Information & Eligibility

Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainers (CBISTs) are recognized for their advanced expertise in brain injury rehabilitation and are authorized to provide official ACBIS training to CBIS candidates. Learn more about becoming a CBIST in our candidate handbook.

The two pathways to become a CBIST:

• Current CBIS in good standing by completing the CBIS to CBIST Transition Application; or
• Apply directly, meeting the following requirements:
  • Education: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
  • Experience: CBISTs must have five (5) years’ experience in the field of brain injury:
    • Direct clinical care
    • Brain injury research
    • Related services (e.g., education, case management)
    • Program development in relevant settings
  • Professional skills: Applicants must demonstrate skills in both:
    • Training and/or teaching, such as:
      • Teaching brain injury-related courses or seminars
      • Conference presentations
      • Creating educational materials
      • Mentorship
    • Community service/dissemination, such as:
      • Publishing on brain injury topics
      • Leading community support initiatives
      • Participating in professional organizations
      • Contributing to research/publication

Approved Documentation

Upload documentation as an attachment on the online CBIST Application.

• College transcript (required)
• Course syllabi, publication excerpts, or supervisor letters on letterhead
• Additional documentation as requested by ACBIS

Fees

• Application: $325
• Annual Renewal: $70

*ACBIS Application fees are non-refundable unless the applicant does not meet eligibility requirements, in which case a $70.00 cancellation fee will be applied. Application fees are retained for up to one year following payment submission.