Professional certification is the voluntary process by which a non-governmental entity grants a time-limited recognition to an individual after verifying that predetermined and standardized criteria have been met. Because biofeedback is an unregulated field, certification is crucial for providing standards of care. To be viable as a professional service, standards of competence and clinical practice must be defined and measured. Since 1981, BCIA has taken on this task and offers certification programs in Biofeedback, Neurofeedback (also called EEG biofeedback), HRV Biofeedback, and Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback. Through the BCIA recertification program, each certificant is held accountable to a code of ethics, obtains specified continuing education, and maintains proper credentialing appropriate for clinical practice. Additionally, BCIA offers a certificate of completion in Heart Rate Variability.
BCIA also offers a certificate of completion in HRV Biofeedback.
Trademarked Credentials
BCIA has trademarked three terms that certificants should use on their business cards, conference name badges, directory listings, PowerPoint presentations, speaker listings, and websites where allowed.
BCB designates Board Certified in Biofeedback.
BCN designates Board Certified in Neurofeedback.
BCB-PMD designates Board Certified in Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback.
BCB-HRV designates Board Certified in Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback. Only those who complete the full certification in HRV Biofeedback can use the BCB-HRV, which designates Board Certified in Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback; however, we have not yet completed the trademark process.
There are different levels of each certification program based on one's health care background, experience, or how the different modalities are used in one's professional practice.
All certification programs include a requirement of strict adherence to the Professional Standards and Ethical Principles of Biofeedback.
Certification programs are based on:
Certification is no substitute for a state-issued health care license. BCIA’s certificants must carry an appropriate license/credential valid in the state of practice in a BCIA-approved health care field when independently treating a medical or psychological disorder. If unlicensed, the certificant must work under appropriate legal supervision and the licensing body of their their supervisor has legal jurisdiction over any work with patients diagnosed with medical or psychological disorders.
Recertification: Certifications are valid for a set time period: Four years for Biofeedback, HRV Biofeedback, and Neurofeedback and three 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.