About ACBIS

Mission

The mission of the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS) is to improve the quality of care given to individuals with brain injury through the education and training of those who work in brain injury services. To that end, ACBIS offers a voluntary national certification program that establishes best practices for the training of individuals working with this population. Because of the wide variety of unique skills and knowledge required of those who treat persons with brain injury, certification is designed to address specific training issues in brain injury services and to complement other existing credentials.

The ACBIS certification program is based on the belief that well trained staff is necessary to provide the wide array of care required in brain injury services. It is a first step towards creating a recognized career path specific to brain injury. The ACBIS program provides recognition of training in brain injury services, not verification that an individual is suitable for employment. Certification is not restricted to any one profession or discipline. It is intended for anyone who delivers services specific to brain injury. Since brain injury rehabilitation and services continue to grow and evolve, the ACBIS program is reviewed and updated regularly.

History

In early 1990, 565 acute, sub-acute, and post-acute programs were surveyed regarding the training needs of licensed and non-licensed staff brain injury services. Seventy-five percent of the respondents (45% response rate) indicated that specialized training is needed for licensed staff, and 84% indicated that training is needed for non-licensed staff. The majority of survey respondents also indicated they would give hiring preference and higher pay to individuals with brain injury training. Furthermore, 90% of the respondents agreed that the training curriculum include the following topics:

• cognitive, psychological and social consequences of brain injury, behavioral approach for managing challenging behaviors and promoting positive skills, and

• techniques for effectively working with families.

In 1996, the Brain Injury Association of America established ACBIS as a standing committee of the association to address these training needs. ACBIS operates under its own by-laws as approved by the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of America. ACBIS Committee Members are experienced professionals in the field of brain injury rehabilitation who volunteer their time and expertise to developing a certification program that meets the needs of the brain injury community.

Program Overview

Certified Brain Injury Specialists (CBIS):

ACBIS currently offers CBIS. The program is governed by the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS) and is administered by the Brain Injury Association of America in Vienna, Virginia. The training and certification exam are intended for paraprofessionals and professionals at all levels who want a strong foundation in the best practices in brain injury rehabilitation. At this level, applicants attend a training to prepare them to take the certification examination. Applicants may also elect to prepare for the exam through self-study. To obtain CBIS, candidates must complete the required work experience and training and must pass an examination.

More information on the eligibility requirements and the application process for becoming a CBIS can be found here.

Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer (CBIST):

ACBIS also offers certification for experienced professionals who would like to become CBISTs, providing ACBIS training and administering the CBIS exams.

More information on the eligibility requirements and the application process for becoming a CBIST can be found here.

Click here for information about the ACBIS Board of Governors.

Board members may access the designated Board workspace here.

Corporate Advisory Council

The ACBIS Board thanks the Corporate Advisory Council for their support and guidance.

The Corporate Advisory Committee is comprised of a group of professionals that represent treatment facilities from around the country. By offering their financial and advisory support, they have demonstrated their commitment to the provision of excellent care and treatment by accredited, trained staff.

Corporate Advisory Council Members:

Bancroft Neurohealth
Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation
Centre for Neuro Skills
Gentiva Rehab Without Walls
Lakeview NeuroRehabilitation Centers
Learning Services Corporation
The May Institute, Inc.
The Mentor ABI Group
Rainbow Rehabilitation Centers, Inc.
ReMed
Robert Voogt & Associates
Special Tree Rehabilitation System

Contact Information

ACBIS
c/o Brain Injury Association of America

1608 Spring Hill Road, Suite 110

Vienna, VA  22182

703-761-0750 Ext. 631 
FAX: 703-761-0750
Email:acbis@biausa.org

Feedback and suggestions? 

Please Email acbis@biausa.org