Certified Brain Injury Specialist

Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS) are recognized in the field of brain injury for demonstrated professional experience, knowledge, and skillset to meet individuals’ brain injury rehabilitation and health needs by practice setting. To learn more about the benefits of becoming a CBIS, download our candidate handbook below.

Requirements & Eligibility

Applicants must have 500 hours of currently verifiable direct contact experience with an individual or individuals with brain injury. Experience can be paid employment and/or an academic internship. The qualifying experience must have included formal supervision or have been conducted while the applicant operated under a professional license. Volunteer work and self-recovery do not qualify. If the applicant is operating under a professional license, then they must be in good standing. Finally, applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Ask your employer about ACBIS. We work with several companies to provide certification for their workforce.

Training

Official ACBIS training is conducted by Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainers (CBIST). Trainings are organized by CBISTs directly, by Brain Injury Association state affiliates, service providers, and the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA). Training is not required to sit for the examination; self-study is an option. Visit our training hub to learn more.

Fees

Individuals interested in becoming a CBIS can apply as an individual or as part of a group.

*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.