Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer

Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainers (CBISTs) are approved to provide official ACBIS training to those pursuing a Certified Brain Injury Specialist certification. CBISTs demonstrate advanced skills in the field of brain injury and maintain their skills through continuing education and demonstration of training hours.

How to Become a CBIST:

You can apply to become a CBIST if you have:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year institution
• At least five (5) years of experience in direct clinical care, brain injury research, related services like education and case management, or program development in relevant settings
• Skills in both training and/or teaching, such as teaching brain injury-related courses or seminars, presenting at conferences, creating educational materials, or providing professional mentorship
• Experience in community service/dissemination, such as publishing on brain injury topics, leading community support initiatives, participating in professional organizations, or contributing to brain injury research
• CBIS certificants who meet the CBIST eligibility requirements and are in good standing can complete the CBIS to CBIST transition.

Learn more about becoming a CBIST by downloading our candidate handbook below.

How to Apply to be a CBIST:

Upload the following documentation as an attachment with your online CBIST application:

• College transcript (required)
• Course syllabi, publication excerpts, or supervisor letters on letterhead

Fees

*ACBIS Application fees are non-refundable unless the applicant does not meet eligibility requirements, in which case a $70 cancellation fee will be applied. Application fees are retained for up to one year following payment submission.

All new paid applicants will receive a one-year subscription to the  Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation. This reflects a commitment to ensuring that certificants have access to the latest brain injury research, treatment, and practice information.