Provisional Certified Brain Injury Specialist (PCBIS)

ACBIS opened the certification process to students with the intent of providing 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 have the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in the field of brain injury rehabilitation and services.

ACBIS hopes the provisional certification will provide opportunities for in-depth training for the many pre-professionals who intend to develop a career working with individuals who have an acquired or traumatic brain injury. Candidates who go on to complete 500-hours of verified clinical employment and/or supervised academic internship experience* working with individuals who have a brain injury within a 3-year period from the date of original PCBIS certification will receive their full certification.

Eligibility Requirements

PCBIS candidates are required to be enrolled 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

Training

Provisional CBIS training is provided by Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainers (CBIST) and is offered at many conferences, events, and service providers across the country. If you would like participate or host and arrange a training to occur at your own facility, you are welcome to contact any of the Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainers located on this map. Participation in an official training with allied disciplines is strongly recommended, but not required. You may complete self-study to prepare for the examination if you wish.

The Essential Brain Injury Guide is the study textbook for the examination and can be purchased through BIAA’s Marketplace.

Costs & Fees

Initial Application: $150
PCBIS to CBIS Transition: $100
Annual CBIS Renewal: $70 

*Application fees are non-refundable unless the applicant does not meet eligibility requirements, in which case a $35.00 cancellation fee will be applied. Application fees are retained for up to one year following payment submission. 

Requirements to Obtain Full Certification (CBIS)

• 500-hours of verified clinical employment and/or supervised academic internship experience working with individuals who have a brain injury.
• *A supervised academic internship is defined as an internship provided through an accredited College or University. These hours must have been obtained within a 3-year period from the date of original PCBIS certification.
• A CBIS activation fee of $100.00, which includes a one-year subscription to the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation (JHTR).