Which Certifications Does BCIA Offer?

BCIA has three certification programs:

• Biofeedback Certification - this program includes all modalities such as EMG, Thermal, and GSR.
• Neurofeedback Certification - this program is strictly for brain wave feedback sometimes called EEG biofeedback.
• Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback Certification - this program is for those medical professionals who use SEMG biofeedback to treat elimination disorders and chronic pelvic pain.

There are different levels of certification based on your professional health care background and how you use the different modalities in your work.

• Clinical Certification is available for Biofeedback, Neurofeedback, and Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback. This program is designed for individuals with appropriate health care backgrounds who treat medical and/or psychological disorders, either independently under their license or under appropriate supervision.
• Academic Certification is available for Biofeedback and Neurofeedback within the United States. This program is designed for professionals who utilize biofeedback and/or neurofeedback in educational, research, or supervisory settings and who do not clinically treat medical or psychological disorders.
• Technician Certification is available for Biofeedback and Neurofeedback within the United States. This program is intended for individuals who use biofeedback and neurofeedback modalities under a BCIA Certified supervisor’s license and who lack a clinical degree.

Individuals certified in Biofeedback may utilize all biofeedback modalities including EMG, temperature, skin conductance, HRV, and neurofeedback. Individuals exclusively certified in Neurofeedback, commonly called EEG Biofeedback, are certified to utilize only that specialty modality. The Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback Certification is only for licensed providers wishing to use biofeedback and behavioral interventions to treat elimination disorders and pelvic pain within their scope of practice. All certification programs include a requirement of strict adherence to the Professional Standards and Ethical Principles of Biofeedback.

All certification programs are based on:

• prerequisite educational degrees, except for the Technician certification
• proof of human anatomy/physiology and human biology course work
• didactic course work that is based on the Blueprint of Knowledge statements that cover the fundamental science, history, and theory of biofeedback specific to that certification program
• clinical training or mentoring to learn the application of skills
• certification exam

Certification is no substitute for a state-sanctioned license. BCIA’s certificants must carry an appropriate license/credential valid in the state of practice in a BCIA-approved health care field when treating a medical or psychological disorder. If unlicensed, the certificant must work under appropriate supervision. The licensing body of your biofeedback or neurofeedback provider or their supervisor has legal jurisdiction over his or her clinical practice.

Certifications are valid for a set time period: 4 years for Biofeedback and Neurofeedback and 3 years for Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback. Recertification is granted upon application, payment of fees, documentation of accredited continuing education specific to the Blueprint, and adherence to the Professional Standards and Ethical Principles of Biofeedback.