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Who is BCIA?

The Biofeedback Certification International Alliance (BCIA), formerly the Biofeedback Institute of America, was created in 1981 with the primary mission to certify individuals who meet education and training standards in biofeedback and progressively recertify those who advance their knowledge through continuing education. In 1996 the Board of Directors of the Biofeedback Certification Institute of America and the Academy of Certified Neurotherapists collaborated to develop a specialty certification in EEG Biofeedback to be managed and administered by BCIA. The opportunity to certify through the grandparenting process ended on December 31, 1997.  Since 1998 the formal certification program in EEG Biofeedback has been available. In March of 2010, we adopted a new name to reflect our global identity and became the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance.

BCIA is an autonomous nonprofit corporation. BCIA policies and procedures are set by an independent board of directors, comprised of a rotating group of distinguished biofeedback clinicians, researchers, and educators.

Board certification is the mark of distinction for providers of biofeedback and neurofeedback services. Certification is valid for 4 years for providers who carry any BCIA credential. Recertification indicates continuous peer review of ethical practice and the acquisition of advanced knowledge of recent developments in the field through required continuing education. Names of certified practitioners may be found on the BCIA website in our Find a Practitioner search function.

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

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.

  • Basic or clinical certification is available for individuals with appropriate health care backgrounds who are allowed to use the modality to treat medical and/or psychological disorders, either independently under their own license, or under appropriate legal supervision.  Those with a health care degree, but no license, may also use the techniques for peak or optimal performance with their clients.

  • Technician certification is available for Biofeedback, Neurofeedback, and Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction; however, only within the United States and Canada. This program is intended for individuals with no specific health care education who use the modalities under a BCIA Certified supervisor’s license.

  • Certification by Prior Experience (CPE) is available for both the clinical and the technician level certifications.  This program also includes completing the certification exam.

All certification programs include a requirement of strict adherence to the Professional Standards and Ethical Principles of Biofeedback.

Certification programs are based on:

  • prerequisite educational degrees, except for the Technician certification

  • proof of human anatomy or neuroanatomy course work

  • didactic course work that is based on the Blueprint of Knowledge statements covering the fundamental science, history, and theory of biofeedback specific to that certification program.

  • clinical training or mentoring to learn the application of skills.

  • successful completion of the written certification exam

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 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, Neurofeedback and 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.

Multiculturalism and Diversity

BCIA endorses the American Psychological Association “Multicultural Guidelines.” BCIA professionals recognize the importance of multiculturalism and diversity in clinical and optimal performance practice, education, and research, and treat individuals from diverse ethnic, linguistic, racial, sexual orientation, and gender identity backgrounds with appreciation and sensitivity.

Terms of Use and Privacy Policies

BCIA works to serve the field of applied psychophysiology and biofeedback and most importantly you, our clients, who visit our website, apply for certification and recertification, enroll in continuing education activities, or have expressed interest in our programs.  We wish to fully respect and protect your privacy and security of your contact information.   Please review the following documents:  BCIA Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions of Use which include the Procedures for Requesting Removal of Infringing Material.