ACBIS Overview and Programs

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The Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS) has a variety of certifications and programs for those who are interested in learning more about brain injury, both in a personal and professional capacity. Refer to the chart below for a quick overview of the available programs through ACBIS. Scroll down to download a more detailed breakdown of the programs.

Program Purpose Eligibility Completion Requirements
Brain Injury Fundamentals Training Certificate (BIF) For individuals seeking foundational knowledge about brain injuries. This training is open to anyone interested in learning about brain injuries and their care. Complete the Brain Injury Fundamentals training and pass the open book quiz (80% or higher).
Understanding Concussion Certificate Intended for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of concussion-related issues and care. This training on concussion and basic treatment is open to everyone. Familiarity with medical terminology is recommended. Complete the self-paced training and pass the open book quiz (80% or higher).
Provisional Certified Brain Injury Specialist (PCBIS) Certification Intended to provide in-depth training for those who intend to develop a career working with individuals who have sustained an acquired brain injury. As a PCBIS, pre-professionals can develop a solid foundation in the field of brain injury rehabilitation and services. Enrollment in a graduate degree program at an accredited university in one of the following areas: Allied Health, Psychology, Pre-Medical, Special Education, Neuroscience, Behavior Analysis. Meet eligibility requirements, gain application approval, and pass the remote proctored exam (80% or higher).
Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) Certification

Empower professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in treating the brain injury community.

Designed for:

  • Providers with 500+ hours of direct care experience working with individuals with brain injury
  • Licensed direct care staff
  • Physicians, Nurses, Occupational & Physical Therapists
  • Speech Language Pathologists
  • Social Workers
  • and more

Minimum requirements include:

  • High school diploma
  • 500 hours of paid or academic internship experience working with individuals with brain injury.

*The 500-hour requirement is verified using an Employment Verification Form through BIAA.

 Meet eligibility requirements, gain application approval, and pass the remote proctored exam (80% or higher).
Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer (CBIST) Certification Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainers (CBISTs) are approved to provide official ACBIS training to CBIS candidates. CBISTs demonstrate advanced skills in the field of brain injury and maintain their skills through continuing education.

Minimum requirements include:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution and
  • Minimum of five years of experience working with individuals with brain injury.
  • Each applicant must be a member in good standing within any licensing boards or bodies that oversee his/her profession, if applicable. Also, CBIS certificants in good standing can transition to CBIST.
 Meet eligibility requirements, gain application approval, and pass the remote proctored exam (80% or higher).
Certified Brain Injury Specialist/Trainer – Advanced Practice (CBIS/T-AP) Certification Designed for professionals with advanced experience and training in working with people who have brain injury.

CBIS-AP candidates can be:

  • Current CBIS certificants in good standing; or
  • New applicants

CBIST-AP candidates must be:

  • Current CBIST certificants; or
  • CBIS/CBIS-AP certificants who earn the CBIST credential and then transition

All applicants need a degree in Medical Rehabilitation, Education, or Human Services field and the following post-degree experience: Bachelor’s (7+ years), Master’s (5+ years), or Doctorate (3+ years).

Meet eligibility requirements, gain application approval, and pass two exams:

  • Remote proctored objective exam (80% or higher)
  • Open-book scenario-based field exam (inpatient, outpatient, post-acute, or academic/pediatric) with an average score of 80% or higher from two graders. AI assistance for responses is prohibited.

Download the full ACBIS program chart here