About BCIA's Board Certification Programs

BCIA has three certification programs: General Biofeedback, Neurofeedback, Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback. (BCIA does not have advanced certification programs.) Individuals certified in biofeedback may utilize all biofeedback modalities including EMG, Thermal, GSR, HRV, and an introduction to neurofeedback . Individuals certified exclusively 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 BCIA. 

Certification is no substitute for 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 bio or neurofeedback provider or their supervisor has legal jurisdiction over his or her clinical practice.

All certification programs are based on:
- pre-requisite educational degrees, except for the Technician
- proof of human anatomy/physiology, 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

Certifications are valid for a set time period:  four years for Bio 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.

The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance, formerly the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America (BCIA), was created to establish and oversee standards for practitioners who use biofeedback and to certify those who meet these standards. The new name was chosen in March 2010 to reflect our new global identity.  BCIA is an autonomous nonprofit corporation. The primary mission of BCIA is to protect the public welfare by assuring the competence of certified biofeedback practitioners. BCIA policies and procedures are determined by an independent board of directors, which is comprised of a rotating group of distinguished biofeedback clinicians, researchers, and educators.

To be viable as a professional service, standards of professional competence and practice must be defined and measured. BCIA has taken on this task. BCIA certification demonstrates a provider's competence in the practice of biofeedback techniques. It also indicates the individual has undergone continuous peer review of ethical conduct and has continued to acquire knowledge of recent developments in the field.

BCIA certification is the mark of distinction for providers of biofeedback services. Certification recognizes health care providers who have demonstrated competence in the use of biofeedback and self-regulation treatment methods.

Recertification at four year intervals indicates providers have undergone continuous peer review of ethical practice and have continued to acquire knowledge of recent developments in the field.

BCIA certification establishes that the individual has met entry-level requirements for the clinical practice of biofeedback. However, BCIA certification is not a substitute for a state sanctioned license or other credential to practice one's profession. Candidates for BCIA certification who do not hold a professional license or its equivalent must stipulate that they practice under the supervision of a licensed provider.

As a public service, BCIA does furnish the names of certified practitioners. These names may be searched by accessing the section entitled Find a Practitioner.