
• Stay connected with your state affiliate for updates and resources

How Software Helps with NARR Compliance

Managing the documentation, tracking, and reporting requirements for NARR certification can be overwhelming without the right tools. Recovery residence management software can streamline compliance efforts.

Documentation Management

• Digital storage of all policies and procedures
• Version control for document updates
• Easy access during inspections

Resident Tracking

• Complete resident files with admission documentation
• Drug testing schedules and result tracking
• Discharge and outcome documentation

Staff Management

• Background check tracking and expiration alerts
• Training completion records
• Certification and credential management

Compliance Monitoring

• Automated reminders for renewal deadlines
• Inspection readiness checklists
• Incident reporting and documentation

Reporting

• Occupancy reports for certification applications
• Outcome data for funding requirements
• Audit trails for all resident and operational activities

Learn how Sober Living App helps operators maintain NARR compliance with built-in tools designed specifically for recovery residence management.

Key Takeaways

1. NARR certification is voluntary but increasingly essential for operators seeking funding, referrals, and credibility.

2. Certification happens through state affiliates, not NARR directly. Contact your state affiliate to begin.

3. Choose the appropriate level for your operational model. Most independent operators certify at Level II (Monitored).

4. Plan for a 3-6 month timeline and budget $200-$2,000+ depending on your state and operation size.

5. Prepare documentation thoroughly before applying. Most delays come from incomplete applications.

6. Certification is ongoing. Plan for annual renewals and continuous compliance monitoring.

7. The investment pays off through access to funding, referrals, legal protections, and operational excellence.

Additional Resources

• NARR Official Website
• NARR Certification Information
• NARR Standards
• NARR Affiliate Directory
• NARR Code of Ethics

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This guide was compiled using information from official NARR sources and verified state affiliate websites. Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with your specific state affiliate before beginning the certification process.

For state-specific NARR affiliate information, see our complete library of NARR state affiliate guides.